Examples of Scientific Model

Examples   /   by admin   /   June 05, 2022

A scientific model It is an abstract and conceptual form of representation of reality, in which the processes or dynamics are described according to what is established in a specific scientific theory. It is a graphic or visual representation of a segment of reality that is explained by a scientific theory, to facilitate its visualization and understanding.

The construction of models is an important step in the process of obtaining scientific knowledge, and for this the Scientists turn to disciplines such as methodology, the philosophy of science or the general theory of systems. The idea is that a scientific model accompanies a scientific theory (however, they should not be confused with one another) and collaborate in the perception of the processes and final results that the application of said theory to a scenario would throw certain. The same theory can have different models to be explained.

Scientific models are built from input data (input) and a result or output (output), as described by the theory. However, the operating rules within the model will largely depend on the scientific field to which the model belongs.

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Types of scientific models

Scientific models can be classified as follows:

  • physical models. They are three-dimensional and tangible copies or representations, made to scale (larger or smaller, depending) of some object or some material of scientific interest, to allow their observation and understanding from different perspectives. To this type of models belong, for example, prototypes and models.
  • graphic models. They are graphical or visual representations of data sets, using various symbols, vectors, lines or designs to allow a better understanding of the relationships and correlations between the data. It is what we do, for example, when designing bar charts or pie charts to express statistical results.
  • mathematical models. They are numerical or algebraic representations that allow the construction of formulas and mathematical expressions to express the relationships present in the real world. They can be probabilistic models, numerical models or deterministic models, such as the Uncertainty ratio of Heisenberg, the Monte Carlo method or the formulas Law of Universal Gravitation of Newton.
  • Analog or analog models. They are representations of phenomena of scientific interest through concrete analogies (comparisons), that is, that is, through the construction of a device or artifact that apparently reproduces the situation to study. An example of this is the tectonic plate models used to teach seismology, which consist of caissons compressed sand equipped with motors that induce movement and allow "reproducing" the tectonic folds and the orogenesis.
  • conceptual models. They are graphic representations of the scientific ideas handled, expressed through a high level of abstraction, since they focus on certain aspects or details of the reality to be studied. His relationship with the latter is, moreover, conventional, metaphorical. A perfect example of this is the different atom models proposed by atomic theories throughout history.
  • See also: Scientific advances

Examples of scientific models

Some examples of scientific models are:

  1. Molecular computer simulations. It is a model consisting of a series of techniques to model substances, either for the chemistry, biology, physics or other material sciences. To do this, computer programs capable of reproducing the appearance and dynamics of the atoms and the molecules.
  2. Luttinger's liquid. It is a theoretical model to describe the behavior of electrons (or other similar particles) in a conductor. one-dimensional (like carbon nanotubes), and was created because the Fermi liquid does not work in a single dimension. This model was first proposed in 1950 and consists of a complex mathematical model.
  3. The DART model. It is a model of radiative transport in three dimensions, whose name corresponds to the acronym in English of Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer). It is carried out through a software free for scientific activities, developed since 1992 and patented in 2003.
  4. The rain model of planet formation. It is a conceptual model used by planetary science to describe the first stage of planetary differentiation and formation of planetary nuclei, according to which every planetary body is made up of a mixture of nickel and iron, subjected to temperatures so high that they melt into an immiscible emulsion, which allows gravity to cause a "rain" of metal into the planet, thus forming its core. With this model (and the accompanying theory) the formation of all known planets can be explained.
  5. The Swiss cheese model. It is a conceptual and analog model widely used in risk analysis and risk management, proposed by James T. Reason. Attempts to explain the causality of air, maritime or health accidents, through the metaphor of Swiss cheese, whose large holes are left at disparate levels when one cuts it into slices. Likewise, defenses against disaster operate, like those barriers, throwing failures every time two holes momentarily coincide and allow the passage of an imaginary object.

References:

  • "scientific model" on Wikipedia.
  • "scientific models" Educate.
  • “Scientific Models” in the Austral Interdisciplinary Dictionary.
  • "On scientific models"in ib training.

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  • Applied Science
  • branches of science
  • scientific knowledge
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