= Physical theory
A <physical theory> is an organized set of principles and mathematical relations that predicts measurable behavior within a stated domain. It connects idealized quantities to experimental procedures, allowing observations to test more than an isolated fitted formula.
For example, Newtonian mechanics relates <force> to <acceleration> and predicts orbital motion, while <general relativity> changes the description of gravity when <spacetime> <curvature> becomes relevant. A theory can remain useful within its approximation regime even after a broader theory is established. Its usefulness depends on explicit assumptions, reproducible predictions and known accuracy, rather than on treating every successful approximation as exact at all scales.
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