Final answer:
A statement that can be proven is known as a fact. A hypothesis is a testable tentative explanation, while a theory is a substantially confirmed explanation in science.
Step-by-step explanation:
A statement that can be proven is called a fact. In science, a hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation, which can be tested and subsequently proven or disproven through data collection and experimentation. Conversely, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation, and is generally accepted within the scientific community.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: A statement that can be proven is called a(n) fact (C. Fact).
It's important to note that in the scientific context, a theory is more than just a casual hunch or guess—it is an explanation backed by a substantial body of evidence. This distinction often leads to confusion, as the colloquial use of the word 'theory' might imply that it is simply a speculative idea or untested hypothesis, which is not the case in scientific discourse.