Question

Identify each of the following as being most like an observation, a law, or a theory:

a. All coastal areas experience two high tides and two low tides each day.
b. The tides in Earth’s oceans are caused mainly by the gravitational attraction of the moon.
c. Yesterday, high tide in San Francisco Bay occurred at 2:43 am and 3:07 pm.
d. Tides are higher at the full moon and new moon than at other times of the month.

Answer 1

a. A law. Gives a rule that can be verified, but does not seek to explain the "why" behind the phenomenon.

b. Theory. States a likely reason for a phenomenon that can be falsified.

c. Observation. States what was observed and when.

d. A law. Describes a general trend based on many observations. Not really a theory because no falsifiable explanation is given for the observed phenomena.

Answer 2

LAw
Theory
Observation
Law