Chem 208 Notes
Lesson 1.1 - Study Materials
Slide 1
Lesson 1.1 : Scientific Method
1. Steps of the Scientific Method
The scientific method (performing a study in organized steps) consists of: For example, applying the scientific method ultimately led to the enunciation of the Law of Conservation of Mass and Matter.
Slide 2
1. Steps of the Scientific Method
Step 1: Performing Experiments
An experiment is a set of steps (procedures) that are performed under controlled conditions to propose or test a hypothesis.
Step 2: Making Observations
Observations (a key factor in scientific studies as well as in everyday life) can be classified as: Qualitative | Quantitative | Qualitative observation does not use numbers. Examples: * The flower is purple. * Bubbles are produced when lemon juice is added to baking soda. | Quantitative observation is a measurement. It has two components: * A measured quantity (numerical value) with an appropriate unit. Example:Observed temperature (measured using a thermometer) for the liquid was found to be
33°C. In this case, the measured quantity is temperature and the appropriate unit is °C. | | |
Step 3: Proposing a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation to account for the observations of an experiment. A hypothesis is valid provided that one's assumptions to explain the observations of an experiment can be tested.
Step 4: Confirming the Hypothesis
The validity of the hypothesis needs to be confirmed via repeated and controlled experiments. In order to accept a hypothesis, there must be no inconsistencies between the hypothesis and the experimental observations. In the event of any inconsistencies, steps 1 through 4 must be repeated.
Step 5: Proposing a Scientific Law
By repeatedly performing experiments and modifying the hypothesis to account for the observations from these experiments, one is able to propose a scientific law. Slide 4
Expression of Numerical Value
Certain rules apply to
Slide 1
Lesson 1.1 : Scientific Method
1. Steps of the Scientific Method
The scientific method (performing a study in organized steps) consists of: For example, applying the scientific method ultimately led to the enunciation of the Law of Conservation of Mass and Matter.
Slide 2
1. Steps of the Scientific Method
Step 1: Performing Experiments
An experiment is a set of steps (procedures) that are performed under controlled conditions to propose or test a hypothesis.
Step 2: Making Observations
Observations (a key factor in scientific studies as well as in everyday life) can be classified as: Qualitative | Quantitative | Qualitative observation does not use numbers. Examples: * The flower is purple. * Bubbles are produced when lemon juice is added to baking soda. | Quantitative observation is a measurement. It has two components: * A measured quantity (numerical value) with an appropriate unit. Example:Observed temperature (measured using a thermometer) for the liquid was found to be
33°C. In this case, the measured quantity is temperature and the appropriate unit is °C. | | |
Step 3: Proposing a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation to account for the observations of an experiment. A hypothesis is valid provided that one's assumptions to explain the observations of an experiment can be tested.
Step 4: Confirming the Hypothesis
The validity of the hypothesis needs to be confirmed via repeated and controlled experiments. In order to accept a hypothesis, there must be no inconsistencies between the hypothesis and the experimental observations. In the event of any inconsistencies, steps 1 through 4 must be repeated.
Step 5: Proposing a Scientific Law
By repeatedly performing experiments and modifying the hypothesis to account for the observations from these experiments, one is able to propose a scientific law. Slide 4
Expression of Numerical Value
Certain rules apply to