Science Exam Revision Notes
Branches of Science
Science is divided into many different branches that help us understand the world
around us. The major branches include astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology,
physics and psychology. Astronomy focuses on space, stars and planets. Biology
studies living things such as plants, animals and humans. Chemistry investigates
substances and how they react with each other. Geology explores rocks, Earth and
natural processes such as volcanoes and earthquakes. Physics studies forces, motion
and energy, while psychology examines the human mind and behaviour.
The Science Laboratory
Scientists use many different tools and equipment in laboratories to carry out
experiments safely and accurately.
When measuring the volume of a liquid in a measuring cylinder, scientists must read
the measurement from the middle of the meniscus. The meniscus is the curved
surface formed by the liquid. Looking from above or below the correct level can
cause an inaccurate reading called parallax error.
A Bunsen burner is used to heat substances. The blue flame is hotter and used for
heating, while the yellow flame is cooler and called the safety flame. Laboratory
safety is extremely important. Students should always follow instructions carefully,
wear safety glasses, and point test tubes away from people.
Some chemicals can be dangerous. Corrosive chemicals can damage skin and
materials, flammable chemicals catch fire easily, and toxic substances can poison
living things.
Scientific Inquiry
Scientists investigate questions using a process called scientific inquiry.
An inference is a logical explanation based on observations. A hypothesis is a
prediction that can be tested, often written in an “If… then…” format. A conclusion
explains what was discovered during the experiment and links directly back to the
aim of the investigation.
Controlled Investigations
A fair test changes only one factor while keeping everything else the same.
The independent variable is the factor that the scientist changes. The dependent
variable is what is measured or observed during the experiment. Repeating
experiments several times and calculating an average helps improve reliability and
accuracy.
Matter
Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Most matter exists as solids,
liquids or gases.
Solids have a fixed shape and volume. Liquids have a fixed volume but take the
shape of their container. Gases have no fixed shape or volume and spread out to fill
any container.
Changes of State
Matter can change between solid, liquid and gas states.
Melting changes a solid into a liquid. Freezing changes a liquid into a solid.
Evaporation changes a liquid into a gas, while condensation changes a gas into a
liquid. Sublimation changes a solid directly into a gas.
Particle Model of Matter
The particle model explains how matter behaves. All substances are made of tiny
particles that are always moving. Heating matter gives particles more energy,
causing them to move faster.
Mixtures and Solutions
A pure substance contains only one type of particle, while a mixture contains two or
more substances combined together.
A solution forms when a solute dissolves in a solvent. Solutions can be concentrated
or dilute depending on the amount of solute dissolved.
Separating Mixtures
Different techniques are used to separate mixtures based on physical properties.
These include filtration, sieving, decanting, evaporation, distillation and
chromatography.
Astronomy
First Nations Australians are recognised as some of the world’s earliest
astronomers. They used the Sun, Moon and stars to create seasonal calendars and
understand environmental changes.
Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, creating day and night. Earth orbits
the Sun once every 365 days, causing the seasons because of Earth’s tilt.
Eclipses and Tides
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon. A solar
eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks sunlight from reaching Earth.
Tides are caused mainly by the Moon’s gravitational pull. Spring tides occur during
full and new moons, while neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are not aligned.