Question

the statement “force equals mass times acceleration (f=ma)” is newton’s second law of motion. why is this a law rather than a theory?

○ it states, rather than explains, the relationship between the variables.
○ it cannot be proven, whereas a theory can be proven.
○ it may be revised if new information shows that the relationship has changed.
○ it was classified as a law because it is related to other similar discoveries.

Explanation:

• For the first option: A scientific law describes a relationship (like \( F = ma \) shows how force, mass, and acceleration are related) without explaining the underlying "why" of the relationship. A theory, however, explains the mechanism or reason behind phenomena. So this option aligns with the difference between a law and a theory.
• For the second option: The statement is incorrect. Both laws and theories are supported by evidence, and theories are well - supported explanations, not just "provable" in a simple sense, and laws are also supported by experimental evidence.
• For the third option: Scientific laws are generally considered to be universal and not easily revised based on new information in the same way that some hypotheses or less - established ideas might be. The nature of a law is that it describes a consistent relationship in nature.
• For the fourth option: The classification of a law is based on its description of a natural relationship, not its relation to other discoveries.

Answer:

A. It states, rather than explains, the relationship between the variables.