What is Explanation: Definition and 975 Discussions

An explanation is a set of statements usually constructed to describe a set of facts which clarifies the causes, context, and consequences of those facts. This description may establish rules or laws, and may clarify the existing rules or laws in relation to any objects, or phenomena examined.Explanation, in philosophy, is a set of statements that makes intelligible the existence or occurrence of an object, event, or state of affairs. Among the most common forms of explanation are causal explanation; deductive-nomological explanation, which involves subsuming the explanandum under a generalization from which it may be derived in a deductive argument (e.g., “All gases expand when heated; this gas was heated; therefore, this gas expanded”); and statistical explanation, which involves subsuming the explanandum under a generalization that gives it inductive support (e.g., “Most people who use tobacco contract cancer; this person used tobacco; therefore, this person contracted cancer”). Explanations of human behaviour typically appeal to the subject’s beliefs and desires, as well as other facts about him, and proceed on the assumption that the behaviour in question is rational (at least to a minimum degree). Thus an explanation of why the subject removed his coat might cite the fact that the subject felt hot, that the subject desired to feel cooler, and that the subject believed that he would feel cooler if he took off his coat.

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  1. B

    Explanation of the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem proof

    Homework Statement Every bounded sequence has a convergent subsequence. Homework Equations Suppose that closed intervals I_0 \supset I_1\supset ... \supset I_m and natural numbers n_{1} < n_{2} < ... < n_{m} have been chosen such that for each 0 \leq k \leq m, (2) |I_{k}| =...
  2. E

    Explanation of some terms in Normal(Gaussian) Distribution

    Hello, I need your help in clarifying some points from Normal Distribution Theorem: What does this expression exactly says: P(Z<=z) ? Z is random variable? z is deviation?
  3. N

    Explanation of a failed approach to relativize Schrodinger equation

    I'm reading the Wikipedia page for the Dirac equation I am not sure how one gets a new \rho and J^\mu. How does one do to derive these two? And can anyone show me why the expression for density not positive definite?
  4. A

    Rigid body rotation. Need explanation

    Homework Statement https://dl.dropbox.com/u/66988308/Capture.JPG Homework Equations V=rWThe Attempt at a Solution I tried to plug in the forumla , and algebras but I keep getting rc/rf as answer instead of rf/rc as the book says. Work: Vf=(rf)W W=Vf/rf W=Vc/rc Vc/rc = Vf/rf (Vc)(rf) = (Vf)...
  5. R

    What's the most illustration explanation or reason why a shear can

    what's the most illustration explanation or reason why a shear can pass from positive to negative in say a beam?
  6. K

    Coin's motion under water Need Explanation

    Homework Statement There is time-pass game, "Coin in a Bucket". In this game, we take a bucket full of water, and in the middle there is a small cup. We are asked to put the coin in the small cup from above the bucket. Now the point is, that whenever we place the coin from top of the...
  7. A

    Intuitive explanation of momentum conservation problem

    Hi, So I recently worked out a problem in my mechanics class about two people jumping off a frictionless railroad cart at speed u. The result is that the cart will move faster if they each jump off separately than it would have if they both jumped at the same time. I've been trying to...
  8. N

    Thevenin Equivalent Explanation Request~

    Homework Statement http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6493/f7868b61c6cb4d6084fa5ba.png Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I've tried to deduct how my textbook has actually done this Thevenin Equivalent. No one in my class (that I've come into contact with anyway)...
  9. L

    Better explanation of ket notation

    Homework Statement I have two separate problems with the same issue; I don't grasp what information the equation of state is giving me. a. A system with l=1 is in the state ψ> = (1/√2) 1> - (1/2) 0> + (1/2) -1> Find Ly. b. A spin 1/2 is in the state ψ> = (1+i)/3 +> + (1/√3) ->...
  10. N

    Water analogy as electricity explanation

    Thinking of a restrictive pipe as an analogy of a resistor, which converts electrical energy to heat, would a pipe demonstrate a rise in temperature related to the loss of energy in the water, . (theoretically - and assuming conditions which did not have other influences - so water at ambient...
  11. T

    Explanation from Part of Griffith's text (Differential Equation)

    This is from section 2.3 in Griffith's book on the harmonic oscillator, and apparently this differential equation should be obvious (to move on in my reading, I need to understand this first). I'm not quite sure how to solve a second order ODE without constant coefficients, so help to get to the...
  12. L

    Factorization little explanation ?

    Alright in class, my teacher can factorize quadratics almost instantly. I wanted to know if anyone can tell me how to do it his way... Like if you had 5x^2 + 14x - 3 (x+3)(5x-1) He writes that instantly, I kind of figured out in the first term, you put the sign that the b term...
  13. G

    Explaining the Differences Between Two Graphs for a Roller Coaster Cart's Motion

    Homework Statement A proposed ride at the amusement part launches a roller coaster car up an inclined track. Near the top of the track, the car reverse direction and rolls backwards into the station...Homework Equations My question is: What is the difference between, "Sketch a graph of the...
  14. S

    Need explanation on how electrons and electricity work

    Hey guys I'm a new member and I will be mostly asking questions :P Anyways ... Physics subjects in my school are about electricity now and my teachers aren't very good, so I can't clearly understand what they're saying. To get to the bottom line, our lesson was about electrons and...
  15. O

    Electrical DIY Voltage cell type/behaviour explanation please

    hello PF community i'm looking for help in understanding the classification and observed behaviour of some DIY voltaic (?) cells and their associated circuits with which I've been tinkering for a couple of years the cell operation seems to belong somewhere between galvanic and the original...
  16. G

    Understanding Free Fall: Explained in Simple Terms | K.I.S.I.S."

    I had this elaborate example all set up to lay my question out. and I can hear my x wife in my head. "you over think everything" So here is my question. I do not understand free falls 93feet/sec /second. this sounds to me that Tim would be doing 279 feet per second after only 3 seconds...
  17. H

    Specific Heat: Degree of Freedom & Energy Storage

    Homework Statement Okay I have to write an EEI (Extended Experimental Investigation) for physics in relation to which radiator coolant is best from a thermodynamics point of view, thus the specific heat of the coolant is the main focus. But to incorporate more depth into the report, I was going...
  18. Q

    Number Theory: Unclear Explanation of Divisibility Question

    Hello, The following problem appears in my number theory text: The answer: I have tried to trace the reasoning in reverse. I understand how we get to the finish (by showing that the number is divisible by all of the relatively prime factors of n, but I don't understand how we...
  19. G

    A graphical explanation of Special Relativity

    PLEASE NOTE: When replaying these animations, click on the circular arrow in the bottom left corner of the video window. If you click inside the video, you may end up running a different video. We start during the era before Einstein when most of the great scientists believed in an absolute...
  20. denjay

    Explanation for moving fluids having lower pressure

    I've known this fact for a long time and have thought about an explanation for it for just as long. I've observed its effects such as in the shower: as the water flows down it moves the air with it causing the curtain to move inward into the shower. It just seems that with a moving fluid that...
  21. C

    A/m Unit Explained: Magnetic Fields

    hello, I can't seem to make sense out of amper/meter...one amp flowing throw a wire with a length of 0.5m would be 2A/m ? how does relate to the magnetic field?
  22. N

    The Modulus functionNeed a little Explanation

    So I have been dealing with the modulus function for almost a year now , I didn't ran into it many times so didn't really tried to understand it well . But it has started to get a little bit confusing . So if someone helps me I will be really happy . From what I know f(x) = |x| = { x ; x >=...
  23. D

    Good explanation of aeroelastic flutter

    After looking into the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse, I tried to find out what this thing called aeorelastic flutter is and what causes it. Unfortunately, I didn't get a very good answer for either question, especially the latter one, and was hoping someone could help me out.
  24. B

    Understanding Battery Energy Flow: Simplified Explanation

    Just a bit confused & I am in need of a simple explanation of how energy flows in a battery. This was my thinking: Cathode: positive terminal, current flows OUT Anode: negative terminal, current flows IN Is this correct? And if so, why do many battery diagrams depict energy flowing out...
  25. R

    How is energy converted in a ball rolling down a ramp and triggering a switch?

    Energy Conversion Explanation I have a ball behind suspended at the top of a ramp. The ball rolls down the ramp and triggers a switch. The switch is connected to a 9V battery and a motor and turns on once the switch is pressed. The motor acts as a fan because it has "blades" attached to it...
  26. M

    Explanation of how the following calculus work

    Homework Statement The following data has been collected: Gas volume: V = 0.8 m3 Gas pressure: p = 160 kPa Compression index: n = 1.4 Pressure/volume relationship: pV^n = C Work done = ∫ TOP=V2 BOTTOM =V1 You first need to work out C, the value of the pressure/volume relationship...
  27. S

    Solving Sin (90+Theta) = Cos - Explanation

    i understand how sin90-theta is cos , but i am having trouble with sin 90+theta = cos ...please explain
  28. S

    Explanation for uncertainty principal?

    Although the uncertainty principal can be written without quantum harmonic oscillators, it still happens when you consider them. Can the reason for the uncertainty principal be explained in terms of changing the equation? If I have a completely undetermined momentum, I should have something...
  29. W

    Classical Explanation of Photoelectric Effect

    http://singlephoton.wikidot.com/single-photon-detection-experiment I was browsing the web earlier, and noticed that the page above said that recently there was a semi-classical (wave) explanation of the photoelectric effect (End of 2nd-3rd Line). I was wondering how this was, as I can't seem...
  30. E

    Explanation of Higgs mass exclusion graphs?

    This is a graph from an article from last November on the search for the Higgs with the Atlas detector. It shows the cross section for a Higgs process relative to the standard model prediction. And then the upper limit of this, at the 95% confidence level. And this for different Higgs...
  31. N

    Exploring Absolutely Stunning Plot of Random Sequence (Pic Included)

    Absolutely Stunning Plot of a "Random" Sequence (Picture Included)--Need Explanation So I created 10000 waves of varying heights, 50% of the waves were 2 feet, 30% 1 foot, 15% 3 feet, 4% 4 feet, and 1% 5 feet tall. I generated 10000 "random" numbers with the statement "=Rand()" (this generates...
  32. D

    Circuit Explanation: Op Amp Diode Logic

    Hey all, This newb needs help understanding the posted circuit. Real quick, I'm going to post what I understand from left to right. R53 and R62 = Voltage Divider D2 = Clamping Diode (Clamping to 3.3V) R45 = R1 in basic (R2/R1)Vin = Vout op amp formula This is where I get stuck. Let's...
  33. T

    Explanation of density and floatation

    We know that an object with lower density than the medium it's in will float, and higher density will sink. Could someone provide proof of this in an equation format? I've been trying to use Bernoulli's theorem, but I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Thanks.
  34. S

    Need a clue on limits, have the answer need explanation

    I have grasped everything in the first 2 segments of my limits chapter, but somehow I am missing out on this problem. lim (f(x)-4)/(x-2) = 1...find lim x->4 x->4 f(x) I am missing something very fundamental and can not find an example...
  35. M

    Powder XRD FCC spirals explanation

    Hello All, I've been reading about XRD and found this picture online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aluminumpowderpattern.png My question, which might be due to the lack of background as I'm an ECE guy, is why are the FCC lattice vectors depicted of Spirals whose minima lie on the...
  36. A

    Explanation of sequential circuit

    Sequential circuit is a circuit which contains combinational circuit in addition to memory elements.Memory elements form a feedback path.The binary information stored in the storage elements at any given time defines the state of the sequential circuit at that time.The next state of the storage...
  37. I

    Need logical explanation for strange event

    I was making a sandwich at my kitchen counter, when my knife block fell over on its side with a loud bang. The block weighed 5 lbs and was 3' away from me with nothing near it and nothing connecting the knife block with anything I was touching. It was under cabinets in the "L" of the counter...
  38. L

    Determining if a matrix is diagonalizable with explanation

    Homework Statement Determine if this matrix is diagonalizable and explain why or why not. [ 2 1 0 0 0 ] [ 0 2 1 0 0 ] [ 0 0 2 1 0 ] [ 0 0 0 2 1 ] [ 0 0 0 0 2 ] Homework Equations No equations provided and the use of a calculator will be prohibited on the test, so that's...
  39. Sudharaka

    MHB Taylor Series Expansion Explanation

    mbeaumont99's question from Math Help Forum, Hi mbeaumont99, One thing you can do is to find the Taylor series expansion of \(f(x)=a^{x}\) and see whether it is \(\displaystyle \sum t_{n}\). The Taylor series for the function \(f \) around a neighborhood \(b\) is...
  40. J

    Baby rudin theorem 2.36 explanation

    Theorem 2.36 says that given a collection of compact subsets of a metric space X such that the intersection of every finite subcollection is nonempty, then the intersection of the entire collection is nonempty. The proof is very simple and I easily follow the abstract reasoning. However, I think...
  41. A

    Creating Radio Waves: A Scientific Explanation

    How can you make radio waves? Explain it scientifically
  42. B

    Explanation of quality factors for a circuit

    Homework Statement What does it mean physically if Q < 1 for a particular circuit? What would happen, for instance, if a switch were suddenly closed which completed the circuit by a wire rather than the ac supply? Homework Equations I've already derived the equation for Q (the...
  43. Z

    Conformal mappings - need explanation

    My book goes through this, but there are some things that I don't understand. Let z = h(w), where h is analytic. Then F(w) = f(h(w)) is also analytic if f(z) is analytic. Thus in the z and w plane f and F satisfy the Laplace equation. My book then says: "Further, suppose that Re f(z) is...
  44. V

    Need help on explanation of Jiskoot sampler.

    I want to know how the Jiskoot sampler work but the manual is too brief and complicated, can anyone explain how it work in a simpler way with little bit of picture? I really appreciate it! (You can easily find the manual by searching: Jiskoot 210 sampler)
  45. G

    Relativistic explanation for magnetic force between perpendicular wires

    I have read about how magnetism arises from electric interactions and relativity. But in that respect i don't see how perpendicular wires can exert magnetic forces on each other. The movement of the charges is perpendicular so length contraction does not occurr in the direction of the current...
  46. L

    Gauss's law intuitive explanation?

    I'm not sure what Gauss's law really means. "The electric flux through any closed surface is proportional to the enclosed electric charge." How does this apply to finding the electric field? apcentral.collegeboard. com/apc/public/repository/ap11_frq_physics_cem.pdf Look at parts 1 a and b. Part...
  47. M

    Low Power FM transmitter explanation

    Hello everyone, Finally I found a useful website where I can find the answers of my questions:) I will take signal processing course soon and I thought "building a low power fm transmitter" is a bright idea to train myself to a certain level... Though I need your help and I don't have...
  48. B

    Explaining Incompatibility of Electrodynamics & Special Relativity

    explanation for "Incompatibility with special relativity and momentum conservation"? Can anyone provide an explanation for this claimed contradiction between basic electromagnetism and momentum conservation? (Sorry, as a new member I can't post links.) News article: "Textbook...
  49. Z

    Explanation of proportionality with falling objects.

    A falling object with no initial velocity with mass m is influenced by a gravitational force g and the air resistance which is proportional to the object´s speed. By Newton´s laws this can be written as: (1) mg-kv=ma or (2) mg-kv^2=ma (for large velocities). I assume that k is a...
  50. S

    Understanding Inertia: Exploring Mass and Its Impact on Motion

    Hi guys, I read about inertia on various websites and my textbook but I don't quite understand it. I just don't get the general understanding of it. I read that mass is the only variable, however since F=ma, and a=0 so won't there be no variables? My teacher gave us this question: you push an...
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