Final answer:
A theory supported by compelling evidence is known as a Verified Theory. Scientific laws are statements describing natural patterns often expressed in mathematical terms and can be modified if contradicted by new evidence. The belief that theories become laws over time is a misconception; both are distinct and fundamental aspects of the scientific method.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a theory is supported by compelling evidence that it is correct, it becomes known as a Verified Theory. This is because, in science, a theory is a set of scientific explanations that has been rigorously tested and is supported by a substantial body of evidence. It's important to note that in scientific terminology, a theory does not become a law simply through the passage of time or continued support. A scientific law typically uses concise language to describe a generalized pattern in nature and can often be represented by a mathematical equation. Laws and theories serve different purposes; a law describes what happens under certain conditions and a theory explains how or why it happens.
The statement that a scientific law cannot be changed is incorrect. Laws can be modified or rejected if new evidence or observations contradict them. Science is an ever-evolving field where the models, theories, and laws we establish are continually tested and subject to revision or rejection based on new experimental evidence.
A common misunderstanding is the belief that when a theory has been known for a long time, it becomes a law; this is false. The creation of laws and theories is part of the normal functioning of the scientific method, where experimentation and observation are paramount. The validity of scientific laws and theories are always subject to challenges from new experimental data.