Why do so many people make the mistake of thinking that a scientic law is a proven theory?

Many people conflate scientific laws and theories because both are fundamental components of scientific understanding. A scientific law describes a consistent, observable phenomenon, often expressed mathematically, while a theory is a comprehensive explanation that encompasses and interprets various phenomena, based on evidence and experimentation. The distinction lies in the fact that laws describe "what" happens, whereas theories explain "why" it happens. This misunderstanding can stem from the use of the term "law" implying certainty, leading to the assumption that it is equivalent to a well-established theory.