Theories vs Laws

Often can be represented by a mathematical formula

• Law

• Theory

• Both

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Often explains more related phenomena over time.

• Both

• Theory

• Law

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Often becomes more limited over time.

• Law

• Theory

• Both

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

Is a well-tested EXPLANATION for a wide range of observations and experimental results.

• Law

• Theory

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

Predicts what will happen in the natural world.

• Law

• Theory

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Changes with new observations.

• Theory

• Law

Theory or Law? 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.

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

• science laws are based on evidence while science theories are not

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

• science theories involve mathematical equations, while science laws are based on observations

• science theories are ideas that explain natural events, while science laws predict what will happen in a natural event.