Hypothesis, Theory, and Law in Science

I. Hypothesis

  • Tentative assumption or explanation
  • Made before research
  • Can be verified through investigation
  • Designed to be tested as true or false

II. Theory

  • Developed from verified hypotheses
  • Rigorously tested through scientific method
  • Explains how nature behaves under specific conditions
  • Well-supported explanation of natural phenomena
  • Examples:
    • Kinetic Molecular Theory
    • Theory of General Relativity

III. Law

  • Summarizes observed regularities or patterns in nature
  • Describes relationship between variables
  • Developed from discoveries and tested hypotheses
  • Examples:
    • Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
    • Boyle's Law
    • Laws of Thermodynamics

IV. Key Differences between Theory and Law

  • Laws: Describe narrower set of conditions
  • Theories: More expansive, focus on how and why of phenomena

V. Important Notes

  • Both theories and laws considered factual
  • Can be disproven with new evidence
  • Scientific understanding evolves over time

VI. Scientific Method

  • Formulate hypotheses
  • Test hypotheses against natural world
  • Accumulate evidence to support or disprove
  • Develop theories or laws based on verified hypotheses