Scenario 1: The Dark Room
Situation: You walk into your room at night and flip the switch, but the light does not turn on. Apply the scientific method.
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Observe: The light did not turn on when the switch was flipped.
- Question: Why is the light not working?
- Hypothesis 1: The light bulb has fused (burnt out).
- Test 1: Replace the bulb with a new one that you know works.
- Result: The light turns on.
- Conclusion: The old bulb was fused.
What if Test 1 failed?
- Hypothesis 2: There is a power cut in the house.
- Test 2: Check if fans or lights in other rooms are working.
Scenario 2: The Floating Egg
Situation: You notice that an egg sinks in tap water, but you heard it floats in salty water. How do you verify this?
Step-by-Step Solution:
- Observe: An egg sinks in a glass of normal tap water.
- Question: Will adding salt make the egg float?
- Hypothesis: Salt increases the density of water, which might help the egg float.
- Experiment:
- Take the glass with the sunken egg.
- Add 1 spoon of salt and stir carefully. Observe.
- Add 2 spoons, then 3 spoons.
- Analysis: After adding 3-4 spoons of salt, the egg rises to the surface.
- Conclusion: Salt water can support the egg, making it float. The hypothesis is correct.