Problem 13 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Find the method used to light the candle in bell jar experiment without disturbing the setup. (a) Removing bell jar slowly and light the candle (b) Creating a hole in bell jar (c) Using hand lens (d) Through a sudden replacement by another enlightened candle

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Option (d) - quickly replacing the candle which isn't lit with one that is already lit is the method used in this scenario to light a candle in a bell jar experiment without disturbing the setup.

Step 1 Analyze the Options

Begin by considering each of the provided options in turn. In order to correctly answer, understanding what each choice means in the context of the bell jar experiment is critical.

Step 2 Evaluate the Efficacy of Each Option

First, removing a bell jar slowly and lighting the candle (option a) would definitely disturb the setup. Next, creating a hole in the bell jar (option b) would also undoubtedly alter the experimental setup, which is undesirable. The third option, using a hand lens (option c), would not directly affect the experimental setup, but could prove impractical or difficult in practice. Finally, the sudden replacement of the unlit candle with an already lit one (option d) is the only option which would not in any way disturb the setup.

Step 3 Choose the Best Option

Based on analysis and practicality considerations, option (d) - the rapid replacement of the unlit candle with a lit one - is the most feasible choice. This method avoids any mechanical disturbance to the setup and creates no physical alterations to the apparatus, thus preserving the integrity of the experiment.

Key Concepts

Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic way of learning about the world around us and answering questions. It involves a few fundamental steps that guide scientists in constructing experiments, making observations, and reaching conclusions. The bell jar experiment described involves using this method to determine the best way to light a candle without disturbing the setup.

Firstly, one formulates a question or problem, which in this case is how to light the candle. Then, hypotheses are proposed, such as the options (a) to (d) given in the exercise. Testing these hypotheses is the next phase, which involves analyzing and evaluating the practicality and impact of each method. After thorough analysis, the evidence leads to the conclusion that option (d), replacing the candle with an already lit one, is the best solution. This process underscores how the scientific method facilitates structured problem-solving through observation, hypothesis testing, and iteration.

Practical Approach in Experiments

Implementing a practical approach in experiments is crucial for obtaining valid and reliable results. When dealing with the bell jar experiment, it’s essential to assess each step's feasibility and the potential disruption to the experimental environment.

When assessing methods to light a candle under a bell jar, factors like ease of implementation, safety, and preservation of experimental conditions are key. For instance, using a hand lens (option c) seems clever but could be complex and cause unwanted effects like focusing heat in the wrong place. In contrast, a sudden switch to an already lit candle (option d) offers a practical solution that maintains the integrity of the setup. This demonstrates that practicality in experimentation not only involves choosing methods that are theoretically sound but also those that are implementable and maintain the system's equilibrium.

Problem-solving in Biology

Problem-solving in biology, as in the bell jar experiment, demands creativity and a deep understanding of biological systems. This includes acknowledging how living organisms or biological processes might be affected by changes in their environment.

For example, if the objective of the bell jar setup was to study the effect of candlelight on plant growth without introducing other variables, then the solution must not alter the system's environment. This illustrates how biological experiments require solutions that account for sensitivity to external factors and minimal disturbance. Choosing option (d), which avoids any disturbance, reflects this kind of biological problem-solving acumen. Similarly, biologists often must innovate to measure, manipulate, and observe biological systems while striving to keep them intact and unaltered by the experimental procedure.