Question

Classify each description as a hypothesis, theory, or law. Hypothesis Theory Law an explanation that hasScientists, after many a description that predicts been tested and verified experiments, state that matter at happens, but is composed of atoms. does not explain how A doctor thinks, but has not verified, that a patient with stomach pain has appendicitis. an untested explanation based upon observation or known facts

Answer 1

A statement about matter being composed of atoms after experiments is a theory. A doctor's unverified belief about a patient's condition and an untested explanation based upon observation are both hypotheses.

Step-by-step explanation:

To classify each description as a hypothesis, theory, or law, we can use the definitions provided:

• A hypothesis is a tentative explanation based on observation and can be tested by further investigation.
• A theory is a well-substantiated, comprehensive, and testable explanation of a set of observations or phenomena. It is broader and has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through experimentation.
• A law summarizes a pattern in nature often identified through repeated experiments and may be represented by a mathematical equation.

Using these definitions:

1. The statement that 'matter is composed of atoms' after many experiments would be considered a theory.
2. A doctor's belief that a patient with stomach pain has appendicitis, which has not yet been verified, would be a hypothesis.
3. An untested explanation based upon observation is also a hypothesis.