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2007-01-18 08:38:18 · 4 answers · asked by asdfasdffdas 1 in Science & Mathematics Physics

4 answers

A theory in science is that body of hypotheses, models, laws, which together explains the subject matter. If a statement or equation is derived from stated principles in the theory, it's not actually called a law. For this reason, the famous equation E = mc^2 is not called a "law of relativity", because it was derived from other principles in relativity. A law, on the other hand, is in a sense one of the starting points or a principle (some could say axiom), which helps set up the theoretical framework. For example, Newton's Law of Gravitation, which is that force between two bodies is governed by the equation G (m1)(m2) / R^2, was something he set down "as an assumed fact", and was not something he was able to derive or prove by other means. But he used it to explain a lot of things about planetary orbits.

Use of either term does not matter if either has been "confirmed by experiment or observation". When confirmed in this way, then we speak of "tested theory", or "tested law". But keep in mind that a law is usually a subset of a larger framework that's called the theory.

An unfortunate consequence of using the terms "law" and "theory" in science is that in the vernacular, the public takes them to mean, "Indisputable fact", and "guesswork", respectively. Both are wrong.

2007-01-18 08:46:25 · answer #1 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 0 0

There really isn't a precise definition. Some laws have been disproven (Newton's laws are known to fail at high speeds and low distances), but we call them laws because they have been so useful for so long (and still are).

Some theories are extremely well-validated, useful, and true as far as anyone can tell, but we never bother to change the name (evolution by natural selection, relativity).

Just remember, nothing is ever proven by science. You can disprove something by empirical observation, but proof is just for mathematicians. So in principle, any theory or law is fair game to an experimentalist who wants to try to disprove it.

2007-01-18 09:18:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

to place it in simple terms: regulations are phenomenons or observable events. Theories are the reason of those events. -- interior the least confusing words: i'm preserving a ball. I permit circulate of the ball and it falls. I attempt different issues and so as that they fall. regulation: each thing will fall if no longer something prevents it from falling. Why? -> concept: there's a rigidity that reasons it to fall. How does this rigidity artwork? Gravitational concept. different examples: Germ concept -> explains how illnesses unfold Evolution concept -> explains the variety of existence and why all lifeforms (as much as now) are inherently concerning a minimum of one yet another you may disprove a concept or regulate it to grow to be greater helpful yet you won't be able to faux an observable adventure isn't happening.

2016-12-12 14:41:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

No difference really, both are theories. But the 'law' has been shown not wrong (you can't prove it) so many times it gets "law" instead of theory.

2007-01-18 08:43:59 · answer #4 · answered by me 3 · 0 0

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