Nature Can Be Understood
Scientists think of nature as a single system controlled by natural laws. By discovering natural laws, scientists strive to increase their understanding of the natural world. Laws of nature are expressed as scientific laws. A scientific law is a statement that describes what always happens under certain conditions in nature.
An example of a scientific law is the law of gravity, which was discovered by Sir Isaac Newton. The law of gravity states that objects always fall towards Earth because of the pull of gravity. Based on this law, Newton could explain many natural events. He could explain not only why objects such as apples always fall to the ground, but he could also explain why the moon orbits Earth. Isaac Newton discovered laws of motion as well as the law of gravity. His laws of motion allowed him to explain why objects move as they do.
Science Cannot Answer All Questions
Science rests on evidence and logic, so it deals only with things that can be observed. An observation is anything that is detected either through human senses or with instruments and measuring devices that extend human senses. Things that cannot be observed or measured by current means β such as supernatural beings or events β are outside the bounds of science. Consider these two questions about life on Earth:
β’ Did life on Earth evolve over time?
β’ Was life on Earth created through another method?
The first question can be answered by science on the basis of scientific evidence and logic. The second question could be a matter of belief. Therefore, it is outside the realm of science.
Questions:
1. What is an observation?
2. What is a scientific law?
3. What scientific law explains why the moon orbits the Earth? What does the law state? Who developed this law?
4. Complete this sentence: Natural laws allow scientists to __________.
5. Can science answer all questions? Justify your answer.