In the following scenario, identify which of the statements represents a theory, law, or hypothesis. 

(a) A student exploring the properties of gases proposes that if she decreases the volume of a sample of gas then the pressure exerted by the sample will increase. 

(b) Many scientists over time have conducted similar experiments and have concluded that pressure and volume are inversely proportional.

(c) She proposes that the reason this occurs is that if the volume is decreased, more molecules will collide with a given area of the container walls, causing the pressure to be greater.