Understanding Scientific Laws, Hypotheses, and Theories: Meanings and Differences, Slides of Chemistry

Download Understanding Scientific Laws, Hypotheses, and Theories: Meanings and Differences and more Slides Chemistry in PDF only on Docsity!

Scientific Laws, Hypotheses,

and Theories

What do these scientific terms mean? People often misinterpret these terms. Let’s look at the language used by scientists.

Scientific Laws, Hypotheses, and

Theories

• In layman’s terms, if something is said to be “just a theory,” it usually means that it is a mere ________, or is unproved. It might even lack credibility.

It was an early attempt to precisely map positions of stars and planets to facilitate better horoscope writing. A few people drank too many cups of espresso one morning, had to work it off. It was a technological innovation from a people way ahead of their time, asexplained by the little-known inscription: "Someday we will be able to use this to receive something called 'satellite TV' for free."

THEORIES ON WHY THE ANCIENTS BUILT STONEHENGE:

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/06-22/stonehenge-thumb.gif

Lets Look At The Definitions

Hypothesis: This is an _________ guess based upon ___________. It is a rational explanation of a single event or phenomenon based upon what is observed, but which has not been proved. Most hypotheses can be supported or refuted by _____________ or continued observation.

Shorter Version

• To scientists, a theory is a

coherent explanation for a large

number of ____ and __________

about the natural world.

Scientific Law

• Scientific Law: This is a statement of fact meant to explain, in concise terms, an action or set of actions. It is generally ________ to be true and universal, and can sometimes be expressed in terms of a single _________ equation. Scientific laws are similar to mathematical postulates. They don’t really need any complex external proofs; they are accepted at face value based upon the fact that they have always been observed to be true.

Examples of Theories

• Some scientific theories include the theory of _________, the theory of ________, and the quantum theory. All of these theories are well documented and proved beyond reasonable doubt. Yet scientists continue to tinker with the component hypotheses of each theory in an attempt to make them more elegant and concise, or to make them more all- encompassing. Theories can be tweaked, but they are seldom, if ever, entirely replaced.

Examples of Theories

More Examples of Scientific Laws

• In the late 17th Century, Nicholas Steno established some natural laws relating to geology. - The law of original ___________ - this states that when sediments are deposited in water, they will sink through it and deposit as horizontal layers as the result of gravity (unless acted on by other forces). - The law of _________ ___________ - this states that in a given sequence of sediments, the oldest will be at the bottom and the youngest at the top. It does not provide ages for those sediments, simply the sequence of their deposition.

LAW VERSE THEORY

• The biggest difference between a law and a theory is that a theory is much more _______ and __________.
• A law governs a _______ action, whereas a theory explains a whole series of related phenomena

Credit

• http://wilstar.com/theories.htm
• http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/evolution/Theories. shtml