Modelling Applications
Overview
Would you cross a bridge that had never been tested? Would you build one, at huge cost, only to find it sways dangerously in the wind? Engineers, financiers and weather forecasters all face the same problem: they need to know how something will behave before it happens. Computer modelling lets them find out safely, cheaply and quickly, by building a mathematical copy of the real system and trying out scenarios on a screen instead of in the real world.
This lesson explains what a computer model is, how a simulation lets you experiment with the future, and where modelling is used: from a household budget on a spreadsheet to flood barriers, traffic lights and weather forecasts. It also weighs the real advantages of modelling against its limits, so you can argue, as the exam expects, when a model is the right tool and when it is not.
Objectives
- Computer modelling.
- Including: personal finance, bridge and building design, flood water management, traffic management, weather forecasting Advantages and disadvantages of using computer modelling rather than humans.
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Modelling Applications. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Running a computer model to study how a system behaves is called a: A. Spreadsheet B. Simulation C. Database D. Network Answer: B
- Which is an advantage of using a computer model rather than building the real thing? A. It is always more accurate than reality B. It removes all costs completely C. It is safer when the real situation is dangerous D. People always trust the results Answer: C
- In a tuck shop spreadsheet, which formula would give the total profit for an item from its profit per item in C4 and quantity sold in F4? A. =(C4-F4) B. =(C4*F4) C. =SUM(C4:F4) D. =(C4/F4) Answer: B
- Which of these is a disadvantage of computer modelling? A. Scenarios can be tried in advance B. It is faster than real life C. A model is only as good as its data and programming D. It is safer than the real thing Answer: C
- An automatic weather station would NOT normally measure: A. Rainfall B. Air pressure C. Wind speed D. The price of fuel Answer: D
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