Which of the following statements correctly explains the difference between a theory and a scientific law?
theory explains what happens and a law explains why things happen.
A theory explains why things happen and a law explains what happens.
A theory explains why things happen and a law explains what happens.
The correct statement is: A theory explains why things happen and a law explains what happens.
The correct statement is: A theory explains why things happen and a law explains what happens.
To understand the difference between a theory and a scientific law, it is important to grasp the meaning and usage of these terms in the scientific context.
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon, which is based on a vast amount of evidence and has been repeatedly tested and verified through rigorous scientific inquiry. Theories provide a comprehensive framework that organizes and explains a wide range of observations and experimental results. They offer explanations for the underlying mechanisms, principles, and processes that drive a particular phenomenon. Theories are dynamic and subject to revision or expansion as new evidence emerges.
On the other hand, a scientific law is a concise and generalized statement that describes a fundamental principle or pattern observed in nature. Laws are based on repeated observations and experimental evidence and are often expressed mathematically. Unlike theories, scientific laws do not provide explanations or descriptions of underlying mechanisms; instead, they describe what happens in a specific set of circumstances. Laws are considered to be well-established principles that have withstood extensive testing and are expected to hold true universally within a given domain of knowledge.
Therefore, theories explain why things happen by providing comprehensive explanations, while scientific laws describe what happens by stating fundamental principles or patterns.