Question

scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws
reading comprehension questions
matching
determine if each statement below is referring to a hypothesis, theory, or law. on the line, write h for hypothesis, t for theory, or l for law.

1. ________ summarizes observations into concise mathematical or empirical statements.
2. ________ prediction or explanation for an observed phenomenon based on observations.
3. ________ elaborate explanation of an aspect of the natural world based upon evidence, observations, and experiments.
4. ________ includes an independent variable and dependent variable.
5. ________ through numerous experiments and evidence, it is observed that massive objects cause space to curve around them. when objects move near more massive objects, they follow a curved path, which is perceived as gravity.
6. ________ focuses on describing what happens under specific conditions without explaining the underlying mechanisms of the phenomenon.
7. ________ if carbon dioxide levels are increased in a closed system, the plant within this closed system will photosynthesize at a faster rate.
8. ________ explains how or why a natural phenomenon occurs using empirical data.
9. ________ at a constant temperature, the volume of a given mass of gas is inversely proportional to its pressure: p1×v1 = p2×v2

key characteristics
complete the following table.

term	definition	key characteristics
11. theory	a well - substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon based on repeated evidence
12. law	a statement based on repeated experimental observations about the universe

Explanation:

1. Laws summarize observations into concise statements.
2. Hypotheses are predictions/explanations based on observations.
3. Theories are elaborate explanations based on evidence.
4. Hypotheses often have independent and dependent variables.
5. This is a theory (general - relativity - related concept).
6. Laws describe what happens without explaining mechanisms.
7. This is a hypothesis about plant photosynthesis.
8. Theories explain natural phenomena using empirical data.
9. This is a law (Boyle's law).
10. Key characteristics of hypothesis: testable, can be disproven.
11. Key characteristics of theory: broad - scope, well - supported.
12. Key characteristics of law: universal, descriptive.

Answer:

1. L
2. H
3. T
4. H
5. T
6. L
7. H
8. T
9. L
10. Testable, can be disproven
11. Broad - scope, well - supported
12. Universal, descriptive