4.1.1

Strengths & Limitations of Models

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Strengths and Limitations of Models

Models in Science help us understand phenomena that would otherwise be difficult to visualise. They are used to help us understand the concepts. Models do not have just to be physical models.

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Strengths of models

  • Models help communicate difficult concepts.
  • Patterns can be visualised.
  • Help us remember key information.
  • They become the building blocks of further scientific discoveries.
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More strengths of models

  • Another strength is helping us to represent ideas that would otherwise be hard to explain.
  • For example:
    • We can model things that are too big to see – such as the solar system.
    • We can model things that are too small to see – such as the particle model.
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Limitations of models

  • They are simplified versions.
  • They can be interrupted in many different ways.
  • They do not always cover everything in detail and can miss vital details.
  • Models are approximations.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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