answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A scientific law is a generalization from a series of multiple observations. For example, the law of gravity postulates that objects that have mass are attracted to each other.

A scientific theory is the mechanism that explains a law. For example, the particle theory of light explains why light can travel through a vacuum.

N.B. One of the most commonly miscatergorizes laws is the law of evolution (it's often called the theory of evolution). Evolution is a scientific law stating that organisms change into different species over several generations.

Darwins theory of natural selection is the theory explaining this law. Natural selection postulates that evolution happens because certain organisms are better adapted to their environment than others, thereby being more likely to pass on such traits to their offspring.

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

βˆ™ 5mo ago

A scientific theory is an explanation of natural phenomena supported by evidence and validated through observation and experimentation, such as the theory of evolution. A scientific law is a statement that describes a consistent pattern found in nature, like the law of gravity. The main difference is that a theory explains why something happens, while a law describes what happens.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago

Fact - Something that has been proven through direct observation and experiment.

Law - Something that has been proven scientifically and is codified as being a consistent results or fact.

Theory: Believed to be a law or fact, it is usually the results of observation of many experiments and is an hypothosis that is yet to be proven as a law.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 14y ago

A scientific theory is something that a scientist suggests is true because of a hypothesis that he or she has made. For instance, I believe that when I throw an apple into the air, it will fall down. I believe this because I have seen it happen and I make a couple of experiments.

A law is something that has been proven over and over again and for all intents and purposes it is considered a fact until proven wrong. Again using the example, scientists all over the world begin throwing apples into the air with the same result. This is now called the Law of Gravity.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago

A hypothesis is a guess of what might happen in the future. A theory is the explanation on hoe something works based evidence you already have. A law explains how things work.
A hypothesis is an educated guess. Essentially, it's what you think will happen if a condition is met or created. It is written as "if x happens, then y will happen". A hypothesis is used as part of the scientific method to explain what you are trying to prove, and data can be used from the experiment to either disprove or prove your hypothesis.

A law is something that is proven to be true, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Existing laws include the Law of Gravity, or the Law of Conservation of Energy(that energy cannot be created or destroyed).

A theory is essentially a hypothesis backed by lots and lots of evidence. A theory is something that is thought of to be true, but has not been proven true beyond a shadow of a doubt. You can think of it as almost a law, but just not quite at that point yet.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 8y ago

A hypothesis is a formalized thought ... "I think this might be true". A theory is a hypothesis which has been tested (against reality) and seems to be true. A "law" is just a short-hand description of a theory (usually a simple mathematical equation).

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 8y ago

A law may be a validated and generally accepted theory.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago

chemistry

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Anonymous

Lvl 1
βˆ™ 4y ago

Theories unify a broad range of observations and hypotheses.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Explain the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the difference between scientific theory?

Between Scientific Theory and what?


What is the difference between a scientific theory and scientific law?

Scientific theory is a well supported by evidence set of principles that explain and predict natural phenomenon. A scientific law explains what some phenomenon does scientifically and under the same conditions.


What is the difference between a scientific theory and scientific laws?

Scientific theory is a well supported by evidence set of principles that explain and predict natural phenomenon. A scientific law explains what some phenomenon does scientifically and under the same conditions.


What the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Scientific theory is a well supported by evidence set of principles that explain and predict natural phenomenon. A scientific law explains what some phenomenon does scientifically and under the same conditions.


What difference between a scientific theory and a scientific?

Mostly semantics. A "law" is a theory that can be expressed mathematically.


What is the difference between conspiracy theory and theory of conspiracy?

no difference! But there's not such a scientific theory. It's a lyric... I think


What is the difference between science law and scientific theory?

A science law is a description or prediction of a behavior as a result of repeated observation or testing. It does not involve an explanation or cause of the behavior. A Scientific Theory is an attempt to explain why something happens.


What are the difference between a theory and a scientific theory?

law is based on fact theory is a concept/idea


What best describes the difference between a scientific hypothesis and a scientific theory?

A hypothesis requires confirmation to advance to the status of theory.


What is the difference between popular theory and scientific theory?

Scientific theory can usually be proven by a repeatable experiment. Popular theory is just what the masses and media think.


What primary difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis is that a theory is?

A scientific theory is more elaborated than a simple hypothesis and generally is validated by experiments.


What is the difference between biblical and scientific theory?

A scientific theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon determined through the scientific method consisting tests and experiments. A biblical theory is a theory that comes from the bible.