Question

how does a law differ from a theory?
○ a law is a theory that has been proven to be true and universal.
○ a theory is a group of hypotheses that prove a law is true.
○ a law is a statement of fact, but a theory is an explanation.
○ a theory is a proposed law that has not yet been peer reviewed.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: Laws and theories are distinct; a law isn't just a proven theory. Theories explain, laws describe. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Theories don't prove laws. Theories explain phenomena, laws state relationships. Eliminate.
• Option 3: A scientific law is a statement of fact (e.g., Newton's law of gravity describes the force) and a theory (e.g., the theory of evolution) explains why/how phenomena occur. This matches the distinction.
• Option 4: Theories aren't proposed laws. Theories are well - supported explanations, laws are descriptive statements. Eliminate.

Answer:

C. A law is a statement of fact, but a theory is an explanation. (Here we assume the options are labeled A - E in order, and the correct one is the third option which we label as C for clarity. If the original options had different labels, adjust accordingly based on the third option text "A law is a statement of fact, but a theory is an explanation.")