Identify each of the following statements as being most similar to a hypothesis, a law, of a theory. explain your reasoning.

(a) The pressure of a sample of gas is directly proportional to the temperature of gas.

(b) Matter consists of tiny particles that can combine in specific ratios to form substances with specific properties.

(c) At a higher temperature, solids (such as salt or sugar) will dissolve better in water.

A law is defined as the verified statement that will always be true for the specified conditions.

A hypothesis is defined as the generalized statement that is not based upon any verification or test. Basically, a hypothesis is a guess that we have to verify through test or experimentation.

A theory is defined as an in-depth information about a verified fact or observed phenomenon.

Hence, the given statements are distinguished as follows.

(a) The pressure of a sample of gas is directly proportional to the temperature of gas - It is a law because it shows that an observed phenomenon which is consistent can be used for prediction.

(b) Matter consists of tiny particles that can combine in specific ratios to form substances with specific properties - It is a theory because it is accepted by each and every one as it tells in-depth information about the behavior of matter.

(c) At a higher temperature, solids (such as salt or sugar) will dissolve better in water - It is a hypothesis because to verify it we have to conduct an experiment.