Final answer:
The true characteristic of a scientific law, compared to a theory, is that it is proven and universally accepted by the scientific community, concisely described often with an equation, and based on repeated validation through experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct choice that describes a scientific law rather than a theory is: C - proven and universally accepted by the scientific community. A scientific law is a concise description of a generalized pattern in nature, typically expressed as a single mathematical equation, which has been repeatedly validated by scientific evidence and experiments. Unlike a theory, which can be complex and explain a broad range of phenomena, a law describes a single action and is widely considered foundational in the scientific method.
An example of a scientific law is Newton's second law of motion, stated as F = ma, which relates force (F), mass (m), and acceleration (a). It's important to note that although scientifically validated, laws can be subject to revision if new evidence arises that contradicts them. Thus, they are universally accepted until such evidence is found.