The difference between Hypothesis and theory is provided here. A hypothesis is an attempt to explain the phenomena; it is a proposal, a conjecture to explain something. A theory is a result of testing a hypothesis and developing an explanation which is taken as a certain side of a phenomenon. A theory replaces the hypothesis.
Thus, a person can make an observation and immediately form a hypothesis about why something happens the way it does. So, he/she tests the hypothesis and eventually develops a theory. A hypothesis can be right or wrong, but a theory is supposed to be true based on the scientific method. So when a hypothesis has been verified as true, it becomes a theory.
If you still confused to differentiate between hypothesis and Theory, then read the following comparison table.
Hypothesis Vs Theory
| Hypothesis | Theory |
| definition | |
| The explanation of observation and facts is called a hypothesis. | When the hypothesis is supported by a large amount of observation and experiment it becomes a theory. |
| Source | |
| It is made on intelligent guesses made by scientists. | It is made on the gradual accumulation of indirect evidence in favor of the hypothesis. |
| Example | |
| Avogadro’s hypothesis | Dalton’s atomic theory, Bohr’s atomic theory |
Hypothesis and Theory (video)
