Chapter 5.4 Modelling

Question 1

What is modelling?

Answer 1

This is the use of computers to represent a real life situation. It is not the creation of working models like an actual car, which is refered to as three-dimensional model.

Question 2

Examples where models are used?

Answer 2

1 Economic
2 Prototype
3 Climate
4 Weather forecasting

Question 3

Explain how models are used in the Economy?

Answer 3

Computer models are often used by governments to predict the future of a nation’s economy.

Question 4

Explain how models are used in Prototypes?

Answer 4

Prototypes can be physical models built to exact scale for use in trails and testing.

Question 5

Explain how models are used in Climate?

Answer 5

• Records of climate are recorded and put into a spreadsheet model.
• Models created using spread sheets software are used to predict trends and also to investigate the effect f increasing and decreasing variables such as green house gas emission.

Question 6

Explain how models are used in weather forecasting?

Answer 6

• It is based on very complex models created by using super computers.
• Data from sensors are fed into the model and calculations are performed
• Predictions can be made because similar weather conditions will have been observed over very long periods of time.

Question 7

What are simulations?

Answer 7

Simulations are created to replicate a situation where the user is in control.

Question 8

Why are simulations needed?

Answer 8

They are needed because the actual physical components of, for example an aeroplane are expensive to replace.

Question 9

Advantages of simulations?

Answer 9

1 It is a safer way of learning
2 The same man-oeuvre can be repeated several times in quick succession
3 Dangerous simulations can be simulated at no risk to vehicle or driver
4 The cost of running the simulator are much lower that those associated with the actual running of any method of transport in terms of wear tyres and engine parts as well as the cost of fuel.

Question 10

Disadvantages to simulators

Answer 10

1 They are every expensive to buy and maintain
2 it is impossible to replicate all possible difficult situations which a pilot or driver may experience
3 Operators may become to over confident due to the fact that they are not in any physical danger and may make mistakes which would be catastrophic in the real situation.