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What’s the difference between a scientific law and theory? - Matt Anticole

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TEDEd Animation

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Chat with a friend about an established scientific theory, and she might reply, “Well, that’s just a theory.” But a conversation about an established scientific law rarely ends with “Well, that’s just a law.” Why is that? What is the difference between a theory and a law... and is one “better”? Matt Anticole shows why science needs both laws and theories to understand the whole picture.

One can best compare the acceptance of a theory to:

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Matt Anticole
  • Producer Zedem Media
  • Director Michael Kalopaidis
  • Artist Jeanne Bornet
  • Animator Andria Pourouti
  • Sound Designer Andreas Trachonitis
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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