Which term describes a testable idea in science?

Which term describes a testable idea in science?

• A. Observation
• B. Hypothesis
• C. Development
• D. Theory

Answer: (B)

A hypothesis is a testable explanation or educated guess about how something works. It makes specific predictions that can be tested with experiments or observations, and it must be falsifiable—there should be a possible outcome that could show it’s incorrect. For example, “If a plant receives more light, then its rate of photosynthesis will increase” is testable by measuring photosynthesis under different light levels. Observations are data you collect, not necessarily a testable idea. Development refers to growth or progression, not to a testable claim. Theory is a broad, well-supported explanation that explains many phenomena, not a single testable guess.

A hypothesis is a testable explanation or educated guess about how something works. It makes specific predictions that can be tested with experiments or observations, and it must be falsifiable—there should be a possible outcome that could show it’s incorrect. For example, “If a plant receives more light, then its rate of photosynthesis will increase” is testable by measuring photosynthesis under different light levels.

Observations are data you collect, not necessarily a testable idea. Development refers to growth or progression, not to a testable claim. Theory is a broad, well-supported explanation that explains many phenomena, not a single testable guess.