Scientific Laws and Theories

The main difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory is:

• A scientific law describes a pattern in nature, while a scientific theory explains why that pattern occurs.

• A scientific theory describes a pattern in nature, while a scientific law explains why that pattern occurs.

• A scientific law and a scientific theory are the same, with no differences.

• A scientific law is a hypothesis, while a scientific theory is a proven fact.

According to Boyle's Law, what is the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas?

• The relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas, according to Boyle's Law, is that they are inversely proportional. This means that as the volume of a gas increases, the pressure decreases, and vice versa, provided the temperature remains constant.

• The relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas, according to Boyle's Law, is that they are directly proportional. This means that as the volume of a gas increases, the pressure also increases, provided the temperature remains constant.

• According to Boyle's Law, the pressure and volume of a gas are unrelated and change independently of each other.

• Boyle's Law states that the pressure and volume of a gas are equal under all conditions.

Which of the following is an example of a scientific theory?

• A) Boyle's Law

• B) Law of Conservation of Energy

• C) Theory of Evolution

• D) Newton's Law of Gravitation

True or False: Scientific laws are subject to change over time.

• True

• False

Complete the Venn diagram to compare and contrast scientific laws with scientific theories.

• Scientific laws describe phenomena, while scientific theories explain them.

• Scientific theories describe phenomena, while scientific laws explain them.

• Both scientific laws and theories are guesses.

• Scientific laws and theories are the same.

Your friend claims to have developed a new theory. How could you decide if your friend’s theory is a scientific theory?

• By checking if it can be tested and falsified

• By seeing if it is popular among scientists

• By determining if it is complex and difficult to understand

• By verifying if it has been published in a scientific journal

Read the statements and identify each as a scientific law or a scientific theory. A scientist explains that the planets always move in an ellipse around the sun. A scientist explains that the energy of a photon is proportional to the wavelength of light, or E=hf. Scientists agree that planets form in a disk around a new star. This explains why the planets are all on the same orbital plane. Scientists agree that the offspring of any cross between two parent organisms receives 50% of its DNA from each parent. A scientist explains that not all organisms survive equally well, and the traits that help animals survive are most likely to be passed on.

• Scientific Law

• Scientific Theory

Which is a true statement about the scientific theory of evolution?

• A) It was accepted by all scientists without question.

• B) It proved what most scientists believed at that time.

• C) It had no significant impact on scientific thought and society.

• D) It was developed using large amounts of empirical evidence.

Which is a true statement about scientific laws?

• Scientific laws are the same thing as facts.

• Scientific laws can explain a wide range of events.

• Scientific laws can change in light of new evidence.

• Scientific laws are the foundations of scientific theories.

Which best explains why scientists accept the theory of relativity as a valid scientific theory?

• A) Scientists have found an example of how the theory of relativity is true.

• B) Scientists recognize that Albert Einstein was the smartest scientist ever.

• C) Scientists believe what is agreed upon by the majority of other scientists.

• D) Scientists are able to explain many natural events by applying the theory.