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Chapter 1: Problem 17

The difference between a law and a theory is the difference between what and why. Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The difference between a scientific law and a theory lies in the concepts of "what" and "why." A law describes "what" happens in specific situations or how parameters are related, like Boyle's law illustrating the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas. In contrast, a theory explains "why" something happens by shedding light on underlying principles and mechanisms, such as the kinetic molecular theory explaining the behavior of gas particles in Boyle's law. While laws provide concise descriptions based on observations, theories offer comprehensive explanations for those phenomena. Both are crucial in advancing scientific understanding and discoveries.

Step by step solution

01

Define a scientific law

A scientific law is a statement that describes an observable occurrence or pattern in nature, which is usually expressed in the form of a mathematical equation. It is based on empirical data and experimentation, and it holds true consistently under the same conditions.
02

Define a scientific theory

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on empirical evidence, observations, and logical reasoning. A theory tries to provide a comprehensive explanation for why things happen or how different phenomena are connected.
03

Understanding "what" in scientific laws

In scientific laws, "what" refers to the observed regularity or pattern. A law tells us "what" happens in specific circumstances or how different parameters are related in a predictable way. For example, Boyle's law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature, describing "what" happens to the pressure and volume of a gas under specific conditions.
04

Understanding "why" in scientific theories

In scientific theories, "why" refers to the explanation of the underlying principles, mechanisms, or processes responsible for the observed patterns or phenomena. A theory aims to provide answers to "why" something happens or "how" different things work together. For example, the kinetic molecular theory of gases explains "why" Boyle's law works by describing the behavior of gas particles' collisions and their forces.
05

Comparing the difference between a law and a theory

A scientific law provides a concise description of "what" happens under certain conditions, based on observations and empirical evidence. It does not, however, explain "why" the phenomenon occurs or the underlying mechanisms behind it. In contrast, a scientific theory explains "why" something happens by providing a more extensive and comprehensive framework to understand the underlying principles and mechanisms. Both laws and theories are important in advancing scientific knowledge as they complement each other and provide a foundation for further understanding and discoveries.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

At the Amundsen-Scott South Pole base station in Antarctica, when the temperature is \(-100.0^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\), researchers who live there can join the "300 Club" by stepping into a sauna heated to \(200.0^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\) then quickly running outside and around the pole that marks the South Pole. What are these temperatures in \({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) ? What are these temperatures in \(\mathrm{K} ?\) If you measured the temperatures only in \({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{K}\), can you become a member of the "300 Club" (that is, is there a 300 --degree difference between the temperature extremes when measured in \({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(\mathrm{K}\) )?

Perform the following unit conversions. a. Congratulations! You and your spouse are the proud parents of a new baby, born while you are studying in \(\Omega\) country that uses the metric system. The nurse has informed you that the baby weighs \(3.91 \mathrm{~kg}\) and measures \(51.4 \mathrm{~cm}\). Convert your baby's weight to pounds and ounces and her length to inches (rounded to the nearest quarter inch). b. The circumference of the earth is \(25,000 \mathrm{mi}\) at the equator. What is the circumference in kilometers? in meters? c. A rectangular solid measures \(1.0 \mathrm{~m}\) by \(5.6 \mathrm{~cm}\) by \(2.1 \mathrm{dm}\). Express its volume in cubic meters, liters, cubic inches, and cubic feet.

To determine the volume of a cube, a student measured one of the dimensions of the cube several times. If the true dimension of the cube is \(10.62 \mathrm{~cm}\), give an example of four sets of measurements that would illustrate the following. a. imprecise and inaccurate data b. precise but inaccurate data c. precise and accurate data Give a possible explanation as to why data can be imprecise or inaccurate. What is wrong with saying a set of measurements is imprecise but accurate?

The U.S. trade deficit at the beginning of 2005 was $$\$ 475,000,000$$. If the wealthiest \(1.00 \%\) of the U.S. population \((297,000,000)\) contributed an equal amount of money to bring the trade deficit to $$\$ 0$$, how many dollars would each person contribute? If one of these people were to pay his or her share in nickels only, how many nickels are needed? Another person living abroad at the time decides to pay in pounds sterling ( \(\mathrm{f}\) ). How many pounds sterling does this person contribute (assume a conversion rate of \(1 \mathrm{f}=\$ 1.869)\) ?

a. How many kilograms are in 1 teragram? b. How many nanometers are in \(6.50 \times 10^{2}\) terameters? c. How many kilograms are in 25 femtograms? d. How many liters are in \(8.0\) cubic decimeters? e. How many microliters are in 1 milliliter? f. How many picograms are in 1 microgram?
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