Experiment

Experimentation is a method used in science to make significant observations. For example, after Albert Einstein advanced his theory of general relativity according to which massive objects such as the sun would cause curving of spacetime an observation was made of the light from a star which passed near the sun. This was done during a solar eclipse in order that light from the star could be detected. It was found that the light from the star was indeed deflected by the sun.

The result of a good experiment answers an important question. Designing a good experiment is often very difficult. As scientists think about their field they develop theories and hypotheses and make predictions. Experiments are designed to disprove or verify predictions. See scientific method.