Jia observes that adding a solution of sodium hydroxide to a clear liquid turns the liquid pink. She makes a hypothesis about why the liquid changed color. Which characteristic is least important for her hypothesis to have?

A useful scientific hypothesis should be testable, could be shown to be incorrect, and should be based on current knowledge. Classmates’ opinions are not needed to explain why the liquid turned pink. Therefore, the least important characteristic is being based on classmates’ opinions, choice B.

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