Question

The theory of atomic structure has changed significantly over time. What should happen if a trusted scientific experiment yields results that contradict part of this theory?

Answer 1

Then that part of the theory that was falsified would be modified.

Explanation:

In most treatments of scientific theory, a theory is never regarded as `"proven"`. Proof is an unreasonable and impossible requirement. Theories, large scale generalizations that predict and explain phenomena, are known to be consistent with all existing data and experiment.

Should a set of experimental results occur that falsified the theory, then the theory would be modified to accommodate the confounding data. If enough falsifying data emerge, then the theory would be abandoned.