Sign In

1.1 : Scientific Laws and Theories

Scientific Laws

In science, a law is defined as a concise, verbal or mathematical, statement that summarizes a vast number of experimental observations. It describes or predicts some facets of the natural world that always remain the same under the same conditions. 

Scientific Theory

A scientific theory is a unifying principle that provides a well-substantiated and testable explanation of aspects of nature and provides the reason for why things happen. Well-established theories are the pinnacle of scientific knowledge that has been developed over many years of constant experimental evaluation; they are as close to the truth as we get in science. They, too, are continuously tested and modified with newer observations obtained through advancements in science and technology. 

Thus, while a hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a particular observation, a theory is a well-tested explanation for a broad set of observations that explain a particular facet of the physical world around us. Scientific laws are statements about particular observations; they do not explain the reason involved. 

This text is adapted from Openstax, Chemistry 2e, Section 1.1: The Scientific Method.
 

Tags
Scientific LawsScientific TheoriesObservationConditionsUniversally Accepted StatementProven IncorrectCombustionLavoisierLaw Of Conservation Of MassMass ConservationScientific ModelExplanationRigorous ExperimentationObservationsAtomic TheoryMatter CompositionAtomsChemical ReactionEvolution Of Theories

From Chapter 1:

article

Now Playing

1.1 : Scientific Laws and Theories

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

69.7K Views

article

1.2 : The Scientific Method

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

44.4K Views

article

1.3 : Classifying Matter by State

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

67.9K Views

article

1.4 : Classifying Matter by Composition

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

66.9K Views

article

1.5 : Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

133.7K Views

article

1.6 : What is Energy?

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

47.7K Views

article

1.7 : Measurement: Standard Units

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

55.8K Views

article

1.8 : Measurement: Derived Units

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

41.0K Views

article

1.9 : Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

61.1K Views

article

1.10 : Uncertainty in Measurement: Reading Instruments

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

35.4K Views

article

1.11 : Uncertainty in Measurement: Significant Figures

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

57.7K Views

article

1.12 : Dimensional Analysis

Introduction: Matter and Measurement

41.7K Views

JoVE Logo

Privacy

Terms of Use

Policies

Research

Education

ABOUT JoVE

Copyright © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved