Question

1. which of the following are scientific hypothesis? (you may choose more than one)

a. better stock market decisions are made when the planets venus, earth, and mars are aligned.
b. atoms are the smallest particles of matter that exist.
c. outer space contains a kind of matter whose existence cant be detected or tested.
d. albert einstein was the greatest physicist of the 20th century.
e. the moon is made of swiss cheese.

1. what is the first step in a scientific investigation, and what form does it usually take?
2. what is the purpose of a control in an experiment?
3. what is bias in science?
4. what is the difference in the following terms?

scientific fact
hypothesis
scientific law
theory

Explanation:

1. A scientific hypothesis must be testable.

• Option a: The idea of planetary - alignment affecting stock - market decisions can be tested by observing stock - market behavior during such alignments.
• Option b: The statement about atoms being the smallest particles can be tested through scientific experiments in particle physics.
• Option c: A matter that cannot be detected or tested is not a scientific hypothesis as it is not falsifiable.
• Option d: The claim about Einstein being the greatest physicist is a subjective opinion, not testable in a scientific sense.
• Option e: The idea that the Moon is made of Swiss cheese can be tested through lunar samples and observations.

1. The first step in a scientific investigation is making an observation, which usually takes the form of noticing a phenomenon or a problem in the natural world.
2. The purpose of a control in an experiment is to provide a standard for comparison. It helps to determine if the independent variable is truly causing the observed changes in the dependent variable by keeping other factors constant.
3. Bias in science is a preference or prejudice that can influence the design, conduct, or interpretation of a scientific study. It can lead to inaccurate or misleading results.
4. A scientific fact is an objective and verifiable observation. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that is testable. A scientific law is a description of a natural phenomenon that is consistently observed under certain conditions. A theory is a well - substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of facts and has been repeatedly tested.

Answer:

1. a. Better stock market decisions are made when the planets Venus, Earth, and Mars are aligned.

b. Atoms are the smallest particles of matter that exist.
e. The Moon is made of Swiss cheese.

1. The first step is making an observation, usually in the form of noticing a phenomenon.
2. To provide a standard for comparison.
3. A preference or prejudice that can influence a scientific study.
4. Scientific fact: An objective and verifiable observation.

Hypothesis: A proposed testable explanation.
Scientific Law: A description of a consistently - observed natural phenomenon.
Theory: A well - substantiated explanation based on facts and repeated testing.