Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws Practice

Which choice best explains why the scientific model of the atom has changed over time?

• The discovery of new evidence resulted in changes to the atomic theory.

• Advancements in atomic models proved the atomic theory was accurate.

• The atomic theory was modified with the discovery of a new element.

• Changes in atomic models show that the atomic theory was based on opinion.

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In what way is a scientific law different from a scientific theory?

• A law describes a pattern between two or more variables, while a theory explains why something happens.

• A law is true in all situations, while a theory is only true in some situations.

• A law describes the major ideas of the universe, while theories are based on smaller ideas of the universe.

• A law is based on testable facts and data, while a theory is just a combination of one or more hypotheses that still need to be tested.

Which of the following is true about theories and laws?

• Laws and theories are created based on many observations and experiments.

• Theories and laws cannot be altered or changed.

• Theories become laws after experiments are successfully replicated.

• Laws and theories are created based on the results of a single experiment.

Newton's 2nd Law of Motion states that the force acting upon an object is equal to the product of the object's mass and acceleration (F=ma). Which statement correctly explains why this is a law?

• Laws are descriptions of how nature works, and theories are explanations of why a natural process happens.

• Scientific theories that are not proven are accepted as laws.

• Scientific laws are proven by experimentation and approved by scientists.

• Theories are a descriptions of how nature works, and laws are explanations of why a natural process happens.

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Which of the following is a characteristic of all scientific theories?

• Theories explain why something happens.

• Theories explain the order of events in history.

• Theories never change.

• Theories are always based on models.

Cell theory states that all living things are composed of cells and that cells are the basic unit of life. Why do scientists refer to it as cell theory instead of the cell hypothesis?

• Centuries of observations and experiments verify the idea.

• Since we haven't checked every organisms for cells, we cannot call it a hypothesis.

• It explains what happens in cells, so it cannot be a hypothesis.

• It is an idea accepted by more than just one scientist.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to their mass, and indirectly proportional to the distance between them. Why is this considered a law, but not a theory?

• It provides a description of a natural event, but not an explanation.

• It began as a theory, but as evidence for it mounted, it became a law.

• It was described very early in the history of science before theories were developed.

• It is so widely accepted that it would be unwise not to go along with it.

True or False? Scientific theories can be modified but scientific laws are unchangable.

• False

• True

True or False? Laws are generally modified as scientists discover specific conditions under which the law does not apply.

• True

• False

True or False? As scientific theories are modified with new evidence, they often tend to explain more natural events and being able to explain things in greater detail.

• True

• False

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