Question

why do scientific theories not become scientific laws? laws are reserved for physical phenomena only. laws are more flexible than theories. laws are statements of fact, while theories are explanations.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because scientific laws apply to various scientific fields, not just physical phenomena. For example, there are laws in chemistry and biology too.
• The second option is wrong. Theories are more flexible as they can be modified with new evidence, while laws are more fixed descriptions of natural phenomena.
• The third option is correct. Scientific laws describe what happens (statements of fact, e.g., Newton's law of gravitation describes the force of gravity), and theories explain why or how it happens (e.g., the theory of plate tectonics explains how continents move). So theories can't become laws because they serve different purposes (explanation vs. statement of fact).

Answer:

The third option: Laws are statements of fact, while theories are explanations.