chemistry

• What are the steps in the scientific method as described in the study material?

  1. Observe something you don't understand
  2. Formulate a hypothesis
  3. Test the hypothesis by making predictions and gathering evidence
  4. Share findings in peer-reviewed journals or conferences
  5. Undergo peer review to validate results
  6. Other scientists test and reproduce experiments
• What is a hypothesis?

  A possible explanation for an observation
• What is the purpose of peer review in scientific research?

  To check results and ensure experiments are done sensibly
• What happens if all experiments support a hypothesis?

  Scientists start to accept the hypothesis as a valid explanation
• What is the purpose of testing a hypothesis?

  To gather evidence and determine if the hypothesis is true.
• What do scientists normally do with their findings?

  Share them in peer-reviewed journals or at conferences.
• What is peer review?

  It is when other scientists check results to ensure they are scientifically valid.
• Why is peer review important in scientific research?

  It helps detect false claims and ensures scientific rigor.
• What happens when other scientists learn about a hypothesis?

  They base their predictions on it and conduct their own experiments.
• What does it mean if a hypothesis is supported by all experiments?

  Scientists start to consider the hypothesis as true.
• What happens if an experiment contradicts a hypothesis?

  The hypothesis may need to be modified or discarded.
• What are accepted hypotheses often referred to as?

  Theories.
• Can theories become indisputable facts?

  No, new evidence can always challenge existing theories.
• What are the different types of models in scientific theories?

  • Representational models: Simplified descriptions of real-life phenomena (e.g., Bohr model of an atom).
  • Computational models: Simulations of complex processes using computers (e.g., climate change).
  • Spatial models: Show arrangements (e.g., ball and stick models for ionic compounds).
• What is a representational model?

  A simplified description or picture of real-life phenomena.
• What is a computational model used for?

  To simulate complex real-life processes with many variables.
• What is a limitation of ball and stick models?

  They do not show the relative sizes of the ions.
• Who has contributed to the development of the scientific method?

  Many people, from Aristotle to modern scientists.
• Why is it important to communicate scientific discoveries to the public?

  To inform people about changes they should make or new technologies.
• What is an example of a technology developed from scientific discoveries?

  Drug delivery systems using fullerenes.
• What is a potential issue with media reports on scientific discoveries?

  They may present data in an oversimplified or inaccurate way.
• How can data be presented in a biased way?

  By overemphasizing certain relationships or omitting counter-evidence.
• What are some issues raised by scientific developments?

  • Economic issues: Affordability of scientific recommendations.
  • Personal issues: Individual impacts of scientific decisions.
  • Social issues: Effects of scientific evidence on society.
  • Environmental issues: Impact of human activity on nature.
• Why can't science answer every question?

  Some questions require data that cannot currently be collected.
• What type of questions will always remain unanswered by science?

  Ethical questions about what should be done.
• What is a hazard?

  A hazard is something that could potentially cause harm.
• What is risk in relation to hazards?

  Risk is the chance that a hazard will cause harm.
• How can risks be estimated?

  By assessing how often something happens in a large sample over time.
• What factors should be considered when making decisions about activities involving hazards?

  The likelihood of harm and the seriousness of the consequences.
• Why do people perceive risks differently?

  Familiar activities are often seen as low-risk, while unfamiliar ones are viewed as high-risk.
• What are some hazards that might be encountered in science experiments?

  Microorganisms, chemicals, fire, and electricity.
• What should be done to ensure safety in an investigation?

  Identify hazards and think of ways to reduce risks.
• What is a fair test in an investigation?

  A test where only the independent variable is changed while all others are controlled.
• What is the independent variable in an experiment?

  The variable that is changed by the experimenter.
• What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

  The variable that is measured when the independent variable is changed.
• What are control variables?

  Variables that are kept the same throughout the experiment.
• Why is a larger sample size better in investigations?

  A larger sample size provides more reliable data and helps identify anomalies.
• What is the importance of repeatability in data collection?

  It ensures that results are consistent when the same person conducts the experiment again.
• What does reproducibility in data collection mean?

  It means that different people or methods yield similar results.
• What is accuracy in data collection?

  Accuracy refers to how close the results are to the true value.