Verbal Interpretation of Models

Scientific Models and their Verbal Interpretation

SCIENTIFIC MODEL: (Equations)
Scientific models establish a mathematical relationship between Symbols that are rigorous and self-consistent. The values of the Symbols are determined by some well defined measuring process or via another equation. (i.e., Symbols are defined by either an operational definition or a derived definition.)

VERBAL MODELS: (Interpretation)
Verbal models establish the meaning of both symbols and equations through words to metaphorically explain the meaning of the symbols and equations. Verbal models are always slightly ambiguous and inaccurate.

Newton's Second Law Example: (One-Dimensional Motion)

Scientific Model:
This formula establishes a relationship between the force F acting a body of mass m, the body's acceleration a, and the momentum p of the body at any time t.

For a constant force in the x-direction, this equation can be rigorous solved to give the equations of motion for constant acceleration:

Verbal Interpretation:

Symbol Name Verbal Interpretation / Meaning

F Force Tells us the Source of a body's motion.

m mass Tells us the amount of stuff out of which a body is made.

a acceleration Tells us how fast a body's motion is getting faster.

v velocity Tells us how fast a body is moving.

p momentum Tells us the amount of umph a moving body possess.

x position Tells us where a body is located.

t time Tells us when some event occurred.

Symbol	Name	Verbal Interpretation / Meaning
F	Force	Tells us the Source of a body's motion.
m	mass	Tells us the amount of stuff out of which a body is made.
a	acceleration	Tells us how fast a body's motion is getting faster.
v	velocity	Tells us how fast a body is moving.
p	momentum	Tells us the amount of umph a moving body possess.
x	position	Tells us where a body is located.
t	time	Tells us when some event occurred.