The Scientific Method (1.1.2) Flashcards
Hypotheses
The scientific method involves making hypotheses about sets of observations and testing the hypotheses.
When new observations conflict with a hypothesis,
the hypothesis is revised or completely discarded
for a new hypothesis.
Scientific Laws/Theories
Scientific laws, hypotheses, and theories are all parts of a way to organize observations about the real world.
If a pattern emerges through several observations, a
scientific law may be formulated. A scientific law is
a concise statement that summarizes trends in a
variety of observations.
This set of observations may lead to a hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a tentatively accepted explanation of
facts. A hypothesis is an attempt to explain why the
patterns of a scientific law are observed.
If a hypothesis is able to predict the result of several
experiments, it may develop into a theory. A theory
is an encompassing idea that provides a full
explanation for a natural phenomenon.
Atoms
Using the scientific method, scientists came to realize that the world is composed of atoms whose chemical behavior could be explained.
Law of Conservation of Mass and Atomic Theory of Matter
Antoine Lavoisier carried out a series of careful
experiments which demonstrated the law of
conservation of mass. The law of conservation of
mass states that in every chemical change, an
equal amount of matter exists before and after the
change.
This scientific law led to a hypothesis that matter
was composed of indestructible building blocks.
This hypothesis was extensively tested.
This hypothesis led to John Dalton’s atomic theory
of matter. This theory was able to predict later
observations.
What is the Scientific Method?
Observations and Experiments -> Find Patterns, Trends, and Laws -> Formulate and test hypothesis -> Theory.
What is a Scientific Law?
A concise statement that summarizes a fundamental relationship of nature.
A basic principal that may be stated without direct proof.
What is a Hypothesis?
A tentatively accepted explanation of facts.
What is a Theory?
A Theory is an encompassing idea that provides a full explanation for known observations.
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is ultimately all about trying to explain the world around us.
