answersLogoWhite

0

There is much confusion on this issue since the definitions of theory and law in science are quite different than their vernacular usage.

A theory in science is a qualitative (meaning with words) description of a series of occurrences than can be shown to exist with a reason or explanation that seems to corroborate the evidence presented. Furthermore, this explanation should be able to predict things that will occur or might have occurred (since we do not have perfect knowledge of past events and are discovering more daily) with relative accuracy.

A law in science is a quantitative (meaning with numbers) description of a series of occurrences than can be shown to exist with a mathematical formula that seems to corroborate the evidence presented. Furthermore, this explanation should be able to predict things that will occur or might have occurred (since we do not have perfect knowledge of past events and are discovering more daily) with relative accuracy.

The theory is no less important or explicative than the law. It is only the method of explanation that is different. A good example of each can be found with "Gravity". There is a Theory of Gravitation and the Law of Gravity.

The Theory of Gravitation suggests that any two pieces of matter will exert an attraction to one-another from the centers of their mass and this pull increases if the objects are more massive or close to one another.

The Law of Gravity explains that the amount of attraction that the two pieces of mass exert on one-another is proportional to both masses multiplied by one another and divided by the distance between the centers of their masses squared. In order to get an exact equivalence, this number must be multiplied by 6.674 * 10-11.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

A scientific theory is an explanation supported by evidence and can be modified as new evidence is discovered. A scientific law is a description of a natural phenomenon that is consistent and often expressed mathematically, without explaining why it happens.


Why a theory cannot become a law?

A theory and a law serve different purposes in science. A theory explains why something happens based on evidence and research, while a law describes a phenomenon or pattern observed in nature without necessarily explaining why it occurs. Therefore, a theory cannot "become" a law because they are fundamentally different in terms of their function and scope.


Why can't I theory become a law?

In science, a theory and a law serve different purposes. A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is supported by evidence and can be repeatedly tested and verified, while a scientific law is a statement that describes a pattern in nature. The distinction between the two is based on the level of understanding and evidence supporting them, with theories typically being more complex and comprehensive than laws.


Can you turn a theory into a law?

There is no rational route for this. For example we have Ohm's Law, but we only have Pythagoras' Theorem. Even though it may be proven and invariant.And in economics we have the "Laws of Supply and Demand" even though hedged with all sorts of precautions, and economics is not really a science.


Why is bernoulli's principle a principle and not a law?

There is confusion over this because "law" and "theory" mean very different things in every day life compared to science. A "law" is just an outdated term for "theory." Theories are explanations of a phenomenon that have undergone rigorous experiments by scientists. A law is no more scientifically valid than a theory in science. A principle is usually more specific than a theory. For instance, you have the Theory of Quantum Mechanics and within that, you have Pauli's exclusion principle.

Related Questions

What is the Difference between imperative theory and pure theory of law?

command of sovereign sanctioned by punishments is law by imperative theory and law as legal science of norms is by pure theory of law.


What is the difference between science law and scientific theory?

A science law is a description or prediction of a behavior as a result of repeated observation or testing. It does not involve an explanation or cause of the behavior. A Scientific Theory is an attempt to explain why something happens.


What is the difference between law an theory?

a law is something that is true and a theory is an opinion or thought that can be proven wrong.


What are the difference between a theory and a scientific theory?

law is based on fact theory is a concept/idea


What difference between a scientific theory and a scientific?

Mostly semantics. A "law" is a theory that can be expressed mathematically.


What is the difference between natural law and scientific theory?

A natural law is an empirical observation held to be true. A theory explains why the law holds true.


What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientifc law?

A theory is an explanation of behavior, while a law is a summary of observed, measurable behavior.


What is the difference between just a law and a scientific law?

A regular law has to do with the judicial system. A scientific law has to do with science.


What is difference between "Law" And "Theory"?

a law is something that is true and a theory is an opinion or thought that can be proven wrong.


What is the difference between a science law and general law?

science laws can be proved mathemetically..........while general laws cannot most of the times.


What is the difference between a scientific law and a theory?

A scientific law is a statement of a pattern that has been observed. A theory is an explanation that has stood up to repeated test.


When can a law or theory be changed?

science