Question

which of the following is the primary difference between a theory and a hypothesis? a theory deals only with the natural world, a hypothesis does not. a theory is tested, a hypothesis is not. a theory is broader than a hypothesis, dealing with a wider range of situations and observations. a theory is not tested, a hypothesis is.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option A: Both theories (in natural science context) and hypotheses can relate to the natural world, and hypotheses can also be about natural or other realms (depending on field), so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option B: Hypotheses are tested (they are tentative explanations tested via experiments/observations), and theories are well - tested explanations, so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option C: A theory is a well - substantiated, broad explanation that accounts for a wide range of observations and situations. A hypothesis is a tentative, more specific prediction or explanation that is tested to potentially become part of a theory or be rejected. So this correctly describes the primary difference in scope.
• Analyze Option D: Theories are tested (extensively), and hypotheses are tested (to validate or invalidate them), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. A theory is broader than a hypothesis, dealing with a wider range of situations and observations.