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Which of the following distinguishes a theory from a hypothesis?

A.
A theory is much more speculative than a hypothesis.


B.
A hypothesis can be tested by experiment, but a theory cannot.


C.
A hypothesis can be shown to be wrong, but a theory cannot.


D.
A theory explains far more phenomena than a hypothesis.

2 Answers

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Final answer:

The main difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory is that a hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested, while a theory is a comprehensive explanation for a wide range of phenomena that has been thoroughly tested and supported by evidence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distinction between a hypothesis and a scientific theory lies in their respective levels of validation and scope. A hypothesis is a tentative assumption or an educated guess based on what is already known, which can then be tested through experiments and observation. In contrast, a scientific theory is a well-developed set of ideas that proposes an explanation for observed phenomena and is supported by a substantial body of evidence gathered through repeated experimentation and analysis.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question “Which of the following distinguishes a theory from a hypothesis?” is (D) A theory explains far more phenomena than a hypothesis. A theory is not just a singular observation or speculation; it is an overarching explanation for a wide range of phenomena and has been rigorously tested to establish its validity.

User Alex Chugunov
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I think the answer is C because hypothesis is what we think and the theory is what we check and then say so answer is C
User Tajinder Singh
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