Concept explainers
A chemist observes the behavior of a gas by filling a balloon and measuring its volume at different temperatures. After making many measurements, he concludes that the volume of a gas always increases with increasing temperature. The chemist's conclusion is best classified as an:
a. observation
b. law
c. theory
Interpretation:
The given statement is to be classified as an observation, a law, or a theory.
Concept introduction:
A law is a rule which is universally followed. A law is something which is undeniable.
A theory is an idea or a framework, which is used to explain some phenomenon.
The process of monitoring a change in something is called an observation.
Answer to Problem 1SC
Correct Answer: Option (b).
Explanation of Solution
Reason for correct option:
The experiment is conducted to check the behavior of a gas by a chemist, in which a balloon is filled with the given gas and the volume of gas is measured at different temperatures. The chemist observed that when there is an increase in the temperature of the gas, the volume of the gas also increases. This signifies a law. It is not a type of a theory or any observation. After many experiments on the behavior of gases, the above statement is proved and becomes a law.
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Reason for incorrect options:
Option (a) is incorrect because according to option (a), it is an observation.
Option (c) is incorrect because according to option (c), it is a theory.
Hence, options (a) and (c) are incorrect.
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Chapter 1 Solutions
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