Question

question 27 1 pts what is the primary difference between scientific theories and scientific laws? scientific theories make predictions given a set of initial conditions while scientific laws explain why things happen scientific theories explain why things happen while scientific laws predict what will happen given a set of initial conditions. scientific theories are educated guesses while scientific laws can never change scientific theories are not backed up by evidence while scientific laws are already proven previous next not saved submit quiz

Explanation:

• Scientific theories are well - supported explanations of natural phenomena. They explain why things happen based on a large body of evidence, research, and experimentation. For example, the theory of evolution explains how species change over time.
• Scientific laws are descriptions of relationships in nature. They predict what will happen given a set of initial conditions. For instance, Newton's law of universal gravitation predicts the gravitational force between two objects based on their masses and the distance between them.

• Let's analyze each option:
• Option 1: The reverse is true. Theories explain, and laws predict.
• Option 2: This is correct as per the definitions above.
• Option 3: Scientific theories are not educated guesses. They are based on extensive evidence. Also, scientific laws can be refined or have limitations discovered over time.
• Option 4: Scientific theories are backed by evidence, and scientific laws are also based on evidence but are more about prediction.

Answer:

Scientific theories explain why things happen while scientific laws predict what will happen given a set of initial conditions.