Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) Physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between observation and inference is a key concept in all fields of science, including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science. This distinction is particularly important in the scientific method, which is a systematic approach to discovery and understanding in science. An observation is a factual statement about the world gathered through the senses or instruments, whereas an inference is a logical conclusion or explanation based on observations.
For example, if a student notices that a plant grows taller in sunlight than in shade, this is an observation. If the student then infers that plants require sunlight to grow effectively, that is an inference, which can be further investigated through experimentation.