A scientific theory is a coherent set of concepts, explanations, and/or predictions of a particular aspect of reality, which can be tested and supported through repeated observations and experiments. Scientific theories are used to explain and predict aspects of the physical universe or specific areas of inquiry (e.g. electricity, chemistry, astronomy) [1][2] A critical component of a scientific theory is that it is testable and falsifiable.
A scientific theory is the product of a well-substantiated hypothesis that has been adequately corroborated by way of the scientific method. Since the confirmation process of a scientific theory is inherently based on Inductive reasoning, a scientific theory cannot be known to be true with absolute certainty; however, the validity of a scientific theory can be inferred with great confidence.[3][4] As such, as scientists collect additional scientific evidence over time, a scientific theory may be entirely rejected and modified if it does not fit the new empirical findings. In certain cases, the less-accurate unmodified scientific theory can still be treated as a theory if it is useful (due to its sheer simplicity) as an approximation under specific conditions (e.g. Newton's laws of motion as an approximation to Special relativity at small velocities relative to the speed of light).