A. an idea
B. a law
C. a rule
D. an equation
E. a formula
2007-02-09 08:19:32 · 7 answers · asked by Vikusya 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A is the most generally true answer, but you could make a case for any of those options in some circumstances.
That stupid questions like this constitute homework for some kids makes me cry for the state of science education.
:(
2007-02-09 08:24:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The term "theory" is used for any of the above.
For example, String Theory is a collection of equations and formulas that do a good job of describing the universe. Ditto the Theories of Relativity (Special and General). But, like Newton's so-called Laws, they may only be approximation to reality, if later experiments prove that they're not precisely accurate.
The Theory of Evolution, however, is established scientific fact that has no mathematics in it. Once again, however, it may only be a close approximation to reality rather than an utterly precise truth.
Category Theory refers to a branch of mathematics in which, being mathematics, things have been proved beyond ANY doubt. Ditto Chaos Theory, Catastrophe Theory, and so on (for some reason, I'm stuck on the Cs).
2007-02-09 08:44:20 · answer #2 · answered by Curt Monash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The nearest option should be A (an idea).
Quoting from Wikipedia (link at the sources below):
"In science, a theory is a proposed description, explanation, or model of the manner of interaction of a set of natural phenomena, capable of predicting future occurrences or observations of the same kind, and capable of being tested through experiment or otherwise falsified through empirical observation."
Theories aren't necessarily laws or rules; they can be models of part of the reality. More, theories aren't immutable; they adapt to new evidences, both pro and against, and sometimes must be scraped for new theories, which explain better the observations, to come along.
Theories are neither equations nor formulas, although both ones can be used to aid in the theory's definition and understanding.
2007-02-09 08:37:28 · answer #3 · answered by jcastro 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
f) None of the above. A theory is more than an idea - it's been tested and has predictive power. It contains laws, rules, equations, formulas, and observations. Theories are like the master folder that facts and laws go into - it can't be elevated to a fact because it's already more than that.
2007-02-09 09:29:09 · answer #4 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A theory is most closely an idea. A theory that has been proven would be a rule, or a law. An equation might be used as proof of a theory. A formula would be how you solve the equation.
2007-02-09 08:28:30 · answer #5 · answered by 4-real 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
more of A, but its also kind of an opinion... Hope This Helps!
2007-02-09 08:34:29 · answer #6 · answered by mackstarted 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an idea
2007-02-09 08:24:11 · answer #7 · answered by ___________ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋