Final answer:
A scientific theory is a well-supported explanation of natural phenomena that makes sense of observed data, contradictory evidence, unobservable phenomena, and unpredictable outcomes. It evolves from hypotheses that are rigorously tested and confirmed through experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Scientific Theories
A scientific theory is an explanation of natural phenomena that is not just an educated guess but is supported by evidence. It makes sense of observed data and is capable of explaining both unobservable phenomena and unpredictable outcomes. A theory must withstand rigorous testing and is supported by many experiments. When a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation, is tested and continually supported by experimental data, it may evolve into a theory. This process signifies that a scientific theory has a substantial amount of evidence backing it, explaining a body of observations and predicting behaviors within the natural world.
Theories are essential in science because they provide a coherent framework that explains multiple observations and predicts future outcomes. For instance, the theory of atomic structure has been supported by various experiments and observations, making it a robust scientific theory. A theory is not a static claim; it must always be open to scrutiny and reevaluation in the light of new evidence or better explanations.
In the context of scientific standards, a good theory must make sense of the observed data (a), be consistent with contradictory evidence (b), provide explanations for unobservable phenomena (c), and explain unpredictable outcomes (d). Each of these points helps ensure the validity and reliability of a scientific theory.