Theories Vs. Laws Exit Ticket

Scientists create both scientific theories and scientific laws as they make observations and conduct experiments about the natural world. Which of the following statements most accurately compares the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws?

• Scientific laws are based on evidence, while scientific theories are not.

• Scientific theories involve only biology, while laws involve all types of science.

• Scientific theories involve mathematical equations, while scientific laws are based on observations.

• Scientific theories are ideas that explain natural events, while scientific laws more reliably predict natural events.

The validity of scientific theories and laws depends on evidence. Which of the following statements of evidence supports a law rather than a theory?

• Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom within a certain radius.

• DNA analysis reveals that a modern species is related to an extinct species.

• Seafloor spreading occurs at a rate of three centimeters per year in the mid-Atlantic.

• The amount of matter in a closed system is the same at the start of a reaction as at the end of the reaction.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Atomic theory, which describes the atoms that make up matter, has been explored for centuries. Scientists in ancient Greece first proposed that matter was made of units called atoms. For many years, scientists thought atoms were solid and could not be divided. Then, in the nineteenth century, scientists began to discover the particles that make up atoms. Modern techniques have allowed scientists to split atoms into increasingly smaller particles. Which of the following statements about theories is supported by the history of the atomic theory?

• If new evidence contradicts earlier theories, it is a result of an experimental error.

• Experiments with modern equipment cannot be used to support earlier theories.

• A theory is discarded when new evidence contradicts a part of the theory.

• Theories can change in response to new evidence.

Theory or Law? Predicts what will happen in the natural world.

• Law

• Theory

Theory or Law? Changes with new observations.

• Theory

• Law

Theory or Law? Is a well-tested EXPLANATION for a wide range of observations and experimental results.

• Law

• Theory

Theory or Law? Is a DESCRIPTION of what a scientists expects to happen every time under a certain set of conditions.

• Law

• Theory