What is the main difference between a scientific law and a theory?

• A. A scientific law is based on speculation, while a theory is based on experimental evidence.
• B. A scientific law describes a consistent relationship observed in nature, while a theory explains the underlying reasons for those observations.
• C. A scientific law can be changed easily, but a theory cannot be modified.
• D. A scientific law is less important than a theory in scientific research.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that both scientific laws and theories are important components of scientific knowledge but serve different purposes.
2. Step 2: Recognize that a scientific law describes a consistent, observable relationship in nature, often expressed mathematically, without explaining why it happens.
3. Step 3: Know that a scientific theory provides an explanation for the observations and laws, offering the underlying reasons and mechanisms based on extensive experimental evidence.
4. Step 4: Note that scientific laws summarize what happens under certain conditions, while theories explain how and why those phenomena occur.
5. Step 5: Remember that both laws and theories are supported by evidence and can be refined or modified as new data becomes available, but their roles in science are distinct.