Siteadmin, Check users, nsTeam1RO, nsTeam1RW, nsTeam1_talkRO, nsTeam1_talkRW, oversight, Administrators
30,650
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 2:
Line 2: + +
a theory of Aristotle was endorsed for over one thousand years before finally being tested
For example, in elementary science classes, we can heat water over a flame and measure the temperature with a thermometer. We can measure how much gas is used in the Bunsen burner, and how close the flame is to the bottom of the flask, and so on. Then we can measure how the temperature changes over time. Perhaps we will discover that more gas means faster heating, or that more distance between flame and flask results in slower heating.
For example, in elementary science classes, we can heat water over a flame and measure the temperature with a thermometer. We can measure how much gas is used in the Bunsen burner, and how close the flame is to the bottom of the flask, and so on. Then we can measure how the temperature changes over time. Perhaps we will discover that more gas means faster heating, or that more distance between flame and flask results in slower heating.
An experiment can confirm or [[falsify]] a scientific theory. In one famous example, a theory of [[Aristotle]] 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 theory 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]]).