The Scientific Process

&
Theoretical Change
 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Topics
• Experiments, Hypotheses, Theories & Laws
• Theoretical Change or Variability of Theories
• The Scientific Method

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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Objectives
● Students should be able to:
➔ understand that theories in science are subject to change

➔ understand the scientific method

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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Experiments, Hypotheses, Theories & Laws
• Experiment & Explanation are the foundations of chemical
research
• An experiment is an observation of natural phenomena
carried out in a controlled manner so that the results can
be duplicated and rational conclusions obtained
• E.g. variables such as temperature and amounts of substances
can be controlled

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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Hypotheses
• After a series of experiments, perhaps a researcher sees some
relationship or regularity in the results
• At some point the scientist tries to make sense of the results
by deriving an explanation of some regularity of nature
• A hypothesis is a tentative explanation of some regularity of
nature

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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Theories
• Explanations help us to organise knowledge to predict future
events
• If a hypothesis successfully passes many tests, it becomes
known as a theory
• A theory is a tested explanation of basic natural phenomena
• E.g. the molecular theory of gases – the theory that all gases
are composed of very small particles called molecules

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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Acceptance of Theories
• For a theory to be commonly accepted in society, there must
be:
– Good fit between the evidence and theoretical constructs
– Reliability and accuracy of data
– Replicability of experiments including by other researchers
– Consensus within the scientific community e.g. accepted for
publication by respected peer reviewed modern journals

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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Laws
• If the regularity or relationship being studied is fundamental
and we can state it simply, particularly if it can be
expressed as a mathematical equation, we call it a law
• A law is a concise statement or mathematical equation about
a fundamental relationship or regularity of nature
• E.g. the law of conservation of mass states that the mass or
quantity of matter remains constant during any chemical
change.
• E.g. the Ideal Gas Law PV/T = Constant or PV=nRT
• E.g. Newton’s Laws of Motion F= ma etc.

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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
Theoretical Change or Variability of Theories
• We can never prove a theory absolutely
• Further experiments might show that the theory is limited, i.e. it
only applies in certain situations
• Better theories may be developed
• Limitations may also lead to new discoveries and additional
theories
• E.g. Newton’s Laws of Motion
– Does not apply at near speed of light  theory of relativity
– Small objects do not follow  quantum mechanics
• E.g. Ideal Gas Law
– Only works for gases with particles spread far apart.
– Does not work for compressed gases
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 The Scientific Process & Theoretical Change
The Scientific Method
• The two aspects of science – experiment & explanation are
closely related in a circular manner.
• A scientist performs experiments & observes some regularity
 Someone explains this regularity and proposes more
experiments  and so on…
• The general process of advancing scientific knowledge
through observation, the framing of laws, hypotheses or
theories; and the conducting of more experiments is called
the scientific method

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 Experiments

Results

Hypothesis

Further Experiments
devised based on hypothesis

Negative results lead to Positive results

modification or rejection of hypothesis support hypothesis
and formulation of new hypothesis
A theory follows after results
consistently support a hypothesis
Fundamental relationship
or mathematical equation is a law
Further experiments
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