Laws vs Theories

Please indicate if the following statement describes a Scientific theory or scientific law: "Earth's average temperatures will continue to increase because of the deterioration of the ozone layer, allowing the sun's that were previously absorbed to reach Earth's surface."

• Theory

• Law

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Cannot be validated by a single person

• Theory

• Law

• Both

Often explains more related phenomena over time.

• Both

• Theory

• Law

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

What is the best definition of the term "theory," as it is used in science?

• A theory is a guess or hunch about something that has occurred in nature.

• A theory is a comprehensive set of ideas explaining a phenomenon in nature.

• A theory is based on verifiable laws and can be proven true.

• A theory is a hypothesis that uses laws and observation to make an assumption.

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.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-7

Predicts what will happen in the natural world.

• Law

• Theory

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Changes with new observations.

• Theory

• Law

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

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

• Law

• Theory

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

• Law

• Theory

Lilly was trying to explain to her friend the difference between a theory and a law in science. She used the theory of plate tectonics and the law of superposition as examples. Lilli explained the difference by using non-scientific language. Which statement could Lilly use to correctly describe the difference between a theory and a law in science?

• A theory describes a natural event, while a law explains it.

• A theory explains a natural event, while a law predicts it.

• A theory explains a natural event, while a law describes it.

• A theory predicts a natural event, while a law explains it.