Question

activity: identify the hypothesis (cause and effect relationship)
a student wants to determine which will freeze faster, salt water or fresh water. what is the best hypothesis for the student?

a. if the water contains salt particles, the salt will keep the water molecules from being able to attract each other causing the freezing point to be lowered.

b. if the water contains salt particles, then it will freeze faster at a lower temperature.

c. salt water will freeze faster.

d. salt water and fresh water will freeze at the same temperature.

shawn has heard that if you place hot water in the freezer to make ice that it will freeze faster than cold water. what would be a good hypothesis?

a. cold water freezes faster.

b. if you place hot water in a freezer, then it will freeze faster than cold water.

c. hot water freezes faster.

d. how can i make water freeze faster?

jake is a runner and wonders if his diet can help him run faster. he has heard a lot about carbs (spelling?) before a race. what hypothesis would be good for him to test this theory?
partially obscured options

Explanation:

First Question (Salt water vs Fresh water freezing):

A hypothesis should state a cause - effect relationship in an "if - then" or testable way. Option A explains the mechanism but is not a hypothesis format. Option C is a statement, not a hypothesis. Option D is incorrect as salt water freezes at a lower temp. Option B states "If the water contains salt particles, then it will freeze faster at a lower temperature" which is a testable hypothesis about the relationship between salt and freezing.

A hypothesis needs to be testable and in a cause - effect format. Option A and C are statements. Option D is a question. Option B "If you place hot water in a freezer, then it will freeze faster than cold water" is a testable hypothesis with an "if - then" structure.

Answer:

B. If the water contains salt particles, then it will freeze faster at a lower temperature.

Second Question (Hot vs Cold water freezing):