Q. 1.38 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Classify each of the following statements as an observation or a hypothesis: $\left(1.2\right)$

a. Analysis of $10$ ceramic dishes showed that four dishes contained lead levels that exceeded federal safety standards.
 b. Marble statues undergo corrosion in acid rain.
 c. A child with a high fever and a rash may have chickenpox.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. The statement analysis of $10$ ceramic dishes showed that four dishes contained lead levels that exceeded federal safety standards is classified below.

b. The statement marble statues undergo corrosion in acid rain is classified below.

c. The statement  a child with a high fever and a rash may have chickenpox is classified below.

Part (a) step 1: Given Information

We need to classify the statement that analysis of $10$ ceramic dishes showed that four dishes contained lead levels that exceeded federal safety standards. 

Part (a) step 2: Explanation

This statement is an observation, as it describes something that has been and measured.

Therefore, the answer is O.

Part (b) step 1: Given Information

We need to classify the statement that marble statues undergo corrosion in acid rain. 

Part (b) step 2: Explanation

This statement is an observation, as it describes something that has facts that were seen or observed.

Then, the answer is O.

Part (c) step 1: Given Information

We need to classify the statement that a child with a high fever and a rash may have chickenpox. 

Part (c) step 2: Explanation

This is a hypothesis, as you infer on the possibility , but the situation has not occurred, or the inference is not always applicable.

Therefore, the answer is H.