What distinguishes a scientific hypothesis from a scientific theory?

Question

answers
A theory can be proven as true, while a hypothesis cannot.

A hypothesis has more scientific backing than a theory.

A hypothesis is often untested, while a theory has been extensively tested.

A hypothesis is used only in testable fields of science, while a theory is used in all fields of science.

Answer 1

The correct distinction is:

A hypothesis is often untested, while a theory has been extensively tested.

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation and observation. In contrast, a scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation that has been tested and confirmed through many experiments and observations over time, making it widely accepted within the scientific community.