How do scientific theories differ from scientific laws?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to clarify the differences between scientific theories and scientific laws, focusing on their definitions, roles in science, and examples.
Answer
Theories explain how phenomena happen; laws state what happens.
Scientific theories describe how phenomena occur and provide overarching explanations, while scientific laws describe what will happen in specific situations, often demonstrable by mathematical equations.
Answer for screen readers
Scientific theories describe how phenomena occur and provide overarching explanations, while scientific laws describe what will happen in specific situations, often demonstrable by mathematical equations.
More Information
Scientific theories provide broad explanations based on a body of evidence, while scientific laws describe predictable outcomes derived from specific conditions.
Tips
Common mistake: Assuming theories become laws with more evidence. Theories explain; laws describe specific outcomes.
Sources
- The web page with info on - MasterClass - masterclass.com
- 1.6: Hypothesis, Theories, and Laws - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Theory vs. Hypothesis vs. Law | Difference & Examples - Study.com - study.com
