5
QuizMultiple Choice

Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws

Question 5 • FL-2000315-Biology 1 CR

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?

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

Explanation

A scientific law describes a consistent pattern or relationship, while a scientific theory explains why that pattern occurs. Newton’s second law states the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration: force equals mass times acceleration. So the correct choice is A, “It states, rather than explains, the relationship between the variables.”

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