When can a scientific theory be change or replace?

Answer 1

Anytime...that we have (1) new and countrary data, (2) a more comprehensive theory that can explain all the old theory can and then some. Example: Einstein's theory of Special and General Relativity replacing Newton's Theory of Motion.

Science is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, no matter what shape or form it should take. We should be ready to accept the truth (or a better understanding of the truth) anytime that it is presented to us. This is what makes science great.

Answer 2

An illustration of when a theory is able to be changed is to be found in the concept of "black holes" and the "big bang". These theories were constructed on the assumption that an accelerating mass gained more mass in form of energy. This belief led to the thought that an accelerating mass could be infinite. The concept is wrong. Accelerating mass does not gain more mass in form of energy, its overall frequency increases in direction of travel. The increase of mass wave frequency is that form of energy which was construed in a wrong manner.

http://360.yahoo.com/noddarc there is a short writing "The Problem and Repair of Relativity" that explains the reason for this

Answer 3

mainly in two cases:

a) The current theory is disproven somehow, i.e. an experiment shows that what the theory claims is in fact inconsistent with practical experimentation.

b) A theory arises which fills in gaps that the previous theory had, but still accounts for everything the previous theory accounted for.

Peace out.

Answer 4

Of course. Scientific theories change quite often.

Answer 5

Theories are postulates based on limited or numerous observations and/or measurements.

If further observation or measurement disproves the postulate, the theory needs to be changed or modified.

Example: RED BALLOON THEORY.

You see a red balloon floating in the air. You see a second red balloon floating in the air. You could postulate the theory that red balloons float in the air.

Then one day you see a red balloon on the ground. You would need to modify your theory to accommodate the new observation.

You might also investigate to see why some red balloons float and other red balloons stay on the ground.

Your investigation would most likely lead you to new observations, measurements, discovery - and all of these would influence your RED BALLOON THEORY.

Answer 6

When it is proven not only that the old theory is wrong, but that the new theory is more likely to be right. That's something that is usually done by experiment, and facts are preferred to probabilities.

Answer 7

When a scientifically more accurate or proven theory disproves the original theory.

Answer 8

When the facts outweigh the theory. We used to think the earth was flat until we got enough facts to toss that theory out.

Answer 9

Yes however each theory can contribute something even though some of their assumption can be wrong . Sometimes they workout for the wrong reason.

Answer 10

When the original postulate is either proved or disproved. It can also be modified or tweaked based upon study or research.