How to use the WIKI
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.
Modeling-specific Terms
Three terms which are used in traditional physics, but take on a larger significance in modeling are:
- 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.
- 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.
You can click on the terms to see their definition pages, which contain more detailed definitions.
Organization of the WIKI
The content of the WIKI is organized according to five parallel structures.
- Instructional Paths: Sequences of lessons that suggest an order in which to learn the material and fill in details. This organizational scheme for the WIKI is designed to help beginners get started learning physics.
- Interaction Glossary: The page Interactions Glossary could not be found.
- [*Model Hierarchy*]: The page Model Hierarchy could not be found.
- Vocabulary Glossary: A collection of the specialized vocabulary that you will need to learn with definitions and explanations. The alphabetical order of the glossary has no physics-based logic, but might be a good order for reviewing the material.
- Worked Examples: Another way experts commonly organize the mechanics syllabus is by the tasks that students should learn to perform.
WIKI-specific Notation
Comment Boxes
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.
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:
ShoppingList"> Shopping List
- Container of Milk
- Stick of Butter
- Fire Truck
you can click on the arrow or the associated words to reveal content (try it).
Contributing to the WIKI
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. If you see a way to improve the WIKI yourself, direct edits are allowed for registered users who request editing privileges.