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Chapter 1: Problem 58

(a) What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory? (b) Explain the difference between a theory and a scientific law. Which addresses how matter behaves, and which addresses why it behaves that way?

Short Answer

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(a) A hypothesis is an educated guess or a proposed explanation for a specific phenomenon, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on confirmed hypotheses and empirical evidence. (b) A theory explains why a phenomenon occurs, whereas a scientific law describes what occurs during the phenomenon. Scientific laws address how matter behaves and are usually expressed in terms of mathematical equations. Theories, on the other hand, address why matter behaves the way it does by providing an explanation for observed patterns in nature.

Step by step solution

01

(a) Definition of Hypothesis and Theory

A hypothesis is an educated guess or a proposed explanation for a specific phenomenon or a set of observations. It is usually based on previous knowledge and is formed as a statement that can be tested through experiments or further observations. A theory, on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed, preferably using a written, pre-defined, protocol of observations and experiments. Theories are based on a series of confirmed hypotheses and are backed by a significant amount of empirical evidence.
02

(b) Definition of Theory and Scientific Law

A theory, as mentioned earlier, is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world. It is based on a series of confirmed hypotheses and empirical evidence. Theories help us understand why things happen in our natural world. A scientific law, however, is a statement that describes a consistently observed phenomenon. It is a generalization about how the natural world behaves under certain conditions and is usually expressed in terms of mathematical equations. Scientific laws are created through repeated observations and experimentation.
03

Differences between Theory and Scientific Law

The main difference between a theory and a scientific law is that a theory explains why a phenomenon occurs, while a scientific law describes what occurs during the phenomenon. In other words, theories provide an explanation for observed patterns in nature, while scientific laws summarize those patterns. Another difference is that theories are generally broader in scope and can lead to the development of new laws, while scientific laws are more specific and describe a particular aspect or relationship in nature.
04

Addressing How and Why Matter Behaves

In terms of how matter behaves and why it behaves that way, a scientific law addresses the "how" aspect. It describes the observed behavior and relationships of matter under certain conditions. A theory, on the other hand, addresses the "why" aspect. It explains the underlying principles and reasons for the behavior of matter.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Using your knowledge of metric units, English units, and the information on the back inside cover, write down the conversion factors needed to convert (a) \(\mu \mathrm{m}\) to \(\mathrm{mm},\) (b) \(\mathrm{ms}\) to \(\mathrm{ns}\), (c) \(\mathrm{mi}\) to \(\mathrm{km},\) (d) \(\mathrm{ft}^{3}\) to \(\mathrm{L}\)

Give the derived SI units for each of the following quantities in base SI units: (a) acceleration = distance/time \(^{2},\) (b) force \(=\) mass \(\times\) acceleration, \((\mathrm{c})\) work \(=\) force \(\times\) distance, (d) \(\quad\) pressure \(=\) force/area, (e) \(\quad\) power \(=\) work/time, (f) velocity \(=\) distance/time, \((\mathrm{g})\) energy \(=\operatorname{mass} \times(\text { velocity })^{2}\).

Carry out the following conversions: (a) 0.105 in. to \(\mathrm{mm},\) (b) 0.650 qt to \(\mathrm{mL},\) (c) \(8.75 \mu \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}\) to \(\mathrm{km} / \mathrm{hr}\), (d) \(1.955 \mathrm{~m}^{3}\) to \(\mathrm{yd}^{3}\), (e) $$\$ 3.99 / \mathrm{lb}$$ to dollars per \(\mathrm{kg}\), (f) \(8.75 \mathrm{lb} / \mathrm{ft}^{3}\) to \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mL}\)

The concepts of accuracy and precision are not always easy to grasp. Here are two sets of studies: (a) The mass of a secondary weight standard is determined by weighing it on a very precise balance under carefully controlled laboratory conditions. The average of 18 different weight measurements is taken as the weight of the standard. (b) A group of 10,000 males between the ages of 50 and 55 is surveyed to ascertain a relationship between calorie intake and blood cholesterol level. The survey questionnaire is quite detailed, asking the respondents about what they eat, smoke, drink, and so on. The results are reported as showing that for men of comparable lifestyles, there is a \(40 \%\) chance of the blood cholesterol level being above \(230 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}\) for those who consume more than 40 calories per gram of body weight per day, as compared with those who consume fewer than 30 calories per gram of body weight per day. Discuss and compare these two studies in terms of the precision and accuracy of the result in each case. How do the two studies differ in ways that affect the accuracy and precision of the results? What makes for high precision and accuracy in any given study? In each of these studies, what factors might not be controlled that could affect the accuracy and precision? What steps can be taken generally to attain higher precision and accuracy?

Water has a density of \(0.997 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\) at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C} ;\) ice has a density of \(0.917 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\) at \(-10^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). (a) If a soft-drink bottle whose volume is \(1.50 \mathrm{~L}\) is completely filled with water and then frozen to \(-10^{\circ} \mathrm{C},\) what volume does the ice occupy? (b) Can the ice be contained within the bottle?
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