Compare and contrast scientific law and scientific theory.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a comparison and contrast between scientific laws and scientific theories, highlighting their definitions, characteristics, and differences.
Answer
A scientific law describes what happens, while a scientific theory explains how or why it happens.
The final answer is: A scientific law describes what happens in a given situation and is often expressed mathematically, while a scientific theory explains how or why a phenomenon occurs.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is: A scientific law describes what happens in a given situation and is often expressed mathematically, while a scientific theory explains how or why a phenomenon occurs.
More Information
A theory never becomes a law even with the accumulation of evidence. Laws tell us 'what' happens through observations or equations, whereas theories give us the 'why' behind those observations.
Tips
Avoid confusing the two by remembering that laws predict and describe observations (what happens) and theories explain the mechanisms (how/why it happens).
Sources
- The web page with info on - MasterClass - masterclass.com
- Scientific Laws and Theories - Faculty Web Pages - facultyweb.kennesaw.edu
- Scientific Theory vs Law - Medium - medium.com
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