What is the difference between laws and theories

A theory might have exceptions. For example, take the case of cell theory, now we know sub cellular particles like viruses, viroids, prions etc showing some characteristics of life. A law has no exceptions when it is proposed or framed. Theories are subjected to revision and may be replaced or revised from time to time based on new findings. Example: Neo Darwinism revised Darwinism by addition of findings in genetics.

Theory of spontaneous generation of life is rejected or disproved. Generally a law is an universally observable solid fact which are not subjected to revision or replacement There are exceptions, sometimes laws are revised with the addition of new knowledge. The credibility or authenticity of theory depends on the amount of evidence that supports the theory.

A law is an established universally observable solid fact. No further evidences are required to make it more authentic. You might like Show more. Anonymous 21 September at Taking account of the previous example of the law of gravity, in Sir Isaac Newton put forward the inverse square law in his journal.

It was till then a hypothesis. This law was put to a test by different scientists in the study of planetary motion. With some of the planets the hypothesis held good but exceptions were there. A theory can be a strong one if it has a lot of evidence to back it. It may also be regarded as a weak theory if the amount of accuracy in its prediction is low. A theory may become obsolete with time and be replaced by a better one.

A law, however, is a universally observable fact. It is undeniable and never fades away with the stretch of time. A law is an observation; a theory is the explanation of that observation. A theory requires experimentation under various conditions. A law has no such requirements. A theory may become obsolete with time. This is not the case with a law. A theory can be replaced by another better theory; however, this never happens with a law. A theory may be strong or weak according to the amount of evidence available.

A law is a universally observable fact. Difference between Theory and Law. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects.

MLA 8 Kaushik, Nimisha. The explanation is concise and easy to understand. Although I would recommend a change. Laws can have exception as well as theories. For instance, the ideal gas law has many exceptions that vary from the precise behavior dictated by the law.

As with laws, every theory begins with a scientific hypothesis , which must be carefully researched. If there is sufficient evidence to support that the hypothesis provides a valid explanation for a phenomenon, the hypothesis can become a theory. Notice that each of the above theories provide an explanation for a phenomenon that has been observed.

Some are universally accepted, while others are under debate. They are not, however, just guesses or thoughts about possible causes for events. Instead, they have been thoroughly studied using the scientific method. Now that you know the difference between a theory vs. Continue exploring key scientific words by reviewing this collection of science terms made simple.

Everything you learn will help you be better able to understand and discuss scientific concepts. All rights reserved. Home Examples Scientific Law vs. Theory: How Are They Different? Scientific Law vs. Theory: What Is the Difference? What Is Scientific Law? What Is Scientific Theory? Can a Theory Become a Law? Quick Tip: Remembering Law vs. Theory To easily tell the difference, remember that laws describe "what" and theories explain "why.