Final answer:
A scientific theory explains why something happens, while a scientific law describes a pattern.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law is that a theory explains why something happens, while a law describes a pattern. A scientific theory is an explanation of phenomena based on a variety of evidence and experimentation, and it can change or evolve over time as new evidence emerges. On the other hand, a scientific law is a statement that describes a consistent pattern observed in nature and is supported by a substantial body of evidence.
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