many of my friends told me that chemistry works about mere assumptions, is it true? and if it is, what are the assumptions?
2006-06-27 03:10:15 · 5 answers · asked by Fraller Dude 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Chemistry is just like any other science. You make observations of phenomena, you theorize about what is causing the phenomena observed, then you check the validity of the theory by predicting experimentation, and make sure there is repeatability of the predicted observations.
There are alot of things in chemistry that people don't know, and they're working on finding ways to explain/predict those things. Until then, they have models that explain things which wouldn't be called assumptions because they're not assumed to be true.
Unless you're talking about the assumptions that simplify equations, which we still do not think are true, they just make equations alot easier to solve.
2006-06-27 04:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by TheHza 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chemistry is built on theories. Scientists perform experiments, make a statement on how things work and then tru to prove the statement.
If they prove the statement, they try to apply the statement to other things.
Over time, we have built a foundation of concepts that seem to hold in most cases. We test new ideas based on these concepts, and in most cases the expected result occurs.
Chemistry has evolved over time. A good example is atomic structure. As we have learned more about atoms and evaluated more types of atoms, our understanding of atomic structure has changed.
However, all science is based on inference. One could conceivably build a different foundation that explained all chemical phenomena. Scientists would then devise experiments to determine which is more reasonable.
2006-06-27 11:42:34 · answer #2 · answered by scott_d_webb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell no they're wrong. I'm a bioorganic chemistry. If I assume anything it's that I'm doing my math right and if it's anything else my boss isn't happy.
Some do work on assumptions. they work with computer models and try to answer questions others propose and figure out how things "really" work.
I work with known methods trying to make something new then test the effectiveness based on previous models.
2006-06-27 11:41:51 · answer #3 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not true. Everything that is known about chemistry has been proven through experimentation.
2006-06-27 10:14:39 · answer #4 · answered by xox_bass_player_xox 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it actually does work eg you add sodium and chlorine and you get salt
2006-06-27 10:13:51 · answer #5 · answered by Kalahari_Surfer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋