Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 37%

Which statement demonstrates a hypothesis?

Rationale

Memory capacity in mammals is directly proportional to brain size.

This statement suggests a specific relationship that can be tested through observation and experimentation, thereby qualifying it as a hypothesis. A hypothesis is generally an educated guess or prediction that can be investigated scientifically.

A (Atoms are composed of smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement describes a well-established fact in atomic theory and does not present a testable prediction. It outlines the composition of atoms, which has been confirmed through extensive scientific research, rather than suggesting a relationship that requires further investigation.

B (Energy can be transferred or transformed but not created or destroyed.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement reflects the law of conservation of energy, which is a fundamental principle in physics. It is not a hypothesis because it does not propose a new idea or relationship that could be tested; instead, it states a universally accepted law based on empirical evidence.

C (During any natural interaction, matter is neither created nor destroyed.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement summarizes the law of conservation of mass, another fundamental scientific principle. Like choice B, it does not represent a hypothesis as it does not offer a prediction or an explanation that can be tested; it simply states a principle that is already well understood.

Conclusion

A hypothesis is a statement that proposes a potential relationship or explanation that can be tested through observation and experimentation. Among the options provided, only the statement regarding memory capacity and brain size proposes a direct relationship that can be investigated, making it the only valid hypothesis. The other statements are established scientific laws or facts that do not require testing.

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