Sorry, guys, but hypothesis is a guess, but a theory is a mathematical description of facts. Look up in the dictionary.

That is why Newtons theory of gravity F=GMm/R^2 can NOT be disproven, because it is a FACT. And as it is Einstein's partial case at small gravities, it is constantly used by astronomers all the time. It even works well far beyond observed range of facts it was established from - at gravities near black holes. (Determining mass of black holes by observed blue and red shift of orbital velocities of spiraling plasma.)

Big Bang theory is a mathematical description of red shift and observed microwave relic rediation, Maxwell theory - of motion of electric charge, and so on.

Example of theories: d(x^3)/dx=3x, or pi = 3.1415926..., or Shroedinger solution for proton and electron = hydrogen, but example of hypothesis: pi = 3 (good hypothesis, by the way).

So, do not mix hypothesis with theories, these are 2 completely different things.

• law vs theory - phobos - January 30, 2001 - 18:31 UTC
  • Re: law vs theory - alexander - January 31, 2001 - 03:20 UTC