Which of the following best describes a theory?
A
a theory is a guess or hunch about something that has occurred in nature
B
a theory is based on verifiable laws that can be proven true
C
a theory is a set of ideas that explains a phenomenon that has been well-tested and can be repeated and replicated.
D
a theory is a hypothesis that uses laws and observations to make an assumption
https://www.livescience.com/21491-what-is-a-scientific-theory-definition-of-theory.html
C - a theory is a set of ideas that explains a phenomenon that has been well-tested and can be repeated and replicated - best describes a theory.
The correct answer is C: a theory is a set of ideas that explains a phenomenon that has been well-tested and can be repeated and replicated.
To arrive at this answer, let's first understand what a theory is and how it is different from other concepts.
A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence. It is not just a guess or hunch (option A). Theories go beyond individual observations or laws, as they aim to provide a comprehensive explanation for a phenomenon and are supported by multiple lines of evidence.
Laws (option B) are general statements or principles that describe or predict the behavior of a particular system. They are specific in their scope and don't usually provide a broader explanation. Theories, on the other hand, can incorporate laws and help to explain why those laws hold true.
Hypotheses (option D) are proposed explanations for a specific phenomenon or observation. They are valuable in the scientific method as they can be tested and refined. However, they are different from theories in that they are not as comprehensive or widely supported.
Therefore, option C is the best description of a theory because it highlights the crucial aspects of being well-tested, having explanatory power, and being repeatable and replicable.