Question

Which of the following is an example of an Inference in the context of a physical science experiment?

• A. The student observed that the color of the solution changed after adding a chemical.
• B. The student measured the temperature of the substance before and after heating.
• C. The student concluded that the substance dissolved in water due to the heat applied.
• D. The dropped water level indicates that the liquid has changed its state to gas

Answer 1

Answer:

D. The dropped water level indicates that the liquid has changed its state to gas

• An inference is a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning. It's an educated guess or interpretation derived from observations during an experiment.

• In physical science, inferences help scientists understand phenomena that are not directly visible or measurable, like the change of state of a substance.

• Consider an experiment where water is heated in an open container.

• Observation: The water level in the container decreases over time.

• Inference: The decrease in water level suggests that the water has transformed into water vapor (a gas) and has dispersed into the atmosphere. This process is known as evaporation.

• Why it's an inference: We don't directly see the water turning into gas, but based on the observable evidence (water level dropping) and our scientific knowledge (water changes to gas when heated), we infer this conclusion.

• Observation is what is directly perceived through the senses (e.g., the water level is lower).

• Inference is the interpretation of that observation (e.g., the water has evaporated because it was heated).