“Gravity is just a theory — it's not a law.”
Usage Entry 1187 / 1605 60-second read
Theory vs. Law
An explanation of how versus a description of what.
The comparisoni
“The law of gravity describes how things fall; the theory of gravity explains why. Both are established science.”
The ruleii
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LAW = describes. THEORY = explains.
A LAW in science describes what happens — e.g. the law of gravity predicts falling rates. A THEORY explains why — Einstein's theory of general relativity explains gravity's mechanism. Theory is not weaker than law; they serve different purposes.
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
Laws describe; theories explain.