A statement that describes an observed pattern in nature, without explaining why it happens.

Here's a breakdown:

* Observed pattern: Scientific laws are based on repeated observations and experiments that have consistently shown the same outcome.

* No explanation: They don't explain the underlying mechanisms or causes. They simply state what happens.

* Predictive power: They allow us to predict what will happen in similar situations.

Examples:

* Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: This law describes the force of attraction between any two objects with mass, but it doesn't explain why gravity exists.

* Law of Conservation of Energy: This law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. It doesn't explain the nature of energy itself.

Difference from Scientific Theories:

* Scientific theories aim to explain why things happen. They are supported by a large body of evidence and can be modified as new evidence emerges.

* Scientific laws simply describe what happens, without providing an explanation. They are very unlikely to be changed or modified.

In Summary:

Scientific laws are concise statements that summarize the observed regularities of the natural world. They are powerful tools for prediction and understanding, but they do not offer an explanation for the phenomena they describe.