What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?
Scientific theory: A scientific theory is a well-substantiated
explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that
have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Such
fact-supported theories are not “guesses” but reliable accounts of the real
world.
Scientific law: A scientific law is a statement based on repeated
experimental observations that describe some aspects of the universe. A
scientific law always applies under the same conditions and implies that there
is a causal relationship involving its elements.
In other words, a scientific theory is a broader explanation of how something
works, while a scientific law is a specific statement about how something
behaves under certain conditions. A theory can be supported by multiple laws,
but a law cannot become a theory.
For example, the theory of evolution explains how living things change over
time, and is supported by the laws of genetics, natural selection, and
mutation. The law of gravity states that objects attract each other with a
force that is proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between them.
It is important to note that both scientific theories and scientific laws are
subject to change as new evidence is gathered and new theories are developed.
However, both theories and laws are essential tools for understanding the
natural world.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between scientific
theories and scientific laws:
| Characteristic | Scientific Theory | Scientific Law |
| Level of certainty | More certain | Less certain |
| Scope | Broader | Narrower |
| Explanation | Explain why something happens | States how something happens |
| Based on | Observations and experiments | Observations and experiments |
| Can be changed | Yes | Yes |
| Examples | Theory of evolution, theory of gravity | Law of gravity, law of thermodynamics |
