Universe: Stars And Galaxies
Universe: Stars And Galaxies
6th Edition
ISBN: 9781319115098
Author: Roger Freedman, Robert Geller, William J. Kaufmann
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 1, Problem 1Q
To determine

The difference between hypothesis and theory.

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Answer to Problem 1Q

Theories are initiated from hypothesis.When one gives an explanation about a fact based on some observation, it is known as hypothesis and when a set of ideas are explained for a fact, it is known as theory.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When a phenomenon is observed, a scientist tries to find a natural cause for its occurrence. If any existing theory cannot explain the phenomenon, he creates a hypothesis that can be experimentally tested.

Thereafter, a researcher plans and creates an experiment, which is performed to test the hypothesis and a conclusion is attained. Based on the conclusion, a theory can be proposed if the results obtained are reproducible and provides similar observation everytime.

Expalnation:

Following are some points which describe the difference between hypothesis and theory.

Hypothesis Theory
• It is a set of statements termed as an explanation for how a specific phenomenon occurs. • It is an explanation about a natural phenomenon which is testable.
• Verification of hypothesis is nothing but the theory. • Theory can be verified by a number of experiments.
• The hypothesis is a tentative description of observations. • The theory is a principle which explains the observations.
• Hypothesis justifies only a particular or single fact which is to be tested. • Theory confirms the hypothesis and can be appliedto other circumstances.
• The hypothesis is subjective. • The theory is objective.

Conclusion:

Thus, the hypothesis and theory are two inter-dependent concepts but different in nature. Theories are initiated from hypothesis.When one gives an explanation about a fact based on some evidence, it becomes hypothesis, and when a set of ideas are explained for a particular fact, it is theory.

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