Theory

Definition

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has stood up to repeated testing and scrutiny. It provides a framework for understanding observations and predicting future phenomena.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A scientific theory is different from a hypothesis; a hypothesis is an initial, testable statement, while a theory is extensively validated.
2. Theories in physics, such as Newton's theory of gravity or Einstein's theory of relativity, have undergone rigorous testing and are widely accepted in the scientific community.
3. Theories can evolve or be replaced if new evidence contradicts them or provides a better explanation.
4. In physics, theories help unify various observations and experimental results under one conceptual framework.
5. A good scientific theory must be falsifiable, meaning it must make predictions that can be tested and potentially proven wrong.

Review Questions

• How does a scientific theory differ from a hypothesis?
• Why must a scientific theory be falsifiable?
• Can you name an example of a well-known theory in physics?

Related terms

Hypothesis: A proposed explanation for an observation, which can be tested through experimentation.

Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspects of the universe. Unlike theories, laws do not explain why phenomena occur.

Model: A simplified representation of reality used to explain complex systems or phenomena in physics.