Question

Research each of the following using an Internet search engine (e.g., Google.com or Yahoo.com) and cite your URL reference. Who first discovered hydrogen?

Short answer

Hydrogen was first discovered by Henry Cavendish.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Terms

Identify the main question you need to answer which in this case is about who first discovered hydrogen. Focus on key terms like 'discovery of hydrogen' or 'who discovered hydrogen' as these will help in finding relevant information.

Perform the Internet Search

Use a search engine such as Google.com. Type in the search query using the identified key terms, like 'who discovered hydrogen'. Press 'Enter' to perform the search.

Review Search Results

Scan through the search results for credible sources that provide information about the discovery of hydrogen. Look for well-known scientific history sites, encyclopedias, or educational institutions.

Verify the Information

Click on a few credible and reputable sources, such as an article from Encyclopaedia Britannica or a university website, to verify the information about who discovered hydrogen. Ensure that multiple sources agree upon the same information.

Cite the Source

Once the information is verified, identify the URL of the source you consider most credible. Make sure to properly cite it in your reference list. For example, if using Encyclopaedia Britannica, the citation looks like this: 'https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Cavendish'.

Key concepts

Scientific Research

Scientific research is a systematic way of gathering and analyzing information to expand our understanding of the world. When you are tasked with discovering who first identified hydrogen, approaching the question scientifically is the best method.

Start by identifying the key terms or hypotheses related to your question, such as "discovery of hydrogen." Breaking down the problem helps in directing your research efforts toward the right sources.

• Use precise search terms.
• Formulate clear questions.
• Gather data effectively.

In this case, you are likely to discover that Henry Cavendish, a British scientist, is credited with discovering hydrogen around 1766. He described this light and inflammable gas that he produced during experiments involving acids and metals.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is essential when evaluating the information you gather. It involves questioning the validity and reliability of your sources. After performing an Internet search with the appropriate terms, you must sift through the information critically.

As you peruse the search results, ask yourself:

• Is the information consistent across several sources?
• Do the sources have authority on the subject matter?
• Are there indications of bias or opinion rather than factual reporting?

These questions will help you determine which pieces of information to trust and which to discard. For example, confirming that Henry Cavendish is repeatedly mentioned across different reputable sources can solidify the accuracy of your findings.

Credible Sources

Finding and recognizing credible sources is a pivotal part of research. Credible sources are often characterized by their authority, timeliness, and degree of objectivity.

When looking for who discovered hydrogen, prioritize sources such as:

• Well-known scientific history publications.
• Encyclopedias, like the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
• Educational websites run by institutions or organizations.

These types of sources are more likely to offer verified and reliable information. Avoid sources where the authorship is unclear or the information is not referenced properly. Proper citation is not just about giving credit; it's about providing a path for others to follow to verify your data.