Question

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polymer lab
step 3- hypothesis and variables

think back to the original day of polymers. now we have dehydrated polymers that we are
going to make a hypothesis on.

1. what is the difference between an inference and a hypothesis?

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Explanation:

An inference is a conclusion drawn from observations/evidence (e.g., “The polymer is flexible because it bends easily” after seeing it). A hypothesis is a testable prediction (e.g., “If we add water to the dehydrated polymer, it will become more flexible”) before an experiment. Inference is post - observation conclusion; hypothesis is pre - experiment prediction.

Answer:

An inference is a conclusion made from observations/evidence. A hypothesis is a testable prediction (often in an “if - then” format) made before an experiment to be tested.