Scientific Theories vs Laws

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.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-2

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.

Which of the following ways describe how scientific theories and scientific laws are alike?

• Both scientific theories and scientific laws explain why events occur in nature.

• Both scientific theories and scientific laws can be modified if new evidence is discovered.

• Both scientific theories and scientific laws are accepted by only the minority of scientists in their field.

• Scientific theories and scientific laws are not alike in any ways.

Which of the following is supported by lots of evidence?

• Theory

• Law

• Both

• Neither

Which of the following tells what happens every time under certain conditions?

• Theory

• Law

• Both

• Neither

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Which of the following can be revised with new evidence?

• Theory

• Law

• Both

• Neither

These describe a natural phenomenon or relationship that always occurs under specific conditions

• theory

• law

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Sir Isaac Newton was sitting under an apple tree one day when an apple hit him on the head. He wondered why the apple fell and eventually developed what became the law of gravity. Why is gravity considered a scientific law and not a scientific theory?

• The law of gravity describes the attraction between particles in the universe.

• The law of gravity explains why the particles attract each other.

• Gravity is not a law, it is a theory

• The law of gravity explains why the apple hit him on the head.

Which statements correctly describe theories? Check all that apply

• Theories result from several repeated experiments

• Theories cannot predict what may happen in the future

• Theories explain observations and hypotheses

• Theories may be revised over time.

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.