Distinguish between a hypothesis and an experimental prediction. Why is it useful to test a hypothesis using many different experimental predictions?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A hypothesis is an educated guess or proposed explanation for a phenomenon, while an experimental prediction is a specific, measurable outcome expected to occur if the hypothesis is correct. Testing a hypothesis using multiple experimental predictions is crucial because it strengthens the hypothesis's validity, eliminates alternative explanations, and provides a more robust understanding of the phenomenon being studied. For example, a hypothesis stating that increasing the temperature will speed up the rate of a chemical reaction can be supported by various experimental predictions, such as doubling the temperature will result in a reaction that is twice as fast, and decreasing the temperature by 10 degrees will slow down the reaction by a specific percentage. If all these predictions are supported by experimental results, the hypothesis becomes more valid and robust.

Step by step solution

01

Define hypothesis

A hypothesis is an educated guess or proposition, based on existing knowledge, that aims to explain a phenomenon or answer a scientific question. It is a proposed explanation for an observation or problem, which can then be tested through experiments or further research.
02

Define experimental prediction

An experimental prediction is a specific, measurable, and testable outcome that is expected to occur if the hypothesis being tested is correct. Experimental predictions are derived from the hypothesis and serve as a basis for designing experiments to test the hypothesis. They often include predictions about the relationship between variables or the expected results of an experiment.
03

Explain the importance of multiple experimental predictions

Testing a hypothesis using many different experimental predictions is useful because it strengthens the validity of the hypothesis. If all the different experimental predictions are supported by the experimental results, it increases the likelihood that the hypothesis is valid. Additionally, making multiple predictions helps to eliminate alternative explanations for the observed results, making it more likely that the hypothesis under consideration is the correct one.
04

Providing an example

For example, consider a hypothesis that states that increasing the temperature will speed up the rate of a chemical reaction. Several experimental predictions could be derived from this hypothesis: 1. Doubling the temperature will result in a reaction that is twice as fast. 2. Decreasing the temperature by 10 degrees will slow down the reaction by a specific percentage. 3. There will be a specific temperature above which the rate of the reaction will not increase any further. If all these experimental predictions are supported by the results of experiments, the hypothesis that temperature affects the rate of a chemical reaction becomes more valid and robust.
05

Summary

In conclusion, a hypothesis is an educated guess or proposed explanation for a phenomenon, while an experimental prediction is a specific, measurable outcome that is expected to occur if the hypothesis is correct. Testing a hypothesis with multiple experimental predictions is essential because it strengthens the validity of the hypothesis, eliminates alternative explanations, and provides a more robust understanding of the phenomenon being studied.

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