Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 1: Problem 14

What is the relationship between a theory and a law? Answer: \(A\) theory attempts to explain why a law is correct.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The relationship between a theory and a law is that a theory attempts to explain why a law is correct. A law describes an observable pattern in nature, often in the form of a mathematical equation, while a theory provides an explanation for the observed pattern and predicts outcomes of related situations.

Step by step solution

01

Defining a theory

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on empirical evidence and verified multiple times by various researchers. Theories aim to explain why certain phenomena occur and predict the outcomes of related situations.
02

Defining a law

A law is a statement that describes an observable pattern in nature, usually in the form of a mathematical equation. Laws are derived from observations and are supported by empirical data. They can effectively predict the behavior of certain phenomena but do not provide explanations for why they occur.
03

Establishing the relationship between theory and law

A theory attempts to explain why a law is correct. In other words, a law tells us what happens under certain conditions, while a theory explains why it happens. Both theories and laws are essential components of scientific knowledge, as they help us understand and predict natural phenomena. Theories can evolve and change over time as more evidence is gathered, and new insights are developed. On the other hand, laws remain constant and are not subject to change based on new evidence.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

You are presented with a block made of some pure metal and told the metal is gold, but you have your doubts. Using a thermometer, how can you determine whether the metal is gold?

Match each symbol with the correct element name: (a) Na (b) Fe (c) Co (d) Sn (e) \(\mathrm{Mn}\) Possible names: neon, fermium, copper, mercury, cobalt, scandium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, sodium, potassium, argon, tin, silver, gold, calcium.

Which one of the following is an elemental substance: water, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} ;\) bronze, made by melting copper and tin together; table salt, \(\mathrm{NaCl}\); ozone, \(\mathrm{O}_{3} ;\) sulfur dioxide, \(\mathrm{SO}_{2} ?\)

When exposed to oxygen in the air, white phosphorus, \(\mathrm{P}_{4}\), catches fire and produces the compound \(\mathrm{P}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{10}\). Is this a description of a physical property or a chemical property of phosphorus? Explain.

The concise generalization of the results of a number of experiments is known as scientific _________.(experiment, law, or theory)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free