Scientific laws vs Scientific Theories
Scientific law and scientific theory are common encounters when studying science subjects. These are principles that have many similarities such as Tested hypotheses, Support of empirical data, Wide acceptance and Help unify a field. However, there are many differences between these two concepts also.
Scientific laws
There are many definitions of scientific laws, and here are 3 of the most widely accepted ones.
1) It is an empirical generalization; a statement of a biological principle that appears to be without exception at the time it is made, and has become consolidated by repeated successful testing.
2) It is a theoretical principle deducted from particular facts, applicable to a defined group or class of phenomenon, and expressible by a statement that a particular phenomenon always occurs if certain conditions are met.
3) It is a set of observed regularities expressed in a concise verbal or mathematical statement.
Scientific theories
Here are a few respected definitions.
1) It is the grandest synthesis of a large and important body of information about some related group of natural phenomenon.
2) It is a body of knowledge and explanatory concepts that seek to increase our understanding a major phenomenon of nature.
3) An explanation for an observation or series of observations that is substantiated by a considerable body of evidence.
Difference between Scientific laws and Scientific Theories
Reading these definitions, it appears that both scientific laws and theories are very much similar. The major difference according to some scientists is that a law describes what nature does under certain conditions, and also predicts what nature will do if these conditions are met. On the other hand, a theory explains how nature works. Another notable difference is that laws can often be explained using mathematics, whereas theories cannot be explained mathematically. This explains why physics and chemistry have so many laws (as they can be explained mathematically), while biology does not have laws and has lots of theories that do not need to be explained using mathematics.