Question

Which statement describes a scientific theory?
A.A theory states how something behaves without explaining why.
B.A theory is a proven fact that cannot be changed.
C.A theory changes based on new observations and testing.
D.A theory is based on a single hypothesis or observation.

Answer 1

Best Answer
C) is the best description, although a scientific theory is not necessarily a "fact". They are, however, based on evidence.

A) is complete garbage.

B) is a good description of a scientific "law"- something that predicts how a certain event will occur without explaining why this is (for instance, the law of gravity accurately describes the gravitational forces between two bodies, but does not explain why these forces are there).

D) is a scientific "hypothesis"- an explanation for an observed phenomena that is yet to be proven.

Answer 2

The correct statement is C) A theory changes based on new observations and testing.

FURTHER EXPLANATION

A) A theory states how something behaves without explaining why.

FALSE because a theory is actually a statement that explains why an observed phenomenon happens. A statement or an observation of how something behaves without explanation is a scientific law, not a theory.

B) A theory is a proven fact that cannot be changed.

FALSE because a theory may be changed or proven false if new evidence that contradicts or debunks the existing theory comes to light. An example is the development from Classical Mechanics to Special Relativity to the Theory of General Relativity with each subsequent theory providing explanations to situations the preceding could not.

C) A theory changes based on new observations and testing.

TRUE because a theory is only valid when a lot of data support it. If new observations challenge the theory, then it may be changed or abandoned.

D) A theory is based on a single hypothesis or observation.

FALSE because a theory is considered as the best explanation for a phenomenon so far. For it to be considered the “best” it has to have been peer-reviewed and repeatedly tested and verified by the scientific community.

LEARN MORE

1. hypothesis https://brainly.com/question/2681563
2. scientific method https://brainly.com/question/550083
3. scientific law https://brainly.com/question/942536

Keywords: theory, scientific method