Why is it a theory isn't it proven?
2006-11-15 14:48:17 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Your teacher is correct.
Its characteristics and applications are well proven to be accurate in observation and experimentation.
But the true nature of electricity is based on atomic models which are in themselves theories - hence, no matter how much we learn and apply the knowledge we have of electricity, it is not good science to raise the status of electricity to a law when its very foundation is based on a theory.
2006-11-15 15:55:44 · answer #1 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"In scientific usage, a theory does not mean an unsubstantiated guess or hunch, as it often does in other contexts. A theory is a logically self-consistent model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. It originates from and/or is supported by experimental evidence (see scientific method). In this sense, a theory is a systematic and formalized expression of all previous observations that is predictive, logical and testable. In principle, scientific theories are always tentative, and subject to corrections or inclusion in a yet wider theory. Commonly, a large number of more specific hypotheses may be logically bound together by just one or two theories. As a general rule for use of the term, theories tend to deal with much broader sets of universals than do hypotheses, which ordinarily deal with much more specific sets of phenomena or specific applications of a theory."1
The word "theory" in common usage carries with it an implication that this idea you are putting forward is weak or poorly backed up. The difference is that in science this particular word does not give that implication. Some scientific theories have very strong reasons for us to believe them, others are not very strong, but they are all theories. A theory doesn't have to be called a law if it is very strong. So if your teacher says that something in science is a theory you don't need to think that this thing is "only" a theory, it could be a very good one and science is still happy to call it a theory. Scientists like to be extremely sure about things so calling something only a theory is no insult at all.
2006-11-15 15:29:32 · answer #2 · answered by BusterJ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nothing in science is proven, as in absolute truth. Theory is essentially a very good working model. In order to become theory, a hypothesis must explain known phenomena, give predictions that can be experimentally verifiable, and have the possibilty of being shown to be inadequate, incomplete, or incorrect through future experimentation.
The principles and models we use to describe electricity are, in fact, theory.
2006-11-15 16:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a theory, just as gravity, light, motion, chemical reactions are all "theories". A theory is a model of how the world works, consisting of a collection of concepts, rules and data. All scientific theories can be disproved by a single counter-example. If you can find an exception to the rule, that means the theory must be adjusted/appended to explain this new result.
2006-11-15 16:39:19 · answer #4 · answered by Michaelsgdec 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well, typically the attitude in science is that nothing is proven. theories are created as a means of explaining certain observations. these theories are then tested and modified, if necessary, until they adequately explain the behavior that was observed. if, after numerous tests, the theory appears to be very accurate (essentially what one might think of as true) then it will become a scientific law.
2006-11-15 14:56:57 · answer #5 · answered by j 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your math teacher is surely pulling your leg. Electricity has been proven since the days of Alexandro Volta and Benjamin Franklin. It has been proven experimentally, mathematically and physically.
If your teacher needs proof of electricity's existence, then maybe you should suggest that he stand in a bucket of water and stick his fingers into a light socket. Extreme, but conclusive!
2006-11-15 15:54:05 · answer #6 · answered by bfr699 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Amplitude of an AC Current in imaginery. So, if a wave's amplitude is a complex number (imaginery), can u say it is real? ITS EFFECTS ARE REAL.. (Some effects are also imaginery... not joking.) There are two parts of the power of an AC. The wattfull current (whose effects u can see/feel) and wattless current, whose effects are also imaginery...
P.S. The imaginery part makes calculations simple... so it is there to help you... dont be afraid of it!!
2006-11-16 02:14:10 · answer #7 · answered by pitamm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If is a theory, ask your teacher to put the finger inside the electric wall outlet?
2006-11-15 14:59:19 · answer #8 · answered by Lost. at. Sea. 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It's a theory because it cannot be directly observed, only through it's effects. A theory is something that can accurately predict future observations.
2006-11-15 14:56:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
they are criteria for life. there'll be some think about your life the position this suggestion will be sensible to you. better than having to look like an fool to ask someone. FYI, accountants do not use the radius of a cirlce to verify some thing.
2016-11-24 21:52:34 · answer #10 · answered by beaupre 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋