A scientific law ____.
A) is a hypothesis that has been proven
B) is what a theory becomes when it passes experimental tests
C) is called that because there are consequences when it is broken
D) is a well-tested and widely accepted description of what we find happening repeatedly and in the same way in nature
E) determines the series of steps that should be followed when designing an experiment to test a hypothesis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A scientific law is a well-tested and widely accepted description of what we find happening repeatedly and in the same way in nature. It is not a hypothesis, but a statement about the behavior of the natural world. It is also not the same as a theory, which is a broader explanation that incorporates multiple laws and observations. While breaking a law may have consequences, that is not why it is called a law. Lastly, a law does not determine the series of steps for designing an experiment – that is the role of the scientific method.

A Scientific Law ____