A hypothesis and a theory are both used in scientific research to explain phenomena, but they differ in their level of certainty and the extent to which they have been tested. Here's a brief explanation of each:

Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a phenomenon that is based on observations and previous knowledge. It is a proposed explanation that is used to guide further research and experimentation. A hypothesis is typically framed as an "if-then" statement, where the "if" part represents the independent variable and the "then" part represents the predicted outcome. Hypotheses are testable and falsifiable, meaning that they can be either confirmed or refuted by further experimentation.

Theory: A theory is a well-established explanation for a phenomenon that has been extensively tested and supported by a large body of evidence. A theory is based on multiple lines of evidence and can explain a broad range of related phenomena. A theory is generally considered to be the most robust and reliable explanation for a phenomenon that is currently available. However, a theory can still be modified or refined as new evidence emerges.

In summary, a hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a phenomenon that is used to guide further research, while a theory is a well-established explanation that has been extensively tested and supported by a large body of evidence. Hypotheses are testable and falsifiable, while theories are generally considered to be the most robust and reliable explanations available.