0
A "law" is a readily observable fact about something. It is something that is obvious and undeniable. Allow me to clear up a common misconception right now, laws are not a "higher" stage than theory, and no theory ever becomes a law. Laws are simple and obvious statements about a phenomenon that never require a second guess, or an experiment, to verify them (for example, there is a law that states that there exists an apparent attraction between all objects having positive mass...it's called the law of Gravity, and it's not just undeniable, but it's readily observable and demonstrable (by virtue of the simple fact that you are not floating about, but are anchored to the Earth)).
Now, a "theory" is an advanced hypothesis. An hypothesis is a plausible, testable explanation of how a phenomenon works and/or why it works that way. Once an hypothesis has been tested repeatedly, under a variety of conditions, such that it is sufficient to convince a majority that the hypothesis is probably right ("right", in this context, means that it can be used successfully to make predictions as to how the phenomenon will behave if one conducts the same experiment(s) again), it can graduate to "theory", but it is still tested just as vigorously.
A theory can be "strong" or "weak", depending on the amount of evidence there is that agrees with it, the amount of accurate predictions it's made, and the amount of experiments that have been conducted and have concluded in its favor. However, it doesn't matter how strong a theory gets (you might think of such as examples as the theory of Evolution, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, &c), it never becomes a law. That would run contrary to the definition of "law" as readily observable and nor requiring experimenation for verification. Also, a theory may always be disproven, but it must then be replaced with a better theory.
A law describes a phenomenon in nature that has been observed to always happen under certain conditions, while a theory is an explanation of why and how the phenomenon occurs. Laws are more concrete and proven, while theories are broader explanations that may incorporate multiple concepts and evidence. Laws are considered more certain and universal than theories.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
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 ideal gas law and kinetic theory?
The ideal gas law is a macroscopic equation that describes the relationship between pressure, volume, temperature, and the amount of gas in a system, assuming ideal conditions. Kinetic theory, on the other hand, is a microscopic model that explains the properties of gases in terms of the motion of individual particles. While the ideal gas law provides a convenient way to relate macroscopic properties of gases, kinetic theory offers a more detailed understanding of the behavior of gas molecules at the microscopic level.
What comes first a law or theory?
In science, a theory typically comes before a law. A theory is an explanation of a natural phenomenon based on empirical evidence and repeated testing, while a law is a concise statement or equation that describes a specific relationship in nature. Theories can evolve into laws as more evidence is gathered.
What was the difference between the geocentric theory and the helicentric theory?
Geocentrism places Earth at the center of the planetary system. Heliocentrism, correctly, places the sun at the center, hence: the Solar System.
What is the difference between the Ideal Gas Law and Kinetic Molecular Theory?
The Ideal Gas Law describes the behavior of ideal gases in terms of pressure, volume, temperature, and the number of gas particles. Kinetic Molecular Theory explains the behavior of gases in terms of the motion of gas particles and the interactions between them, helping to understand concepts such as temperature and pressure in relation to gas behavior.
What is the difference between law an theory?
a law is something that is true and a theory is an opinion or thought that can be proven wrong.
What are the difference between a theory and a scientific theory?
law is based on fact theory is a concept/idea
What is the Difference between imperative theory and pure theory of law?
command of sovereign sanctioned by punishments is law by imperative theory and law as legal science of norms is by pure theory of law.
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 natural law and scientific theory?
A natural law is an empirical observation held to be true. A theory explains why the law holds true.
What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientifc law?
A theory is an explanation of behavior, while a law is a summary of observed, measurable behavior.
What is the difference between a scientific law and a theory?
A scientific law is a statement of a pattern that has been observed. A theory is an explanation that has stood up to repeated test.
What is the difference between standard theory and extended standard theory?
What is the difference between standard theory and extended standard theory?
What are the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws?
law is based on fact theory is a concept/idea
What is the difference between scientific theory?
Between Scientific Theory and what?
What is the difference between legal theory and jurisprudence?
Legal theory refers to systematic frameworks used to analyze and understand the law, while jurisprudence is the philosophy and theory of law and the principles and methods used in legal reasoning. In other words, legal theory is more about analyzing and explaining the law, while jurisprudence is concerned with the nature of law itself.
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.
