How does a Theory differ from a Law in Science? (eg. Theory of Evolution and Law of Thermodynamics I & II)?

Answer 1

A scientific theory is very, very different from a layman's theory.

A scoentific theory has gone from a hypothesis (which is closer to the layman's term theory) to having been tested repeatedly and having been proven correct. However, the difference between a theory and a law is falsification, which is a crazy word to define.

Basically, a theory cannot be made into a law until it has been proven that the *opposite* of that theory is false.

First law of thermodynamics, for example. In any process, the total energy of the universe remains constant. This has been proven. It has also been proven that the opposite is NOT true--the total energy of the universe not remaining constant is false.

Theory of evolution. People and so on evolved from lower organisms. This is provable. However, "people did not evolve from lower organisms" has not yet been proven false.

Boggles the mind, doesn't it?

Answer 2

There really isn't a significant difference. A theory may incorporate a number of laws: Einstein's theory of special relativity, for example, contains laws for addition of velocities, addition of momenta, conversion between mass and energy, how to handle simultaneity issues, and the nature of the speed of light. The more interesting issue is whether the theory or law is "established": routinely used by workers in the field to make predictions that they consider useful (i.e., accurate). Obviously, special relativity, thermodynamics, and evolution all qualify.
In general, it is not possible to prove that a scientific theory is correct: a theory must apply throughout all space and time, and it is possible that there may be lurking somewhere an exception which would disprove a particular theory. For example, it is conceivable that Einstein could be wrong and we could somehow communicate at faster than the speed of light. But no scientist who has considered the matter would bet a nickel, even at long odds, that Enistein would be proved wrong. Evolution is an interesting exception: because the theory consists of only two elements, both of which have been irrefutably demonstrated, evolution is now proved correct, and we can properly speak of the fact of evolution as opposed to the theory.

Answer 3

.I am not a scientist, but i can tell when things don't add up.
A law is something that can be predicted and used. It can be proved mathematically. Like gravity for instance. You can actually calculate it. Even thermodynamics, it can be used , measured and one can "figure" the outcome.
Not so with a theory. Evolution is not a law, neither is the big bang, or the string theory. They are theories-someone theorizes, or speculates, or hypothesizes-they guess. There may seem to be some support for them in many areas. But think about it for a moment, all the support for these theories are just hypothesizations. Many working theories today, like evolution, are based on speculation from data that has been obtained through a theoretical premise or someones hypothesis. It is a guess based upon a guess.
Now with all that said-just look at all the fakery and fraud surrounding all (every one) of our so-called missing links.
I do not see how any respectible scientist who believes in evolution can not be ashamed of his profession. I can understand how we can have a fraud in religion (I am a deeply religious person). There are a lot of ignorant people who believe in God. Where there is great ignorance there is great potential for fraud. I believe God is real and I believe he created everything in 6 literal days-no question. There are many,many scientist who believe the same. However, in the field of science, there seems to be no sense of truthfulness. In science 1 + 1 must equal 2, and not 148. Scientist must tell people that they do not know, when they do not know, and stop deliberately misrepresrenting evolution only because they refuse to believe in God. If someone wants to reject God-then do so publically like a real man, but do not fabricate a reason to hide behind.

Answer 4

Laws are used to establish the proofs used in verification of hypothesis.

Theory is the established conclusion, based off of the following criteria:
Hypothesis-a question or educated guess
Research
Testing
Verification of findings by independent sources
Further testing and research
Further analysis of findings by independent sources

Once these steps are completed, theory is the accepted fact.

The word theory only means guess in a non-technical way, such as "My theory is that christians evolved from ostriches. Look at their similar defense mechanisms. The both put their heads in the sand to avoid seeing what they don't like." Obviously in this case, theory means guess, because despite the similarities, a christian would rather be made from dirt.

Remember, gravity is a theory. We've proven it to be true, using Laws. The sun doesn't travel around the earth as the bible claims, and this theory has been verified and proven true as well. It's only when the facts disprove the beliefs are theories treated as guesses.

Answer 5

A law is a statement made in Science after precise results are obtained from extensive research. Ex: Law of Thermodynamics states what Thermodynamics is all about.
A theory is a deeply defined subject, that also tells you how the process took place. Ex: Theory of evolution gives u the whole procees of evolution on earth.

Answer 6

A theory is a framework of ideas that contribute to the understanding of any given phenomenon for example the theory of evolution by natural selection. In science however fact is not the same as in the field of mathematics, it means anything which is supported by such a weight of evidence that it would be perverse to deny its veracity so evolution is an indisputable fact although it is not a law because thee is still too much conjecture over the mechanisms and processes involved. Creationists don't generally grasp that the fact of evolution can't really be challenged but they are too motivated by bigotry and prejudice to come to terms with that.

Answer 7

A Theory is an idea that has been tested and seen to be valid based on evidence.

A Law is a Theory that has been proven true multiple times over a very long period of time and that has no holes in the argument to create controversy

Answer 8

A law is an aspect of a theory. The laws of thermodynamics are aspects of the theory of thermodynamics.

Answer 9

Gravity isn't a fact. That's like saying a bird is a fact. Yes, birds exist, but they aren't facts. Theories are basically a conclusion based on a group of facts. But yes, because it is a theory, does not mean it is a guess. If something is a theory, that means it has yet to be proven false, not the other way around

Answer 10

law is a particular rule on which phenomenons occur
Theory is a well defined thesis of a practical subject.
Hence the terms Law of Thermodynamics and Theory of evolution.