Basic Chemistry and Scientific Method Key Concepts for Students

Chemistry

The study of the properties of matter and how matter changes

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space

Scientific Method

A series of steps followed to solve problems including collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

experiement

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process

observation

Information obtained through the senses.

law

A statement that describes invariable relationships among phenomena under a specified set of conditions.

theory

A hypothesis that has been tested with a significant amount of data

state of matter

solid, liquid, gas

pure substances

elements and compounds

mixtures

A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically combined