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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.

New data is found which goes against what scientists predicted should happen. Which of the following is NOT a potential result of the new research?

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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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