Chaos Theory?

Question

What does it REALLY mean? O_O Do you learn it in highschool?

Answer 1

In chaotic systems the solutions to the non linear equations for the physical systems that govern their dynamics seem random because of the extreme sensitivity to initial conditions. A simple example is a double pendulum. To see a computer generated solution for its motion go to http://www.maths.tcd.ie/~plynch/SwingingSpring/doublependulum.html

Answer 2

Chaos theory tries to explain the inexplicable effects seen on the best laid plans at interpreting universal phenomena like weather patterns, Global warming, interstellar activity etc.Small inputs are seen to make phenomenally huge impacts.This could possibly be because the resultant force from infinitely large array of input forces cannot be seen and mapped, but is real all the same and when a new element is added or one old element is taken away, the new resultant force or effect is not on the expected lines but is valid all the same.

Answer 3

Chaos theory says that small random effects can build up relatively quickly so that no matter how precisely we know the initial conditions, for example with weather; within a month our predictions are only slightly better than a coin flip.
These small random effects rapidly reduce our system to "chaos", meaning that our system becomes unpredictable.
I don't remember learning it in high school; I just seem to pick certain things up; this was one of them.

Answer 4

The basis of chaos theory is that a small change in initial conditions will have a profound effect on the output of the system

Answer 5

This is the theory to explain the randomness of everything. Every tiny action ist affected by innumerable variables, that make accurate predictions possible. A classic example is weather forcasting can only be a guess at the most likely result. Dripping water and rising smoke have infinite changing patterns.

Answer 6

It is all about initial conditions having a profound effect on outcomes.

It is *not* about randomness. Chaos (in the math meaning) is completely deterministic. There is nothing of chance or probability about it.

Answer 7

Extreme sensitivity to initial conditions. Small errors or fluctuations are amplified over time rather than suppressed. It fundamentally limits the predictability of a system.