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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:
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- Interaction:
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- Model:
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You can click on the terms to see their definition pages, which contain more detailed definitions.
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Page Contents
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. 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:
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- Interaction Glossary:
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- Hierarchy of Models:
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- Vocabulary Glossary:
Excerpt Include vocabulary glossary vocabulary glossary nopanel true
- Worked Examples:
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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 Terms
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
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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
You can click on the terms to see their definition pages, which contain more detailed definitions.
Example Problems
One of the most important features of the WIKI is its collection of solved examples. These examples are solved using the modeling approach, so they give examples of how to define a system and interactions.
Model Templates
The hierarchy of mechanics models given in this WIKI defines each model in a general sense according to the following template:
Description and Assumptions
A short technical definition of the model.
Problem Cues
Key words or phrases to look for in a problem that might indicate this model is a reasonable choice to solve the problem.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Prior Models
Models that are usually introduced before the model currently being defined. Terms and ideas from the prior models may appear in the definition page for the current model.
Vocabulary and Procedures
WIKI pages that define vocabulary and ideas that are central to the model being defined.
System
Constituents
What kinds of constituents are allowed to be in the system when this model is being applied.
State Variables
A list of variables that are typically used to describe the system when this model is being applied.
Interactions
Relevant Types
A list of the interactions that must be considered when this model is being applied. Often, this section will also note types of interactions that can be ignored when this model is used.
Interaction Variables
A list of variables that are typically used to describe the interactions affecting the system when this model is being applied.
Model
Relevant Definitions
A list of equations that define quantities used in the model.
Law or Laws of Change
The fundamental equation(s) that are implied when this model is chosen.
Diagrammatical Representations
A list of possible pictures, graphs or other visual tools that can be useful when this model is used.
Relevant Examples
A list of solved example problems that make use of this model.