how is a theory different from a hypothesis?

Answer 1

A hypothesis is just an educated guess, but one that can be tested experimentally by making some sort of prediction about what would be observed if a given experiment were attempted. If the prediction is confirmed, then the hypothesis graduates to theory.

Answer 2

A hypothesis is an idea or conjecture in an attempt to explain observed facts. It is not generally accepted. Theory is a generally accepted formulation of principles that explain observations and can predict experimental outcomes. Theory is not fact, it expains facts. Theories are not "proved", since it is not possible to test in all experimental conditions. On the other hand, accepted theories are rarely "disproved", but may be modified to conform to new observations. Such was the case of Newton's gravitational theory, which is supplanted by, but not disproved by, general relativity.

A current example is the case of "superstring theory". Many scientists think that this is not a theory, but a hypothesis, since it hasn't been tested. It's an intriguing idea, but still not generally accepted.

Answer 3

A theory is developed through numerous observations that have been proven correctly, whereas, a hypothesis is an accurate guess for an experiment that has yet to be done.

Answer 4

Theory is what you think will happen, hypothesis is the way you go about proving or disproving the theory !!! I think it's been a while since I was at school.

Answer 5

a theory has been proven to b rite..ex. the matter theory where no matter can b created nor destroyed has been proven tru n will b tru no matter wut...a hypothesis is an educated guess dat still has to undergo sum testin ex. coke tastes better dan pepsi..not alwayz tru n its based on opinions