A good example of this is found in the kinetic molecular theory, in which gases are pictured as being made up of many small particles that are in constant motion.
A useful theory, in addition to explaining past observations, helps to predict events that have not as yet been observed.
一個(gè)有用的理論,除了能夠解釋過去的觀測,還有助于預(yù)測那些未被觀測到的事件。
After a theory has been publicized, scientists design experiments to test the theory. If observations confirm the scientist's predictions, the theory is supported.
If observations do not confirm the predictions, the scientists must search further. There may be a fault in the experiment, or the theory may have to be revised or rejected.
After known facts have been gathered, the scientist comes to the part of the investigation that requires considerable imagination. Possible solutions to the problem are formulated.