Visionlearning Glossary

German physicist born in Danzig, Poland (1686-1736). Fahrenheit invented the alcohol thermometer in 1709, and the mercury thermometer in 1714. He also developed the temperature scale now known as Fahrenheit, which defines freezing as 32°F, boiling as 212°F, and body temperature as 98.6°F. For more information see Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit.

Used in the following modules: Data: Analysis and Interpretation, Temperature

British chemist and physicist born in London (1791-1867). In 1831, Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, the principle by which electric transformers and generators function. The farad, a unit of electrical capacitance, is named in his honor. For further information, see Michael Faraday.

Used in the following modules: Light II

A French lawyer and mathematician, born in Beaumont-de-Lomagne (1602-1665 CE). Fermat had a very successful career in the criminal court, but retained a deep interest in mathematics. He made contributions toward the development of calculus and analytical geometry; and along with Blaise Pascal he laid the foundations of probability theory which led to development of statistical methods. For further information see Pierre de Fermat; also see our module Data: Statistics.

Used in the following modules: Wave Mathematics

American physicist, born in Queens, New York (1918-1988). Feynman is best known for his work on quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and particle theory. In 1965, he was the joint recipient of the Nobel Prize in physics (with Julian Schwinger and Shin-Ichiro Tomonaga) for his work on quantum electrodynamics. Feynman also worked on the Manhattan Project, and participated on the panel that investigated the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. In addition, he published several popular semi-autobiographical books. For further information see Richard Feynman.

In science, filial is commonly used to designate the sequence of generations following the parental generation. For example, the first filial generation (abbreviated as F1) would be the direct offspring of a parental generation, the second filial generation (F2) would be the offspring of the first filial generation.

Used in the following modules: Genetics I

One of three Laws of Thermodynamics, or laws relating to heat power. The First Law explores the conservation of energy. Specifically, this law explains that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. It also states that the energy within a closed system is fixed – it cannot increase or decrease. The First Law is often expressed as an equation: ∆U = Q - W, or the change in internal energy (∆U) equals the heat added to the system (Q) minus the work done by the system (W). See also the Second Law of Thermodynamcis and the Third Law of Thermodynamics.

Used in the following modules: Energy

English statistician, geneticist and evolutionary biologist born in London (1890-1962). He is considered the father of modern statistics. In 1919, Fisher began working at the Rothamsted Experimental Station. Six years later, he published Statistical Methods for Research Workers, drawing on his experience in creating statistically valid experiments. In 1935, Fisher published The Design of Experiments. Both works are still considered standards in the field of statistics. Fisher also contributed extensively to understanding population genetics, and was a staunch promoter of eugenics. For further information see Ronald Fisher.

Used in the following modules: Research Methods: Comparison, Research Methods: The Practice of Science

An idea popular among 16th and 17th century European zoologists and botanists that reflected Western religion and the story of creation as laid out in the Bible. A key feature of the argument for "fixity" was the notion that the structure of each species was based on a model, ideal form and never changed. With the publication of Darwin’s and other scientists’ work on evolution, the idea is no longer considered by scientists. For more information, see our module Charles Darwin I.

Used in the following modules: Charles Darwin I, Ideas in Science: Theories, Hypotheses, and Laws, Scientists and the Scientific Community

The relatively flat land adjacent to a river channel that is underwater when the river floods. The floodplain is the site of deposition of sediments carried down the river and are often occupied by farms, due to the proximity of irrigation water, fertile soils, and flat topography.

Used in the following modules: The Rock Cycle

The names given to organisms and phenomena on the basis of cultural tradition as opposed to scientific study.

Used in the following modules: Taxonomy I

An influence (a “push or pull”) that changes the motion of a moving object (e.g. slows it down, speeds it up, changes its direction) or produces motion in a stationary object. The strength of a force is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by its acceleration. In the metric (or SI) system, force is measured in newtons.

Used in the following modules: Adaptation, Chemical Bonding, Classic Experiment: Meselson and Stahl, Density, Earth Structure, Energy, Gravity, Ideas in Science: Theories, Hypotheses, and Laws, Light I, Light II, Matter: States of Matter, Minerals I, Nuclear Chemistry, Plate Tectonics I, Plate Tectonics II, Research Methods: Experimentation, Research Methods: Modeling, The Carbon Cycle, The Scientific Method, Unit Conversion

American inventor, scientist, and politician, born in Boston (1706-1790). Franklin was a prolific scientist and humanitarian. In Philadelphia, he founded America’s first subscription library, the city hospital, and the American Philosophical Society. He was also an inventor, designing a heat-efficient stove, swim fins, and bifocals. His experiments with electricity and lightening brought him global recognition. In the political scene, he was elected to the continental congress, signed the Declaration of Independence, and—one of his last acts before dying—wrote an antislavery treatise. For further information see Benjamin Franklin.

English biophysicist and x-ray crystallographer born in London (1920-1958). Franklin discovered that DNA crystallizes into two forms, and, working with Maurice Wilkins, used x-ray crystallography to determine the molecular structure of one of these forms. Her work was instrumental in allowing James Watson and Francis Crick to determine the complete structure of DNA. Her results were shared with them without her knowledge, and her contributions were not acknowledged. When Watson, Crick and Wilkins won a Nobel Prize for their work on the structure of DNA in 1962, Franklin was again overlooked, because the Nobel Prize cannot be awarded posthumously. For further information see Rosalind Franklin

Used in the following modules: Creativity in Science, DNA II

The rate at which a vibration occurs that constitutes a wave, either in a material or in an electromagnetic field, usually measured in hertz (Hz).

Used in the following modules: Ideas in Science: Scientific Controversy, Research Methods: Description, Research Methods: Modeling, The Hydrologic Cycle, The Nature of Scientific Knowledge, Waves and Wave Motion