Understanding Scientific Theories and Laws

The video tutorial explains the difference between everyday and scientific meanings of 'theory' and 'law'. In science, a law is an unchangeable truth supported by evidence, like Newton's law of gravitation. A theory is a well-tested explanation based on laws and facts, such as atomic theory. Scientific laws describe what happens, while theories explain how or why it happens.

What is the main topic discussed in the introduction?

• The importance of scientific research

• The difference between scientific and non-scientific terms

• The role of scientists in society

• The history of scientific discoveries

Which of the following is an example of a general law?

• Theory of relativity

• Atomic theory

• Traffic speed limits

• Newton's law of universal gravitation

What can happen to general laws like traffic laws?

• They can explain natural phenomena

• They can be changed

• They can be tested repeatedly

• They can be universally true

In a non-scientific context, what is a theory?

• A rule that must be obeyed

• A universal truth

• A proposed explanation or guess

• A tested and confirmed idea

How is a scientific law described?

• A guess about natural phenomena

• A universal truth supported by evidence

• A changeable rule

• A proposed explanation

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

• Newton's law of universal gravitation

• Theory of relativity

• Theory of evolution

• Atomic theory

What is a scientific theory based on?

• Guesses and assumptions

• Universal truths

• Scientific laws and facts

• Unchangeable rules

What does atomic theory explain?

• The behavior of gases

• The speed of light

• The structure and interaction of atoms

• The force of gravity

What do scientific theories tell us?

• The rules that must be obeyed

• How or why something happens in nature

• The universal truths

• What happens in nature