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Questions and Answers
What observable effects indicate that a chemical change has occurred in pennies?
What observable effects indicate that a chemical change has occurred in pennies?
The older pennies become dull and brown, indicating a change in color due to a chemical reaction with air.
Define a scientific hypothesis and explain why it is considered testable.
Define a scientific hypothesis and explain why it is considered testable.
A scientific hypothesis is an educated guess that must be testable, allowing for observations that can support or disprove it.
Explain the requirement of falsifiability in a scientific hypothesis.
Explain the requirement of falsifiability in a scientific hypothesis.
A scientific hypothesis must be falsifiable, meaning it must be possible to prove it false through observation or experimentation.
Provide an example of a statement that is not a scientific hypothesis and justify why.
Provide an example of a statement that is not a scientific hypothesis and justify why.
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Illustrate how space exploration could support or disprove a scientific hypothesis about extraterrestrial life.
Illustrate how space exploration could support or disprove a scientific hypothesis about extraterrestrial life.
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What is the relationship between scientific investigations and hypotheses?
What is the relationship between scientific investigations and hypotheses?
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How can the appearance of new pennies compared to old ones illustrate a principle of chemical change?
How can the appearance of new pennies compared to old ones illustrate a principle of chemical change?
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Discuss why not every educated guess qualifies as a scientific hypothesis.
Discuss why not every educated guess qualifies as a scientific hypothesis.
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What is the primary purpose of scientific investigations?
What is the primary purpose of scientific investigations?
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How do real scientists differ from the portrayal of scientists in science fiction?
How do real scientists differ from the portrayal of scientists in science fiction?
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What role do observations play in scientific investigations?
What role do observations play in scientific investigations?
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What is meant by the 'scientific method'?
What is meant by the 'scientific method'?
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What might a scientist do if the evidence from an investigation does not provide clear answers?
What might a scientist do if the evidence from an investigation does not provide clear answers?
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In what ways can scientists observe changes during a chemical investigation?
In what ways can scientists observe changes during a chemical investigation?
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Why are instruments like microscopes and thermometers essential in scientific investigations?
Why are instruments like microscopes and thermometers essential in scientific investigations?
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What might trigger a scientific investigation according to the content provided?
What might trigger a scientific investigation according to the content provided?
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Study Notes
Investigations in Science
- Scientific investigations are fundamental to expanding knowledge and understanding of the world.
- They generate evidence to address questions, contributing to scientific advancement.
- Evidence gathered may lead to further inquiries even if it does not provide immediate answers.
Steps of a Scientific Investigation
- Investigative methods can vary across different scientific fields but generally follow a structured approach known as the scientific method.
- This method is flexible, allowing scientists to adapt steps or repeat them as necessary based on their findings.
- Observations play a crucial role in initiating scientific investigations, often arising from unexplained phenomena.
Observations
- Observations involve gathering information through senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
- Instruments such as microscopes and thermometers enhance observational capabilities, allowing for more detailed data collection.
Using Observations to Gather Evidence
- Observations help collect evidence to confirm or refute hypotheses.
- In chemical changes, visible signs like color shifts or gas emissions serve as evidence of transformation, demonstrating how properties can change.
Scientific Hypothesis
- A scientific hypothesis is defined as an educated guess about natural events, essential for guiding investigations.
- It must meet two criteria: it must be testable and falsifiable for it to be recognized as scientific.
Testability of a Hypothesis
- A testable hypothesis can be supported or disproven through observation and experimentation.
- Hypotheses that cannot be observed or tested, such as claims about unobservable phenomena, do not qualify as scientific.
Falsifiability of a Hypothesis
- A scientific hypothesis must also be falsifiable, allowing for the possibility of proving it wrong.
- For example, the statement about the existence of life on other planets is testable and falsifiable through potential space exploration and evidence collection.
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Description
Test your knowledge of scientific investigations and the collaborative nature of real scientists. This quiz will challenge your understanding of how scientific knowledge is built through organized and methodical investigations. Explore the fundamental principles that guide scientific work.
