Applications of Science
Investigations & Evaluations
- An application of science involves using scientific knowledge to carry out an investigation
- For example, developing a new type of radiotherapy, which may also include further research based on prior scientific knowledge
- Evaluating experimental methods is an important skill for a scientist and is appropriate to meet the expected outcomes of the experiment
- A good way to evaluate an experimental design is by
- Repeating the experiment (using the instructions provided)
- Determining the reproducibility of the experiment i.e. whether or not similar results can be achieved
- This process is known as peer review
- All applications of science will have benefits and risks
- For developing a new type of radiotherapy, designed to treat cancer, the benefits are clear that the treatment could potentially save lives
- However, there are also risks with accidents occurring when using harmful radiation
- All new technologies are therefore always tested thoroughly
- When carrying out practical experiments in A-Level physics, the risks should be reduced as much as possible for everyone's safety
- Some safety precautions include:
- Wearing safety goggles when required
- Not eating or drinking during experiments
- Always keeping bags and chairs tucked away under desks to avoid someone tripping over in the classroom
- Standing up for the duration of the experiment, in case a piece of apparatus falls off and to react quickly
- No liquids kept around the apparatus, especially if they rely on electricity (e.g. circuits, oscilloscopes etc.)
- Turning off the power supply in between readings for thin wires so they don't become too hot. This could cause a burn or, affect the results of the experiment from the change in temperature
- A soft surface underneath anything falling (such as a ball bearing when calculating g), to protect surfaces
- Attaching a clamp stand to the table surface to keep it rigid
Implications of Science
- An implication of science is a consequence of the scientific knowledge
- The implications could be:
- Commercial - concerning money e.g. the funding for a scientific experiment
- Legal - concerning law e.g. copyright protection for data collections
- Ethical - concerning moral principles e.g. using animals, humans
- Social - concerning society e.g. how the results affect all members of society (children, elderly, disabled etc.)
- For example, when building a new power station, although this will provide an appropriate energy source, the implications could be:
- Commercial - who pays to run and maintain the power station and how much will this cost
- Legal - planning permissions to build the power station which requires a lot of land
- Ethical - is it safe for the wildlife that live in the area
- Social - how will the power station affect the people that live in the surrounding area in both health and economic prospects (e.g. providing more jobs)
