A well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations is called

• A. Hypothesis
• B. Scientific theory
• C. Law
• D. Speculation

Answer: (B)

In science, a theory is a well-tested explanation that accounts for a wide range of observations and experiments and can make reliable predictions. The description in the question matches this idea exactly: a well-supported explanation that ties together many different findings. A hypothesis is a testable idea that guides experiments but hasn’t yet gained the broad, consistent support a theory has. A law describes what happens under certain conditions, often as a concise rule or equation, but it doesn’t explain why. Speculation isn’t grounded in evidence. So the best fit is a scientific theory—the explanation that consistently accounts for diverse observations and evidence.