What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?(1 point)

Question

Responses

A theory is based on extensive experimental evidence, whereas a law is based on theoretical assumptions.
A theory is based on extensive experimental evidence, whereas a law is based on theoretical assumptions.

A theory explains why a phenomenon occurs, whereas a law describes what happens.
A theory explains why a phenomenon occurs, whereas a law describes what happens.

A theory can never be proven, whereas a law is always proven to be true.
A theory can never be proven, whereas a law is always proven to be true.

A law is applicable only to physical sciences, whereas a theory can be applied to any scientific discipline.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

A theory explains why a phenomenon occurs, whereas a law describes what happens.

This statement accurately captures the fundamental difference between scientific theories and laws: theories provide an explanation for phenomena and the underlying mechanisms, while laws describe observable regularities or phenomena in nature.