Questions and Answers
What is a quantitative observation known as?
Measurement
What do we call something that can be witnessed and recorded?
Observation
What is a quantitative observation known as?
measurement
What do we call something that can be witnessed and recorded?
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Observations may be described as what?
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What is a possible explanation for a set of observations called?
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What is a probable explanation for a set of observations or tested hypotheses known as?
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Observations change as more information becomes available.
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What is known as a statement of generally observed behavior?
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What does a scientific theory involve?
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What is both a body of knowledge and a method of understanding the natural world?
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What do we call a test to gather more information to support or discredit a hypothesis?
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Why is chemistry called the 'central science'?
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What does chemistry deal with?
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Provide an example of an interpretation.
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What is an example of a qualitative observation?
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Provide an example of a quantitative observation.
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What is a qualitative observation about professional basketball players?
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Provide an example of a qualitative observation.
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What is an interpretation example regarding basketball players?
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Provide a qualitative observation about cars.
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What is a quantitative observation concerning cars?
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Provide an interpretation example about cars.
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What experiment determines damage to cars?
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What hypothesis suggests about speed limits?
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What observation relates to collision speeds?
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What does the experiment concerning mice and aspirin imply?
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What observation discusses aspirin's effect?
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What hypothesis asserts about aspirin and heart attacks?
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What hypothesis relates to second-hand smoke?
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What observation connects waitresses and smoking?
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What is an example of a scientific law?
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What is an example of a scientific model?
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What is a scientific hypothesis about Pluto?
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What is an example of a scientific observation?
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What is a scientific hypothesis regarding sulfur dioxide?
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What is a scientific observation about acid rain?
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What is a scientific law about acids?
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What is a scientific hypothesis related to vitamin C?
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What is a scientific theory regarding CFCs?
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What is a scientific theory regarding human evolution?
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What is a scientific observation about green plants?
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What can a hypothesis become if enough evidence is collected?
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Natural laws can be broken.
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Theories are always true.
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The scientific method is applicable to all human problems.
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What should experiments be designed to provide?
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The study of chemistry strictly involves memorizing facts.
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Mass is conserved when chemical changes occur.
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What is a good theory characterized by?
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Study Notes
Observations and Measurements
- A measurement is a quantitative observation, providing numerical data.
- Observations can be witnessed and recorded, serving as foundational data in scientific studies.
- Observations can be classified as both quantitative (measurable) and qualitative (descriptive).
Hypotheses and Theories
- A hypothesis is a potential explanation for a set of observations pending testing.
- A theory offers a probable explanation supported by a significant body of evidence and testing.
- A hypothesis may develop into a theory if substantiated through research and evidence.
Scientific Laws and Models
- A natural law is a statement describing consistent patterns observed in nature, such as "what goes up must come down."
- Scientific models, like "the earth revolves around the sun," simplify complex systems for better understanding.
- Scientific laws cannot be broken; they represent established truths in scientific observation.
The Scientific Method
- The scientific method involves experiments designed to gather data supporting or refuting hypotheses.
- Experiments help increase understanding by providing new observations relevant to hypotheses or theories.
- The scientific method may not apply universally to all human problems, indicating the need for critical assessment in varying contexts.
Nature of Chemistry
- Chemistry is referred to as the "central science" due to its foundational role in understanding more complex physical and biological processes.
- Chemistry examines both the nature of materials and the changes they undergo during different reactions.
- Mass is conserved during chemical changes, signifying that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.
Types of Observations
- Qualitative observations describe qualities, such as "red apples are sweeter than green apples."
- Quantitative observations provide numerical data, like "apples are more than 90% water" or "large cars get fewer miles per gallon than small cars."
Interpretations and Examples
- Interpretations turn observations into conclusions, for instance, stating that "Michael Jordan was the best basketball player."
- Examples of scientific hypotheses include:
- Lowering speed limits results in fewer accidents.
- Second-hand smoke causes health problems.
- Observational examples include:
- Waitresses in smoking bars have higher rates of breathing problems.
- Acid rain will erode marble statues.
Summary of Key Concepts
- Scientific theories, like "CFCs damage the ozone layer," are subject to reevaluation as new evidence arises.
- Qualitative and quantitative observations are essential in drawing conclusions and forming hypotheses.
- Theories and hypotheses differ in that theories have broader scientific validation while hypotheses require testing.
- A good scientific theory is predictive and applicable under diverse conditions, which is essential for its credibility.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 1 of the science curriculum. This quiz covers important terms such as measurement, observation, and hypothesis. Perfect for reviewing foundational scientific ideas.
