Final answer:
A scientific model is a representation used to explain complex phenomena that are often too challenging to study directly, and while they are supported by experimental proof, their applicability is limited. Scientific theories are broader explanations supported by extensive evidence. The planetary model of the atom and the kinetic theory of gases are examples of scientific models.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best description of a scientific model is that it is a representation of something that is often too difficult or impossible to study directly. Scientific models are typically justified with experimental proof, but their accuracy is generally limited to specific situations. For instance, the planetary model of the atom helps us to visualize electrons orbiting a nucleus, even though we cannot observe these orbits directly; such mental images support our understanding of phenomena like atomic spectra.
A scientific theory, on the other hand, is a well-supported explanation for patterns in nature based on scientific evidence, which has been verified multiple times by different groups of researchers. While theories may include models to facilitate the visualization of phenomena, they are broader in scope and more conclusive than models. Newton's theory of gravity and the kinetic theory of gases are examples where the latter includes a model to help conceptualize the behavior of gases invisible to our senses.