When carrying out an experiment, it is important not to confuse observations wit

ID: 704911 • Letter: W

Question

When carrying out an experiment, it is important not to confuse observations with interpretations. Match the following scenarios to the appropriate category. Observations Interpretations Red litmus paper turns blue. The volume of water in the graduated cylinder 3.49 mL. The solution is basic. The volume of the solid is 1.41 mL. The solid quickly dissolves in water. The melting point of water is 0 °C. The volume of water in the graduated cylinder +solid 4.90 mL. The ice cube starts to dissolve at 0 °c. The solid is readily soluble in water

Explanation / Answer

Red litmus paper turns blue

The volume of water in the graduated cylinder = 3.49 mL

The volume of water in the graduated cylinder + solid = 4.90 mL

The ice cube starts to dissolve at 0oC

The solid quickly dissolves in water

The solution is basic

The volume of solid is 1.41 mL

The melting point of water is 0 0C

The solid is readily soluble in water

An observation is any report from your 5 senses. It does not involve an explanation. An observation can also involve measurements. Such an observation is a quantitative one, as opposed to a qualitative one (no measurements). On the other hand, an interpretation is an attempt to figure out what has been observed.

Observations Interpretations