All scientific knowledge is tentative, although many ideas have stood the test of time and are reliable for our use. Theories just become stronger as more supporting evidence is gathered. They provide a context for further research and give us a basis for prediction. For example, atomic theory is an explanation for the behavior of matter based on the existence of tiny particles. Kinetic molecular theory explains, among other things, the expansion and contraction of gases.
Laws are fundamentally different from theories.
They are universal generalizations based on observations we have made of the natural world, such as the nature of gravity, the relationship of forces and motion, and the nature of planetary movement. Scientists, in their quest for the best explanations of natural phenomena, employ rigorous methods Scientific explanations must adhere to the rules of evidence, make predictions, be logical, and be consistent with observations and conclusions. Explanations of how the natural world changes based on myths, personal beliefs, religious values, mystical inspiration, superstition, or authority may be personally useful and socially relevant, but they are not scientific. Science as Inquiry - Inquiry should be the central theme in chemistry. It is an integral part of the learning experience and may be used in both traditional class problems and laboratory work.