What important characteristics do scientific theories and laws have?
a) is always about planets and stars
b) is correct and scientific
c) explains and predicts
d) is the same as a hypothesis
c
Yep!
The correct answer is c) explains and predicts.
Scientific theories and laws are both important concepts in the field of science. They serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. While scientific theories and laws can be about planets and stars, they are not exclusively limited to this subject matter (as option a) suggests).
Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations for a natural phenomenon or set of observations. They are supported by a vast body of evidence and have withstood rigorous testing. Theories provide a framework that helps to explain a wide range of related phenomena and make predictions about future observations. They are not limited to any specific field or subject matter and can apply to various areas of science, including biology, physics, chemistry, and more.
On the other hand, scientific laws are concise statements or mathematical descriptions that summarize and predict a specific relationship between observable phenomena. Laws are often derived from repeated observations or experiments and are based on empirical evidence. They represent fundamental principles that govern the behavior of a particular natural system.
So, while both scientific theories and laws are correct and scientific (as option b) suggests), the most important characteristic they share is that they explain and predict (as option c) states). They provide us with a deeper understanding of the natural world and allow us to make predictions about future observations or outcomes based on the available evidence.
It is worth mentioning that a hypothesis, as stated in option d), is different from a theory or a law. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction that is subject to testing and evaluation. Once a hypothesis has been thoroughly tested and supported by evidence, it may then become part of a scientific theory.