Difference between Theory and Law
Main difference
The scientific method is the comprehensive method of verifying the validity of the various phenomena and statements. It is mainly made up of six basic steps, which he follows to get the best possible results. As we know, science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world; it is used to search for truths through techniques such as observation and experimentation. The next step that comes in the scientific method is to check the validity of the hypotheses formulated. Whenever it comes to the validation of the hypothesis and the support of the statement made, in science we find two terms, theory and law. The theory is the well-founded explanation of natural phenomena, the evidence supports it and, at the same time, time, it is testable and false. Contrary to this, a law is the concise statement comprising facts. In other words, we can say that the law is the absolute fact.
Comparison chart
Base | Theory | Law |
Definition | The theory is the well-founded explanation of natural phenomena, the evidence supports it and, at the same time, it is testable and false. | Law is the universally accepted statement based on truth; it also describes what nature does in different conditions. |
based on | Evidence supports a theory after going through experiments under various conditions. | A law is a simple and concise statement that remains unchanged. |
Replacement | One theory may become obsolete or be superseded by another. | The law is not superseded. |
phenomena | Theories explain phenomena and try to support them with logic and evidence. | The law defines the phenomena in a general way. |
What is the theory?
A theory is an assumption or system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained. The theory is supported by some evidence and can be both testable and false. It is based on proven factors after solid research, and the scientific results returned similar results after checking it several times. As science is the search for truth, theory is the answer that answers the answers like why and when. According to experts, theory is the set of principles about phenomena; they are the group of facts that can be proven through the proper channel. A statement supported by some evidence does not immediately result in the theory; is collated by different scientists. The scientist does repetitive experiments, and then the collective proposition leads to the theory. A good theory must have the quality to explain the different components of the scientific method, observation and experiments, words that are understandable even to the layman.
What is law?
A law is a solid state based on facts, according to the belief of some of the scientists, the law is said to come in hierarchical order in scientific method followed by hypothesis and theory. Another famous definition of law says that it describes what nature does under different conditions. Law is an absolute statement that is based on facts and explains phenomena generally rather than specifically. The law cannot be outdated or discarded, since it happens to be the universally accepted truth. In rare cases, certain additions were made in the law, but most of the time it remains unchanged. Newton’s law of motion, Boyle’s law, and Charles’ law are some of the prominent laws in the history of science. According to some of the scientists,
Key differences
- The theory is the well-founded explanation of natural phenomena, the evidence supports it and, at the same time, it is testable and false. On the other hand, the law is the universally accepted statement based on truth; it also describes what nature does in different conditions.
- Evidence supports a theory after undergoing experiments under various conditions, while a law is a simple and concise statement that remains unchanged.
- A theory can become obsolete or be replaced by another while the law is not replaced.
- Theories explain phenomena and try to support them with logic and evidence. Contrary to this, the law defines phenomena in a general way.