1. Theory and Law

2. The Misconception
Many people think that laws are made when theories are PROVEN.
This is entirely WRONG.
Science does not deal with proof, but even if it did, theories could NEVER EVER EVER become laws. Theories and laws are two different things, like apples and oranges.

3. What is a Theory?
A theory is an extremely well supported explanation for why something happens in nature.
It is supported by a wide number of tests, accepted by almost all scientists.
Most importantly, it has NO EVIDENCE AGAINST IT.
If evidence against a theory is presented, the theory must change.
Theories often explain laws.
They give the whole story of WHY something occurs.
Theories are broad: they explain A LOT of smaller topics and can be applies to many subjects.

4. Examples of Theories Plate Tectonic Theory
What does it say?: The Earth’s outer layers are comprised of moving plates that rub against each other, and move over and under each other.
What does it explain?: It explains why we have earthquakes, mountains, and volcanoes, among other things.

5. Examples of Theories Molecular Theory of Matter
What does it say?: All matter is made of atoms, which are constantly in motion. Motion and energy are directly related. Every time the atoms bump into each other, they exchange energy.
What does it explain?: It explains temperature, states of matter, chemical reactions, and pretty much ANYTHING involving chemistry (which is pretty much everything).

6. What is a Law
A scientific law is a description of a repeated phenomena in nature.
Laws tell WHAT happens, but do not offer an explanation.
Laws account for all observations of a phenomena but can be specific to certain criteria.
Laws are NOT proven theories. They are an account of what happens.

7. Examples of Laws Newton’s Second Law of Motion
Force= mass x acceleration
Tells WHAT will happen.
If an object with a mass of 5kg is accelerated at 2m/s2, it will have 10N of force.
It does not explain WHY.

8. How Are They the Same or Related?
Both theories and laws are IMPORTANT.
Both theories and laws are USEFUL.
Both theories and laws are based on EVIDENCE.
Theories EXPLAIN WHY what laws STATE happens. They are the explanation that goes with the statement.
Laws are the support for theories’ explanations; they back up theories.
Neither are PROVEN.
Both are open to change.

9. How Are They Different? Theories explain, laws state.
Theories cover a broad range of topics, laws talk about one specific topic.
Theories tell us WHY something happens; laws tell us WHAT happens.

10. What’s Important to Know?
THEORIES NEVER BECOME LAWS. THEORIES AND LAWS ARE TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THINGS.
To say something is “Just a theory” is EXTREMELY ignorant. Theories are one of the most SUPPORTED AND IMPORTANT things in science.