Final answer:
A) Theory. A hypothesis that has been rigorously tested and validated to become accepted by scientists is known as a theory. A theory is a well-supported and comprehensive explanation of particular aspects of nature. When a hypothesis stands up to extensive testing and scrutiny, it can be considered a scientific theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hypothesis that provides a way to predict a particular phenomenon and has been subjected to rigorous testing and validation to become accepted by scientists is known as a theory. A theory is a well-supported and comprehensive explanation of particular aspects of nature. It is based on extensive experimentation and observation and can be modified if new data become available.
A hypothesis that has been subjected to rigorous testing and validation and has consistently provided successful predictions is often elevated to the status of a scientific theory. In the scientific method, a hypothesis is an initial explanation for a phenomenon, and through experimentation and observation, it may be refined and tested. When a hypothesis stands up to extensive testing and scrutiny, it can be considered a scientific theory. A theory is a well-supported and comprehensive explanation of particular aspects of nature. Theories are well-substantiated explanations that can provide a framework for understanding and predicting natural phenomena.