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This WIKI is written from a modeling perspective, which is probably new to you. Before you begin to look around, it would be a good idea to get familiar with a few of the basic modeling concepts to orient yourself. This page will help you to get started. It will also introduce some of the conventions used in the wiki.
The S.I.M. Approach to Problems
Three terms which are used in traditional physics, but take on a larger significance in modeling are:
- System:
Excerpt Include system system nopanel true
- Interaction:
Excerpt Include interaction interaction nopanel true
- Model:
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You can click on the terms to see their definition pages, which contain more detailed definitions.
We encourage you to begin every problem by considering the System you will be describing, the Interactions experienced by that system, and the Model that you will apply to solve the problem. We call these steps the S.I.M.
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Page Contents
Approach to problem solving and we will employ it in all the worked example problems in this WIKI.
Organization of the WIKI
The content of the WIKI is organized according to five parallel structures.
- Instructional Paths:
Excerpt Include Instructional Paths Instructional Paths nopanel true
- Interaction Glossary:
Excerpt Include interaction glossary interaction glossary nopanel true
- Hierarchy of Models:
Excerpt Include hierarchy of Models hierarchy of Models nopanel true
- Vocabulary Glossary:
Excerpt Include vocabulary glossary vocabulary glossary nopanel true
- Worked Examples:
Excerpt Include worked examples worked examples nopanel true
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WIKI-specific Notation
Self-Assessment Problems
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Comment Boxes
As you read through this wiki, you will periodically come upon boxes containing four types of comments:
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Green boxes contain tips for checking solutions. |
Modeling-specific Notation
Some terms which are used in traditional physics, but take on a larger significance in modeling are:
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Cloaked Content
Certain types of content (particularly long lists and answers to problems) will be hidden until requested by the reader. When you see an arrow next to a word, like:
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- Container of Milk
- Stick of Butter
- Fire Truck
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you can click on the arrow or the associated words to reveal content (try it).
Contributing to the WIKI
Comments
We are anxious for feedback from anyone interested in the WIKI, and all pages are open for comments from even anonymous users. If you think something could be more clear or should be longer/shorter/whatever, please comment by clicking on the Add Comment link that appears at the bottom of every page (including this one)!
Edits
If you see a way to improve the WIKI yourself, direct edits are allowed for registered users who request editing privileges
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You can click on the terms to see their definition pages, which contain more detailed definitions.