What is Explanation: Definition and 976 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. S

    How to Express Impedance in Terms of w, R, L, and C in an LRC AC Circuit?

    How do you express impedance in terms of w(omega), R, L and C knowing the circuit diagram. I understand that for R Z=R L Z=iLw C Z=-i/wC What is the effect of having components in parallel/series, could someone please give an example of a circuit and it's impedance expression...
  2. H

    Detailed circuit with explanation on the automatic voltage regulator

    I want a detailed circuit with explanation on the automatic voltage regulator for synchronous generators if anyone has
  3. M

    Laurent series: can calculate myself, just need a quick explanation how

    Homework Statement Hi all, I've just calculated the first three nonzero terms of the Laurent series of 1/(cos(z)-1) in the region |z|<2pi, and now I've been asked to 'find the three non-zero central terms of the Laurent expansion valid for 2pi<|z|<4pi' - firstly, what does it mean by...
  4. D

    An explanation for the apparent gradient of tidal amplitude with latitude?

    I teach marine biology and have been presenting the traditional model of the equilibrium tidal theory (2 humps on rotating earth) as still presented in most basic texts, but have not been able to find the theory or presumed explanation for the apparent generally increasing amplitude in tidal...
  5. C

    Drop of water in slow motion - explanation needed

    Please see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5bsQ_YDYCI&feature=player_embedded# First - wow. Second - I'm not sure I understand the mathematician's explanation. Why would there be a thin layer of air to begin with? Is this correct? Is there a different explanation for this...
  6. M

    Realistic explanation of the doppler effect

    Could anyone who knows give me a really simple yet realistic explanation of the doppler effect. This is one of those things that just boggles the brain so to speak.
  7. Char. Limit

    What is a Contour Integral and How is it Calculated?

    I saw a contour integral in a text I was recently reading, but unfortunately a contour integral is beyond my understanding at the moment. As such, I would greatly appreciate it if someone could explain a contour integral to me. If it helps, I know about derivatives, integrals, partial...
  8. S

    Better explanation of Radiative Transfer in Atmosphere especially with Saturation

    Re: the absorption & re-emission of long-wave radiation in the Earth's atmosphere. I thought it all made sense until I was trying to work out how to explain it better to others! So the Beer-Lambert equation describes the absorption at a given wavelength as exp(-k.z) where k is a constant...
  9. R

    Why is Gravity Considered Positive in Applications of Newton's Laws?

    Homework Statement I was asked a very simple question today about finding the tension in a cable as a 1200kg elevator is accelerating downward at -1.05 m/s^2 . now I could answer the question easily ma = T - mg solve for T but what I couldn't answer was just the basic question when the...
  10. D

    P=NP Explained: A Layman's Guide

    Yesterday, my computer science teacher (intro course) mentioned this mythical P=NP problem. He tried to explain it to the class but it went over everyone's head. Could someone please explain it to me in laymen's terms? Thanks
  11. R

    What is the physical explanation for boosts not commuting?

    I don't understand why an x boost followed by a y boost is different from a y boost followed by an x boost. Surely only the resultant velocity matters, and isn't time reversal a symmetry of SR? Similarly, why is the matrix for three simultaneous boosts any different from the product of boosts...
  12. F

    Some Explanation with Pauli's Spin Matrices

    can anyone explain me about Pauli spin Matrices ?What is Pauli Spin Matrices ?
  13. K

    Explanation why our universe and nature’s laws exist.

    In this text is explained why our universe exists and why there are nature’s laws. The explanation is given in two parts: Part 1: Why does our universe exist? Part 2: Why does nature’s laws exist? The explanation uses concrete examples, to make the text as comprehensible as possible. At the...
  14. F

    Some explanation with spin qantum No

    can anyone explain a bit about Spin Quantum No ?.Kindly explain proerly.
  15. G

    Tension Vector Explanation: Solving Homework Questions with Pictures

    Homework Statement My books doesn't seem to give a good explanation of tension vectors. I was hoping someone on here could explain them better. I put the picture from the book up. The two questions with pictures are the one's I'm having trouble with. In case you can't read them: The...
  16. T

    Explanation of laser intensity

    I've become interested in lasers and this question came to me today. Let's say we have two 10 mW lasers. One has a spot size of 1mm and one has a spot size of 10mm. Therefore, the first laser has a greater intensity. In classical physics we are told the wave amplitude increases. In modern...
  17. F

    Some Explanation about Heisenberg,s Uncertainty Particle

    Can anybody explain about Heisenberg's Uncertainty Particle.And Some Description in the experiment t o Prove the principle.
  18. F

    Some Explanation with Rigid Rotator

    Can anybody explain me .About Rigid Rotator.Kindly let me know the idea.Any help would be highly appreciated.
  19. F

    Some Explanation about Momement of Inertia

    Can anybody give Some Explanation about Momemet of inertia.Kindly let me know the idea Any help would be highly appreciated.
  20. T

    Is there any scientific explanation for increasingly violent natural disasters?

    Shortly after the year 2001, to now, there have been more increasingly violent earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, etc... than in any other decade in history. I wanted to know if there is a natural, geological, and meteorological explanation for this. Not too long ago, there were Two...
  21. T

    A non-technical explanation for FTL quasar motions

    A non-technical explanation for "FTL" quasar motions I was trying to think of an accurate but non-technical explanation for quasar motions that seem to be faster than light, and I came up with one. A have a friend in Atlanta and he sends me a book via UPS. That book takes three days to get...
  22. M

    Very brief explanation please? - Newt 2nd Law w/ Circular Motion

    Consider a conical pendulum with a weight on it and that makes some angle with the vertical. I am told to find the radial acceleration of the weight and someone showed me how it is solved but I don't understand why: I am told to set Tsin@ = m(ar) *ar = radial acceleration ar = (Tsin@)/m...
  23. S

    Fermi level simple explanation

    can any1 explain what fermi level is simple explanation also how are minority charge carriers formed and i can't understand the energy band diagram of pn junction that how both the fermi levels become equal WHAT IS MEANT BY THAT FERMI LEVEL i read in hyperphysics but i can't understand it...
  24. S

    RLC Circuit qualitative explanation any1?

    can some one explain me the qualitative aspects of RLC circuit i am satisfied with the vector diagrams i want the physical meaning behind say for instance in ac with inductor when current varies induced electric field is set up which opposes the current so there is a voltage drop similarly...
  25. N

    Welcome to Coherent Wave Explanation

    Hi all I read in a book that coherent means when two waves are monochromatic and have a definite phase relationship. What is meant by a definite phase relationship?
  26. S

    RLC Circuit qualitative explanation some1 ?

    can some one explain me the qualitative aspects of RLC circuit i am satisfied with the vector diagrams i want the physical meaning behind say for instance in ac with inductor when current varies induced electric field is set up which opposes the current so there is a voltage drop similarly...
  27. R

    Explanation of Wiki regarding Geodesics as Hamiltonian Flows:

    In the article from Wikipedia called: Geodesics as Hamiltonian Flows at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesics_as_Hamiltonian_flows" It states the following: It is frequently said that geodesics are "straight lines in curved space". By using the Hamilton-Jacobi approach to the...
  28. J

    Explanation of the breaking up of a derivative

    If you have dv/dt you say to yourself its the derivative of v with respect to t. But in an example of deriving the first kinematic equation for constant acceleration you go from a=dv/dt, to dv=a.dt and then you integrate this equation to give you the velocity. i.e v=u+1/2a(tsquared), using...
  29. M

    Is There a Simplified Explanation of Physics?

    Greeetings, I am new to this forum and I have heard theat there is a simpler explanation of physics and I am interested what is it. Thanks in advance
  30. F

    Thermodynamics yes or no Q (with explanation)

    Homework Statement Would it be possible for a changing ambient air temperature profile (e.g. 30ºC for X hours immediately changing to 35ºC for Y hours immediately changing to 25ºC for Z hours) to effect a certain mass and result in a temperature change EQUAL to a separate, constant ambient...
  31. A

    Derivative of ##\theta## w.r.t. ##a##: A Detailed Explanation

    Big derivative, just want to make sure I am doing correct thing here. a is the only changing dimension, r and l are constants ##\theta=\arccos\left(\frac{r^{2}+\left(r+l-a\right)^{2}-l^{2}}{2r\left(r+l-a\right)}\right)## I want to differentiate ##\frac{d\theta}{da}## So what I did was using...
  32. L

    Kinematics Physics equation, simple explanation.

    You are stuck behind a slow driver, there is a 1 km passing lane between a slow car and a truck. In order to properly pass you must be at least 40m from the slow car. You are traveling at 70km/h and there is an oncoming truck traveling at 80km/h. Each car is 4m long. What is the minimum...
  33. M

    Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Explanation

    I am trying to understand the theory behind nuclear magnetic resonance. I have been reading various explanations (some more detailed than others) but I still have several holes in my understanding and I hope that some of you can help clear them up. I realize there are quite a lot of...
  34. R

    How Does the Reaction Progress Affect Rate in a Second-Order Redox Reaction?

    Experiments show that the following redox reaction is second-order overall: NO2(g) + CO(g) --> NO(g) + CO2(g) In the reaction, the initial [NO2] is twice the initial [CO]. What is the ratio of the initial rate to the rate at 50% completion? In the solution they say: [NO2]i = 2[CO]i...
  35. C

    Understanding Linear Mapping: A Non-Technical Explanation

    Hello, so i was looking up the defintion of linear mapping and mapping in general and i have seen the technical defintion a few times but i was wondering if someone would mind explaining it to me in more general english. How would you explain it instead of just pointing out the definition...
  36. B

    Engineering Basic Circuits - Thevenin's Thm explanation

    I've read through a ton of material and still do not quite understand it. The way that we were taught was: 1) Redraw, with load removed 2) Redraw, find Voc 3) Redraw, find Rth 4) Redraw, using TEC with removed load Most of my questions involve finding Voc and Rth. I understand the steps...
  37. R

    Explanation of Angular Speed Change

    You have a weight on one end of a piece of string and you run that piece of string through a tube, and then on the other end you attach a cork. You hold on to the tube and try and keep the cork spinning at a constant radius, such that the weight stays dangling at the same height. As you increase...
  38. P

    Need an explanation for some observations observed

    First off - Sorry I didn't use the template. I didn't see how I could fit my observations with the template. :( I have 3 tubes of different lengths. They are both marked X and O on the ends. When I press on the X end or the O end and let it "spin", only the character pressed on is displayed...
  39. U

    P-N junction - Need explanation

    "...Recall that the n-side is studded throughout with positively charged donor ions, fixed firmly in their lattice sites. Normally, the excess positive charge of each of these ions is compensated electrically by one of the conduction band electrons. When an n-side electron diffuses across the...
  40. S

    Explanation to this velocity equation

    I have already done this problem enough times forwards and backwards to get the answer, so this is more of a theory question rather than help with homework. The equation for Vavg.=displacement/time or deltaX/deltaT. This equate to V=(X2-X1)/(T2-T1), correct? In working through a problem...
  41. R

    Understanding Guass and the Strength of Magnets: A Simple Explanation

    I feel kinda stupid asking this, but can anyone give a simple explanation of the difference between Guass and strength of a magnet, and what exactly Guass is?
  42. R

    What Does Negative Voltage Really Mean in Different Electrical Contexts?

    I've been getting confusing explanation on what negative voltage represents. In electrolytic cells my teacher explains that negative voltage means that voltage needs to be added for current to flow but in AC circuits I get the feel that negative voltage is applied in opposite direction than...
  43. D

    What is the true nature of randomness and its implications in finance?

    It seems to me that when 'randomness' is referred to, the explanation is always describing what 'random' behavior is not. I would equate 'random' with: no history, no dependence on intial conditions, no pattern, no predictable order. It only argues that 'random' behavior or outcomes are based on...
  44. S

    Explanation of a chemical reaction

    Good afternoon, The following experiment+observation is given. I look for the explanation of the observations (means: why 1. a white residuum appears and 2. why a blue fluorescence is detected). Brass consists of zinc, tin and copper, the following reaction shall analyse these...
  45. T

    Simple explanation of a series rlc circuit in a radio

    hi, i wanted a simple explanation of a series rlc circuit in a radio as i know the rlc circuit consists of resistor,inductor,capacitor i know the function of each of them but what i don't understand is how by combinig them we can make a radio tuner!? i searched many websites but i can't find a...
  46. D

    D/dx |x+2|^x (solution known, need explanation)

    Solved! d/dx |x+2|^x Homework Statement I need someone to explain this: http://www.dafydd.se/stuff/solvethis.png Homework Equations I guess the following are of relevance... \frac{d}{dx} |x| = \frac{x}{|x|} \frac{d}{dx} a^x = a^x ln a The Attempt at a Solution The...
  47. A

    Seeking Point Particle Explanation

    Seeking "Point Particle" Explanation Ahoy, For some time I've been reading through various topics in theses Forums as a Guest, but decided to move beyond that. I'm unfortunately not adept with Science or Mathematics (I'm more adept in Langauge and in Words), but I've always found them...
  48. P

    Interference wave have solution need explanation

    Homework Statement In Fig. 17-35, sound with a 46.4 cm wavelength travels rightward from a source and through a tube that consists of a straight portion and a half-circle. Part of the sound wave travels through the half-circle and then rejoins the rest of the wave, which goes directly through...
  49. J

    Is this explanation of E=mc^2 correct or incorrect and why?

    Hello, I came across the following explanation of E-mc^2 on pbs.org: "So why would you have to multiply the mass of that walnut by the speed of light to determine how much energy is bound up inside it? The reason is that whenever you convert part of a walnut or any other piece of matter...
  50. U

    Explanation regarding electric potential energy

    I just read this article (http://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/PY106/Potential.html). I am stuck on just one line where it says that potential energy is in negative...please read this and explain... """""An example : Ionization energy of the electron in a hydrogen atom In the Bohr model of a...
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