Which statement best describes the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law in the context of atomic theory?

• A. A theory is a proven fact, while a law is just a hypothesis.
• B. A law is based on speculation, while a theory is based on repeated experiments.
• C. A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes what happens under certain conditions.
• D. A law can be changed easily, but a theory cannot be modified.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in science, a 'theory' and a 'law' serve different purposes: a theory provides an explanation for why certain phenomena occur, while a law describes what happens under specific conditions without explaining why.
2. Recognize that a scientific theory is developed through extensive experimentation and evidence, offering a model or framework that explains observations and can predict new outcomes.
3. Know that a scientific law summarizes consistent, observable patterns in nature, often expressed mathematically, but it does not provide the underlying reasons for those patterns.
4. Evaluate the given statements by comparing them to these definitions: theories are not 'proven facts' but well-supported explanations, and laws are not mere hypotheses or speculation.
5. Conclude that the best description is the one stating that 'A theory explains why phenomena occur, while a law describes what happens under certain conditions,' because it accurately reflects the roles of theories and laws in scientific understanding.