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GCSE Chemistry · key term
A tentative scientific explanation for an observed phenomenon that can be tested using evidence.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.6.1.2 · Paper 2
A prediction that can be tested by an investigation.
Revise: Factors Affecting RateBefore taking measurements, make a testable hypothesis, such as: increasing the acid concentration will increase the rate. Then change the concentration deliberately and measure a result that reveals the rate.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
A provisional explanation for an observed phenomenon that can be tested using evidence.
Revise: Hypotheses and predictionsA hypothesis is a tentative, testable explanation for an observed phenomenon. It answers a question of the form “Why might this happen?” A useful hypothesis normally connects a proposed cause to an outcome and gives scientific reasoning for that connection.
A tentative scientific explanation that can be tested using evidence.
A proposed explanation that can be tested against evidence.
A proposed scientific explanation that can be tested using evidence.
When asked to justify a hypothesis, link it to a relevant scientific theory or tentative explanation rather than simply restating the expected result.
Keep the distinction clear: a hypothesis explains why something may happen; a prediction states what should be observed in a particular context.
Do not claim that one successful result proves a hypothesis. Say that evidence supports it; conflicting evidence may require it to be modified or rejected.
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