Chem 1

Difference Between Theory and Law

• Law

  • Describes observed phenomena.

  • Example: Newton's Laws of Motion (an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force).

  • Does not explain why the phenomenon occurs.

• Theory

  • A comprehensive explanation that has been rigorously tested.

  • Supported by substantial evidence and not falsified.

  • Example: Theory of Gravity.

  • Explains how and why phenomena occur and allows for testable predictions.

Characteristics of Scientific Theories

• Testability: Needs to make testable predictions.

• Falsifiability: Must have potential counterexamples to be disproven.

  • Example: Claim "all swans are white" can be falsified by finding a non-white swan.

• Refinement: Theories can evolve over time as new evidence emerges.

• Complexity: Most often, only details change rather than the overarching theory.

Historical Context and Evolution of Theories

• Rarely, a theory may be completely overturned by new findings.

  • Example: Newtonian physics was refined by quantum mechanics and relativity.

• Older theories may still be useful in specific scenarios while not applying universally (e.g., using Newtonian physics for big objects).

Examples of Scientific Theories

• Relativity

• Evolution

• Big Bang Theory

• Atomic Theory

Misnomers and Clarifications

• All statements or hypotheses presented colloquially as "theories" do not qualify as scientific theories without rigor and validation.

• Some concepts, while they sound scientific (e.g., certain philosophical ideas), may not meet the criteria of a scientific theory.