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Ch.1 - Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement
Chapter 1, Problem 66b

(b) A(n) _________ reliably predicts the behavior of matter, while a(n) _________ provides an explanation for that behavior.

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Identify the terms that are commonly used in science to describe the tools used for predicting and explaining phenomena.
Recognize that the first blank should be filled with a term that is used for a statement or equation that predicts the outcomes under specific conditions.
Understand that the second blank should be filled with a term that is used for a conceptual framework that explains the observations and relationships.
Fill in the first blank with 'law', as laws in science are statements that describe and predict a range of natural phenomena.
Fill in the second blank with 'theory', as theories in science are well-substantiated explanations of some aspect of the natural world.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Scientific Law

A scientific law is a statement that describes a consistent and universal relationship observed in nature, often expressed mathematically. It reliably predicts the behavior of matter under specific conditions, such as Newton's laws of motion, which describe the relationship between the motion of objects and the forces acting on them.
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Scientific Theory

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has withstood rigorous testing. Unlike laws, theories provide a framework for understanding why phenomena occur, such as the theory of evolution, which explains the diversity of life through natural selection.
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Empirical Evidence

Empirical evidence refers to information acquired by observation or experimentation that is used to support or refute scientific claims. Both scientific laws and theories rely on empirical evidence to validate their predictions and explanations, ensuring that they are grounded in observable reality.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Classify each of the following as a pure substance, a solution, or a heterogeneous mixture: (a) a leaf (b) a 999 gold bar

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Textbook Question

Classify each of the following as a pure substance, a solution, or a heterogeneous mixture: (c) stainless steel.

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Textbook Question

(a) Which is more likely to eventually be shown to be incorrect: an hypothesis or a theory?

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Textbook Question

A sample of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is synthesized in the laboratory. It contains 1.50 g of carbon and 2.00 g of oxygen. Another sample of ascorbic acid isolated from citrus fruits contains 6.35 g of carbon. According to the law of constant composition, how many grams of oxygen does it contain?

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Textbook Question

Two students determine the percentage of lead in a sample as a laboratory exercise. The true percentage is 22.52%. The students’ results for three determinations are as follows: (1) 22.52, 22.48, 22.54 (2) 22.64, 22.58, 22.62 (a) Calculate the average percentage for each set of data and state which set is the more accurate based on the average.

Textbook Question

Two students determine the percentage of lead in a sample as a laboratory exercise. The true percentage is 22.52%. The students' results for three determinations are as follows: (1) 22.52, 22.48, 22.54 (2) 22.64, 22.58, 22.62 (b) Precision can be judged by examining the average of the deviations from the average value for that data set. (Calculate the average value for each data set; then calculate the average value of the absolute deviations of each measurement from the average.) Which set is more precise?

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