What is a Science?

The observation, identification, description,

An Introduction to Chemistry experimental investigation, and theoretical
explanation of natural phenomena.

observe
describe Chemistry
identify
The science of the composition, structure,
properties and reactions of matter, especially
Natural of atomic and molecular systems.
Phenomena

experimentally theoretically
investigate explain

composition structure

Matter
The
Scientific Method
properties reactions

1
• Hypothesis: A trial • Theory: Well-
explanation of certain established hypothesis.
facts that provides a An explanation of the
basis for further general principles of
experimentation. certain phenomena
with considerable
evidence or facts to
support it.

Law: Statement of natural phenomena to which no

exceptions are known under the given conditions. A
law is not an explanation.

1. Collect facts or data that are relevant to the

problem or question at hand. This is usually
done by experimentation. 4. Plan and do additional experiments to test the
hypothesis.
2. Analyze the data to find trends (regularities).
5. Modify the hypothesis to ensure
3. Formulate a hypothesis that will account for compatibility with the experimental data.
the data and that can be tested by further
experimentation.

EXPLANATIONS

Hypothesis Theory
Law

Tentative Explanation Explanation of the

of General Principles Simple Statement No Exceptions
Certain Facts of Certain Phenomena of Natural Phenomena Under the Given
Conditions

Provides a Considerable Evidence

Basis for or Facts
Further Experimentation Support It