Chapter 1, Problem 14A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The given statement needs to be labeled as “observation”, “theory”, or “law”.

Concept Introduction: Chemistry is a fundamental science that investigates and studies molecules. In chemistry, the scientific method is a systematic way of collecting evidence to support theories/ concepts.In scientific disciplines, the term “model”, “experiment”, “observation”, “theory” and “law” holds different meanings of phenomena.

Answer to Problem 14A

Every time one let go of something heavy, it falls to the ground is an observation.

When an apple breaks from a branch of a tree, it falls to the ground is a law.

This happens because apples are attracted to the earth is a theory.

Explanation of Solution

Observations are what a person (or chemist) makes collecting data and theory is a group of connected ideas or concepts intended to describe something. According to this, the given statement, each time we let go of something heavy, it falls to the ground, is observation.

Law summarizes a set of observation about natural phenomena. It is based on hypotheses and evidences. According to this, the given statement, when an apple breaks from a branch of a tree, it falls to the ground, is law.

Theory is a group of connected ideas or concepts intended to describe something.  It involves question- “why” or “how anything/ somethings happens. It is based on inference.According to this, the given statement, this happens because apples are attracted to earth, is theory.