Final answer:
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation, while a scientific theory is a well-supported and comprehensive explanation of nature. A hypothesis is tested through experimentation and can be refined, while a scientific theory is accepted because it provides satisfactory explanations for a large body of data.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation, while a scientific theory is a well-substantiated, comprehensive, and testable explanation of particular aspects of nature. A hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested through experimentation, calculation, or comparison with other experiments, and can be refined as needed. On the other hand, a scientific theory is accepted because it provides satisfactory explanations for a large body of experimental data, and can be modified if new data become available.