What is the difference between a scientific theory and fact?

Answer 1

Well, a fact is like a theorem :) This means it is a proven thing. It is factual. Like Pi = 3.14... it's a theorem (or fact) because it is mathematically proven.

A theory on the other hand is something which hasn't been proven... It is what someone thinks or their thoughts on an issue, E.g.: my theory is that there is life after death (for example) It is a theory because no one can deny that it's wrong, but it also cant be proven correct. :) hope this has helped you x

Answer 2

A scientific theory is a highly supported and very well tested explanation for an observed pattern of known scientific facts.

For example, the theory of gravity is used to explain the observable pattern of unsuspended objects falling towards the Earth.

Answer 3

There isn't any such thing as a scientific FACT. All statements in science are expressed as theories. Some contain more information than others.

In the scientific method, a researcher first puts forward a hypothesis. This is their idea of what might be happening to cause some observation. They then test this idea with some sort of experiment or demonstration that is then published. The hypothesis is then tested independently by some other scientist. If this test verifies the hypothesis it becomes a theory.

If there is one single observation that serves as a counter example, the theory is disproved and abandoned.

Answer 4

Theories are guesses that scientists make but aren't actually 100% accurate but scientist believe them.Fact is something that scientists have proven that it is 100% true.