Q. 1.52 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Classify each of the following as an observation, a hypothesis, 

an experiment, or a conclusion: $(1.2)$

a. A big log in the fire does not burn well. 

b. If I chop the log into smaller wood pieces, it will burn better. 

c. The small wood pieces burn brighter and make a hotter fire. 

d. The small wood pieces are used up faster than burning the big log.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. The statement shows an observation.  

b. The statement shows a hypothesis.  

c. The statement shows an experiment. 

d. The statement shows an experiment.

Part (a) step 1: Given Information

We need to identify the statement that a big log in the fire does not burn well.  

Part (a) step 2: Explanation

Determining whether it is an observation, a hypothesis, an experiment, or a conclusion.

The statement given in this part shows that observation which states something that you particularly noticed which is a big log in the fire does not burn well.  

Part (b) step 1: Given Information

We need to identify the statement that If I chop the log into smaller wood pieces, it will burn better. 

Part (b) step 2: Explanation

Determining whether it is an observation, a hypothesis, an experiment, or a conclusion.

The statement given in this part shows a hypothesis as it states an assumption which is

if I chop the log into smaller wood pieces, it will burn better. 

Part (c) step 1: Given Information

We need to identify the statement that numerous studies have shown that the small wood pieces burn brighter and make a hotter fire.  

Part (c) step 2: Explanation

Determining whether it is an observation, a hypothesis, an experiment, or a conclusion.

The statement given in this part shows an experiment as it says that the final result or judgment is that according to research the small wood pieces burn brighter and make a hotter fire.  

Part (d) step 1: Given Information

We need to identify the statement that the small wood pieces are used up faster than burning the big log. 

Part (d) step 2: Explanation

Determining whether it is an observation, a hypothesis, an experiment, or a conclusion.

The statement given in this part shows an experiment as it says that the final result or judgment is that according to research the small wood pieces are used up faster than burning the big log.