How can models be used to represent objects or demonstrate relationships?

Question

Please help. Thanks!

Answer 1

Any equation that expresses an idea relating to behavior of real objects can be considered a model. A simple model of a mass being moved by a force is A = F/M, acceleration = force/mass. Once you have this you can assign numbers to F and M to find A, and add other equations to describe how the speed of the accelerating object builds up and how its position changes. The numbers you get from this describe the relationship of this object to one that isn't moving, or you can have a second model that has different properties and compare the responses of the two. Where models come in handy is helping us think about, and perhaps predict, the behavior of something under conditions we can't actually obtain (whether because of cost, danger or impossibility). I hope this gives you the general idea; if not, you can ask another question or modify this one.

Answer 2

Models are a great tool of science and technology.

Models can represent objects that are too large or too remote to actually use. For example, geologists build two and three dimensional models of the rock that is deep under the surface of the earth where oil reservoirs might be found. This is a way of testing and measuring an idea that would be impossible to examine firsthand.
http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2001CD/finalprogram/abstract_3597.htm


Computer models contain mathematical equations that represent real-world relationships, and allow the tester to determine a range of results based on different input. Examples of this could be climate models that predict how carbon dioxide might affect the earths climate over time.
http://www.metoffice.com/research/hadleycentre/models/modeltypes.html

Real physical models can be things like small models of airplanes built to scale of a planned project and tested in a wind tunnel to see if the design is good.
http://wright.nasa.gov/airplane/models.html
Models of the Mars Rover were tested on simulated Martian rocks to determine how well the mechanical and software design would work prior to sending a full size version to Mars.

Architects build models of buildings to demonstrate what the final result will look like, and sometimes to perform physical testing of the design.
http://www.architectural-models.com/

Engineers often build computer models, and sometimes scale-models of structures to perform design testing. Here is an example of a bridge-building and testing design software created for students:
http://softwareinventions.com/modbrg/default.htm