A hypothesis is an untested explanation, while a theory has been extensively tested and accepted as accurate. The theory of evolution is supported by scientific evidence, but theories are subject to change with new knowledge. Dark energy is a current hypothesis with ongoing research and difficulty in detection.
A hypothesis attempts to answer questions by proposing a plausible explanation that has yet to be rigorously tested. A theory, on the other hand, has already been extensively tested by various scientists and is generally accepted as an accurate explanation of an observation. This does not mean that the theory is correct; only that current tests have not yet been able to disprove it, and the evidence, as understood, appears to support it.
A theory often begins as a hypothesis, an educated guess to explain the observable phenomenon. The scientist will try to poke holes in his hypothesis. If it survives the applied methodologies of science, it begins to take on the meaning of a theory for the scientist. The next step is to present the results to the scientific community for further independent testing. The more a hypothesis is tested and holds up, the more it is accepted as a theory.
The theory of evolution, for example, is supported by a plethora of scientific evidence in the form of cosmological, geophysical, and archaeological research data, to name just a few relevant fields. Not only have scientists traced the evolution of species through skeletal records, but the earth itself, our solar system, stars and galaxies can be “dated” through various scientific methods. This evidence appears to trace the universe back about 13.7 billion years to a “Big Bang” event.
While there seems to be no end to the evidence to support the theory of evolution, it’s still just a theory. Theories, however well accepted, are always subject to change as new knowledge comes to light. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, for example, explained the world on a large scale, but broke down when it came to the world of the infinitely small. This famous theory was more recently expanded upon by the M-theory of superstrings, which very neatly combined the four known forces in the universe into one elegant mathematical equation. M-theory exotically predicts that we live in a world of ten dimensions, plus one for time, for a total of 11 dimensions. While many aspects of M-theory make it difficult to test, the mathematical perfection of this theory has given it strength in scientific circles.
A current hypothesis of great importance is that of dark energy. Scientists can calculate how much mass is in the universe, but physical matter – matter made up of atoms – makes up only 50% of the total. Dark matter is thought to make up another twenty percent, leaving about seventy-six percent missing. Enter the supposedly summoned dark energy to fill the gap. There are some competing candidates for dark energy with ongoing research. However, one of the problems is the difficulty in detecting it. So even though its interaction with gravity on a massive scale is enough to cause the universe to rapidly expand outward, detecting it in the laboratory is a bit like checking for a light breeze using a weather vane filled with gigantic holes. However, as scientists unravel the mystery of the missing mass, the answer will one day move from a mere hypothesis to a generally accepted theory.
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