Final answer:
A tentative explanation of certain facts that leads to further experimentation is called a hypothesis. It is a fundamental part of the scientific method used to form a basis for setting up experiments and is crucial for the advancement of scientific theories and laws through testing and validation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tentative explanation of certain facts that provides the basis for further experimentation is known as a hypothesis. It is a preliminary idea that proposes an explanation for a set of observations and is used as a starting point for further investigation. A hypothesis is designed to be thoroughly tested by experimentation, and through this testing, it can either be supported or contradicted by the results obtained. If a hypothesis is found to be consistently supported by experimental data, it may contribute to the development of a scientific theory; however, if the data do not support the hypothesis, it must be discarded or modified.
It’s important to differentiate between a hypothesis and scientific theories or laws. A theory is a well-tested, comprehensive explanation for a broad range of phenomena that is based on a solid body of evidence. On the other hand, a law is a description, often expressed mathematically, of how elements of nature will behave under certain specific conditions. The entire process of formulating a hypothesis, testing it through rigorous experiments, and refining theories is part of the scientific method.