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.
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Contributing to the WIKI
Most of the pages on the WIKI are open for contributions, and all are open for comments. If you think something could be more clear or should be longer/shorter/whatever, please comment. If you see a way to improve the WIKI yourself, feel free (with the exception of the model templates), but please read the Copyright and Waiver first.
WIKI-specific Notation
As you read through this wiki, you will periodically come upon boxes containing four types of comments:
Yellow boxes contain notes. They are intended to emphasize important points or explain topics that are commonly confusing.
Red boxes are warnings or cautions. They point out common mistakes.
Blue boxes contain information that is related to the topic of the page, but is not necessary to understanding the topic. These may be skipped without fear of missing vital information.
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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model — In modeling physics a physical model describes the system, the state of its constituents (including perhaps geometric and temporal structure), their internal and external interactions, and has Laws of Change that determine the changes of state (i.e. behavior). Models combine the definitions, concepts, procedures, interactions, laws of nature and other relationships that model some aspect of the physical world. Models intermediate between laws of nature, which are relationships among abstract quantities, and experimental/experiential reality.
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interaction — When one object exerts a force that may change the state of motion (translational or rotational) of another object, those objects are said to interact.
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system constituent — A distinct object within the system being considered.
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
What kinds of constituents are allowed to be in the system when this model is being applied.
Interactions
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.
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.
Diagrammatic 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.