Chemistry: The Scientific Method and Measurement

The Scientific Method: Nanoparticle Catalysts for Fuel Cells

• Observations:
  • Recording qualitative or quantitative data
• Hypothesis:
  • Explanation of observations
• Experiments:
  • Change one variable at a time
  • Test hypothesis
• Theory:
  • Explains experiment
  • Predicts further outcome

Observations

• Systematic recording of qualitative or quantitative data

Hypothesis

• Tentative explanation for observations

Experiment

• Procedure to test the hypothesis; change one variable at a time
• Test predictions of theory

Theory

• Unifying principle that explains experimental results; predicts new outcomes
• Observations consistent with hypothesis

The Scientific Method: Nanoparticle Catalysts for Fuel Cells

• Nanoscience
  • The production and study of structures that have at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nanometers
  • Fast-growing, multidisciplinary enterprise
• Fuel Cells
  • A device that uses a fuel such as hydrogen to produce electricity
  • Operate much like a battery
  • Require a continuous input of fuel

Measurements: SI Units and Scientific Notation

• Système Internationale d’Unités

Fundamental SI Units of Measure

• All other units are derived from these fundamental units.

Prefixes for Multiples of SI Units

• Common Prefixes and Symbols in the Chemical Sciences Are Shown in Red