Question

Explain the difference between a theory and a hypothesis. Please provide an example of each.

Answer 1

Theory

A) Theory is the correct logical explanation to research or experiment or for that matter to any scientific experiment.

B) Bases on evidence, verification, repeated testing and wide scientific consensus.

C) Based on wide set of data and tested under different circumstances.

D) Example : Theory of Relativity - This has been verified and tested innumerable times with results consistently verifying the concept of Relativity.

Hypothesis

A) It is mere speculation of an experiment. It is either a suggested explanation for an observable phenomenon or a reasoned prediction of a possible casual correlation between multiple phenomenon.

B) It is a prediction, suggestion or projections of thought and the result is uncertain.

C) Usually Based on very limited data.

D) Example : Periodic table - Mendeleev arranged periodic table with elements having similar chemical properties in vertical columns. He left open spaces in the table where next found element didn't match the properties of family. He made a prediction (Hypothesis) that the elements of the similar properties would be discovered to fill the gaps in his theory.