State the difference between a hypothesis, theory and law. The Point of Today State the difference between a hypothesis, theory and law.

Hypothesis An educated guess about how variables are related. Can be supported or discarded through experimentation.

Hypothesis What happens after you form a hypothesis?

Theory Generally accepted to be true by scientists. The best available explanation of why things work as they do. Generally accepted to be true by scientists. Can be a hypothesis which continually is shown to be correct. May be revised or discarded as new experiments provide insight and new observations are made. Examples: Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity; Darwin’s Theory of Evolution; Big Bang Theory. We once thought that the earth was flat. It was disproved as gained more knowledge.

How does a hypothesis become a theory? A hypothesis needs to be tested over and over (by multiple people). Repeated experimental trails show the hypothesis to be correct.

Laws Statement of fact. Do not explain why these phenomena happen, they simply describe them. Are generally accepted to be true because they have always been observed to be true, BUT may be revised or discarded over time. Can sometimes be described through mathematical equations. Examples: Newton’s Laws of Motion; Inverse-Square Law.

Laws vs. Theory A law describes what will happen. A theory tells why it happens.