In science what distinguishes a hypothesis from a theory?

Answer 1

A Hypothesis is a statement or objective one has set out to test or query.

eg An unsupported object will fall when dropped.

This can be proved or disproved through experimentation. After testing the above hypothesis multiple times (with a scientific method) one can deduce the statement that all unsupported objects fall when dropped.

Through more study one can form a scientific theory to explain the happenings in the experimentation. Using the about example the theory of Gravity and its effect on objects can be formed. A scientific theory can be disproven after formation.

TLDR: first comes unproven hypothesis, then after experimentation a scientific theory is formed.

Answer 2

A theory can be tested. The results of experiments are said to confirm or refute theories. The theory may still be proven wrong by some future test, but once a test can be devised (whether or not it is conducted) a hypothesis becomes a theory. Newton's theory of gravity and Einstein's theory of special relativity are examples of theories that have survived numerous tests. Newton's gravitation theory has, incidentally, been superseded by Einstein's general theory of Relativity.

Answer 3

once a hypothesis has been supported in repeated experiments, scientists can begin to develop a theory.

Answer 4

Hypotheses usually are relatively narrow in scope; theories have broad explanatory power.

-ahd

Answer 5

Hypothesis, is no more than a guess, to be investigated further.

A theory can be tested and proven.