How do scientific theories and hypotheses differ? Are there unproven theories in science, and what are they called?

Scientific theories and hypotheses are both important components of scientific research. However, they are distinct concepts with different roles in the scientific process.

A scientific hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction that can be tested through experiments or observations. Hypotheses are often used to explain observations or phenomena that are not yet fully understood.

On the other hand, a scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena that is supported by a large body of evidence. Theories are based on a wide range of data, including experiments, observations, and mathematical models, and have been tested and validated over time.

It's important to note that a theory is not the same as a scientific law. A law is a descriptive statement that is based on repeated observations and is often expressed mathematically, whereas a theory is an explanatory framework that can be used to understand a wide range of phenomena.

While many scientific theories have been extensively tested and are widely accepted, there are also unproven theories in science. These are ideas or explanations that have not yet been fully tested or validated, but are still considered to be scientifically plausible based on existing evidence. These unproven theories are often referred to as hypotheses, even though they may have more in common with theories than with hypotheses.