A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem is called a hypothesis. In scientific terms, a hypothesis is an educated guess that provides a starting point for investigation.
The essence of a hypothesis is that it must be testable and falsifiable, meaning it can be supported or refuted through experimentation or further observation. A well-formed hypothesis typically arises from existing knowledge or theories and aims to explain a specific aspect of a natural occurrence.
For instance, if scientists observe that plants grow taller when exposed to more sunlight, they may form a hypothesis stating that increased sunlight contributes to plant growth. This hypothesis can then be tested through experiments, which can either support or disprove it.
In summary, a hypothesis serves as a preliminary explanation that guides scientific research, allowing researchers to explore and understand various phenomena systematically.