What is the difference between a hipothesis and a theory?

Answer 1

A hypothesis is an "educated guess" based on information gathered before actually doing the experimentation. It is like a weather prediction for three days from now. No one really knows what the weather will be, but we make predictions based on the information from the weather maps then wait for the day to arrive to see if our prediction was right.

A theory is an idea that is based on the results of an experiment. It is not something that we can actually see, but the results seem to indicate that it is true. A theory is one step down from a scientific law. Examples: The theory of relativity - we can't really measure and see this, but all of our calculations seem to show it is true. The quantum theory - again we cannot see it (too small) but our calculations indicate it is true. The atomic theory - particles are too small to see, but experimental evidence indicates that the atoms are there and they are made of smaller particles.

Answer 2

A hypothesis (from the Greek) consists either of a suggested explanation for a phenomenon or of a reasoned proposal suggesting a possible correlation between multiple phenomena.

People often use the word theory for a conjecture, an opinion, or a speculation. In this usage, a theory is not necessarily based on facts; in other words, it is not required to be consistent with true descriptions of reality.

So basically an hypothesis tries to explain something rationally, and a theory is an opinion about something.

Answer 3

Just remember this a hypothesis predicts and event, a theory explains it and a law describes it.

Answer 4

a hypothesis is a predictment of what will happen.
"I think that if I mix these two things, it will react violently."
a theory is something that has been demonstrated over and over through testing, but isn't a fact.