Mathematical model of a phenomenon

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to begin representing a physical phenomenon through a mathematical model. Participants explore various aspects of modeling, including the need for physical principles and the importance of data in validating models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest starting with physical principles to represent a phenomenon mathematically.
  • Others propose that exercising a model involves feeding it data to see if it behaves similarly to real-world observations.
  • A participant questions the terminology used, expressing confusion over the phrase "exercise the representation of a phenomenon in a mathematical model."
  • One participant emphasizes the need for clarity by asking what specific physical system is being modeled and for what purpose.
  • Another participant shares their experience modeling the energy use of a fan as an example of a physical system.
  • Participants express the need for more detailed communication to better understand the modeling process.
  • Reference is made to previous posts that may provide additional insights into problem-solving strategies related to mathematical modeling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the terminology used or the specific approach to modeling. Multiple viewpoints and questions remain regarding the clarity of the initial inquiry and the strategies for developing mathematical models.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specificity of the physical systems being modeled and the clarity of the initial question posed by the participant seeking help.

EdColider
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I want to know how can I begin to exercise the representation of a phenomenon in a mathematical model.
 
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You could start by giving us a hint. What are you talking about?
 
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EdColider said:
I want to know how can I begin to exercise the representation of a phenomenon in a mathematical model.
First of all, you probably need physical principles.
 
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EdColider said:
I want to know how can I begin to exercise the representation of a phenomenon in a mathematical model.
To exercise a model one way is to feed it data and see if the model behaves the same as the real world.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
You could start by giving us a hint. What are you talking about?
which part you did not understand?
 
EdColider said:
which part you did not understand?
Wadda-ya-mean by the term "exercise the representation of a phenomenon in a mathematical model." As an engineering professional who has had 35 years of industrial experience developing and applying mathematical models of physical systems, I have never heard this term before.
 
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Chestermiller said:
Wadda-ya-mean by the term "exercise the representation of a phenomenon in a mathematical model." As an engineering professional who has had 35 years of industrial experience developing and applying mathematical models of physical systems, I have never heard this term before.
I think i did not use the right words. I am from Brasil. Sorry for the bad english. What I want to understand is how someone understand physical systems mathematically.
 
EdColider said:
I think i did not use the right words. I am from Brasil. Sorry for the bad english. What I want to understand is how someone understand physical systems mathematically.
Thank you very much for clarifying this. Yes, your previous post was a bit aggressive to English-only speakers. It's a classic intellectual retort to say "which word did you not understand". I've used it at times, but never at the PF. :smile:
 
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EdColider said:
I think i did not use the right words. I am from Brasil. Sorry for the bad english. What I want to understand is how someone understand physical systems mathematically.
I don't think it is about using the right or wrong words, I just think you didn't use enough of them. What physical system? What part of it are you wanting to model? For what purpose? For example, today, I modeled the energy use of a fan -- will that be helpful to you...?
 
  • #12
russ_watters said:
I don't think it is about using the right or wrong words, I just think you didn't use enough of them. What physical system? What part of it are you wanting to model? For what purpose? For example, today, I modeled the energy use of a fan -- will that be helpful to you...?
@Chestermiller post in this thread helped me a lot: https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...roach-think-of-a-problem.712959/#post-4521833
Do you have a different strategy to develop a mathematical model of a physical system?
 

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