Procedures in the Physical Sciences
Physical science is a subset of natural sciences. It encompasses such fields as chemistry, physics, geology, meteorology and astronomy. Physical science is a field that aims at describing and understanding how our physical environment operates and finding amicable ways of making it a better place to be. Therefore, science is driven by curiosity to understand this environment. Scientists find more about the physical environment by use of various measurement instruments. These measurement tools include observing and measuring, use of hypothesis, experimentation, theories and laws. However, there are challenges inherent in these measurement tools, which is the basis of the discussion.
Direct measurement refers to using observation to find out about something. Direct measurement in physical science includes observation. There are some challenges that are inherent in using this method especially in astronomy. One of the challenges is the changes in the atmosphere of the earth (Homan & Wardle, 2000). This fluctuation causes errors in determination of the position of the various objects in the universe. This is caused by blurred images that lead to production of results that are not accurate.
Another problem of observation is the question of objectivity. The results from direct measurement may not be objective because of the subjectivity and individual biasness. Such assumptions are based on the personal point of view or judgment and therefore, the error margin is higher leading to lack of objectivity and reliability on the results found. Direct measurement methods are also limited to physical characteristics and therefore it has a limited scope. There are various things that cannot be measured using physical or observations. An example is in the chemical reactions. The reactions or chemical components in various substances cannot be measured directly hence this limits the scope of measurement. Therefore, due to these concerns, scientists have highly relied on indirect measurement methods. For instance measurement of he speed of wind cannot be determined through direct measurement or observation rather than through indirect measurement (Brisken et al 2002). The advantage of using indirect methods in their researches by adapting to more sophisticate tools and theories and laws has helped to unravel and understand the environment better. For instance, the galaxy and the how the universe function was understood better through development of satellites and telescopes that were able to help them view and understand how the universe functions.
Historical influential tools that were used in physical science in astronomy include laws and theories. For instance, Galileo in 1962 formulated laws of motions; rest versus uniform and natural versus forced motion (History of astronomy 2012). The instrument that he used was a small refracting telescope of 3 inches. This instrument allowed him to disregard the idea of perfect geocentric universe and replaced with the five discoveries. This tool brought more light and enhanced understanding of the universe opening a window to more researches. Another tool used was the calculus. This was invented by Newton in 1680 faster developing a law of universal gravitation, a laws that accelerated motion. The instrument he used was reflecting telescope and the theory of light. This instrument has played a significant until this modern day and uplifted the field of physical sciences.
Part 2: Procedures in the Physical Sciences: A Survey of Safety
Physical hazards are the most common form of hazards in laboratory. These include vacuum operations, electrical, compressed gases, research animals’ glassware, oil and sand baths, machinery equipment, distillation and extraction (American Chemical Society 1990). One of the hazards is compressed gases. To ensure safety when using such gases, it is important to read instructions about the contents the cylinder before using them. They should also be stored in well-ventilated areas and the valves should always be closed to avoid any leakages. The valve protection cap should be keep well until the cylinder is ready for use. A person using the gas should always wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, steel-toed safety shoes to protect himself. Pressure reducing regulators may also be used to ensure that they gases does not burst. These strategies will help to mitigate the hazards related with such gases.
Research is underway geared at advancing and using sophisticated technologies in various physical sciences fields. This advancement will impact on the global community in one way or another. Such technologies will be of value to the global community if they help to unravel some of the things in the environment that will affect their life if appropriate measures are not taken. For instance, technologies to identify effects and causes of globalization will help the people to take necessary measures to safeguard their welfares. However, there is also a risk factor of this technology to the people. This risk factor will happen if the process and methods of developing these technologies cause environmental pollution through emission of gasses that may affect the lives of people. Therefore, it is an issue that is debatable. The only thing that should be done is to ensure that these technological advancements are done in a way that fosters environmental sustainability and should impact positively to the life of people across the globe.
References
American Chemical Society (1990). Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories,
Washington D.C., 1990
Brisken, W. F. et al., (2002). Very Long Baseline Array measurement of nine pulsar parallaxes, Astrophysical Journal, 571(906). Retrieved from: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph- bib_query?bibcode=2002ApJ…571..906B
History of astronomy. (2012). Retrieved from: http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/ast121/lectures/lec02.html
Homan, D., & Wardle, J. (2000). Direct distance measurements to superluminal radio sources, Astrophysical Journal, 535, 575 (2000). http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph- bib_query?bibcode=2000ApJ…535..575H
