Question

which of these statements apply to scientific theories?
□ they are widely accepted explanations of natural phenomenon that have been extensively tested.
□ they are open to further study and can be revised pending new evidence.
□ they are absolute proofs of a scientific explanation obtained after rigorous testing.
□ they are the highest level of certainty a scientific explanation can attain.
□ they are collections of speculative and yet untested ideas about natural phenomenon.

Explanation:

1. For the first statement: Scientific theories are well - supported, widely accepted explanations of natural phenomena that undergo extensive testing (e.g., the theory of evolution, atomic theory). So this statement applies.
2. For the second statement: Scientific theories are dynamic. As new evidence emerges, they can be revised. For example, the theory of plate tectonics has been refined over time with new geological data. So this statement applies.
3. For the third statement: Scientific theories are not absolute proofs. Science is based on evidence and is always open to revision, so they can't be absolute proofs. This statement does not apply.
4. For the fourth statement: In science, the highest level of certainty is not attributed to theories in this way. Scientific knowledge is provisional, and even well - established theories can be modified. This statement does not apply.
5. For the fifth statement: Scientific theories are not speculative and untested. They are based on extensive testing and evidence. Hypotheses can be speculative and untested, but not theories. This statement does not apply.

Answer:

• They are widely accepted explanations of natural phenomenon that have been extensively tested.
• They are open to further study and can be revised pending new evidence.