University of Central Florida (UCF) AST2002 Astronomy Midterm 1 Practice

The distinction between a law and a theory in scientific terminology is primarily rooted in their definitions and purpose. A law summarizes a set of observations and describes what happens under certain conditions, typically expressed in concise mathematical terms. It describes phenomena but does not provide an explanation of why those phenomena occur. For instance, Newton's law of universal gravitation quantifies the gravitational force between two masses but does not delve into the underlying mechanisms leading to that force.

In contrast, a theory is a broader explanatory framework that provides insights into the underlying mechanisms and reasons behind observed phenomena. Theories are supported by a substantial body of evidence and can explain a wide range of related phenomena. For instance, the theory of evolution explains the process of natural selection and the development of species over time.

While other options touch on certain aspects of the difference between laws and theories, they may introduce misconceptions. Laws are not necessarily "proven right" but rather validated through repeated observation; theories can be revised based on new evidence. Additionally, both laws and theories are derived from experimentation, although theories can stem from hypotheses as well. The complexity of a law versus a theory cannot be definitively categorized since the two serve different purposes in science. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that laws describe outcomes while