An experiment can confirm or [[falsify]] a scientific theory. In one famous example, an [[hypothesis]] of [[Aristotle]]'s was endorsed for over one thousand years before finally being tested. He said that heavy things fall faster than light things. To the consternation of supporters of Aristotle, experimenters found out the hypothesis was untrue in most cases. Falling objects gain speed over time, and a 5-pound cannon ball dropped from a tower will hit the ground at the same time as a 10-pound cannon ball (see [[Falling objects]]). | An experiment can confirm or [[falsify]] a scientific theory. In one famous example, an [[hypothesis]] of [[Aristotle]]'s was endorsed for over one thousand years before finally being tested. He said that heavy things fall faster than light things. To the consternation of supporters of Aristotle, experimenters found out the hypothesis was untrue in most cases. Falling objects gain speed over time, and a 5-pound cannon ball dropped from a tower will hit the ground at the same time as a 10-pound cannon ball (see [[Falling objects]]). |