What explanation do you have for this? Please Help.
2007-06-12 09:35:49 · 4 answers · asked by manuawal 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Injanier has it right . . . and so few do. A law is an observable axiom, usually like, given X, then Y. There's no attempt to explain beyond appearances. A theory, on the other hand, is more of a stab at WHY things occur the way they do. If you make a theory, you must then be able to derive the known related LAWS with it. For example, using the theory of electromagnetism you can derive Ohm's Law--and also see that Ohm's law is really just an approximation to a larger scale of phenomena. In this way, several LAWS can fall under one theory (in case you were wondering what a theory is good for). For example, you could have a LAW for everything--a big chart on the wall that reads, when I drop this quarter from 5meters it falls in 1second, . . . and an entry for 10 meters, and one for 11, or you could have a THEORY which PREDICTS these relationships (sometimes more accurately than others). Realize that nothing is proven TRUE in science, e.g. a simpler theory or broader law can come along and replace the old (we hope it does--yay, progress).
2007-06-12 17:41:55 · answer #1 · answered by supastremph 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A law in science is a succinct statement of fact that is usually represented by an equation or a brief statement. A theory is the whole body of knowledge that explains the facts. The law of universal gravitation can be stated as F=GMm/r^2, but the theory of gravity comprises many books and papers and continues to evolve.
2007-06-12 17:29:10 · answer #2 · answered by injanier 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A law is something that is true and everyone knows it's true and we have definite proof that it's true. A theory is just that-- a theory. It may be true, but not everyone agrees on it.
2007-06-12 16:41:11 · answer #3 · answered by Awesomeness in a box 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, I don't see much similarity.
2007-06-12 17:11:48 · answer #4 · answered by Snowflake 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋