Final answer:
The false statement is that a hypothesis can never be changed or modified. Hypotheses are fundamental to the scientific method and are meant to be tested, revised, or discarded based on experimental evidence. The correct option is c) A hypothesis can never be changed or modified.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is not true among the options provided is: A hypothesis can never be changed or modified. Scientific methods rely on the creation and testing of hypotheses. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation. If experimental results contradict the hypothesis, scientists must either discard it or modify it to align with the new evidence.
Thus, not only can a hypothesis be changed, but the iterative process of testing and refining hypotheses is at the heart of the scientific method. Furthermore, hypotheses must relate to the physical world and be subject to testing and analysis before they are widely accepted in the scientific community. Contrary to the erroneous statement, geologic hazards are indeed natural processes, and a hypothesis becomes accepted scientific knowledge after rigorous testing and analysis, not because it remains unchanged.
It is essential to note that scientific understanding evolves as new evidence comes to light and experiments are conducted, demonstrating that science is a dynamic process. This dynamic nature doesn't undermine the trustworthiness of scientific ideas; rather, it indicates robust mechanisms for self-correction and improvement in the quest to understand and explain natural phenomena.