What is a theory?

• A. A well-substained explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge
• B. A random guess
• C. A guess without evidence
• D. A personal opinion

Answer: (A)

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that arises from extensive testing and a body of evidence. It’s an organized system of accepted knowledge that explains how and why phenomena occur and allows us to make predictions in new situations. This differentiates it from guesses or opinions, which lack evidence or wide agreement. In science, theories come from careful observation, experimentation, and repeated testing, and they are refined as new data emerge, always aiming to fit the collected evidence into a coherent framework.