Key Stage 3
Meaning
A model is a simple version of a complex system used to help describe and explain that system.
About Models
- Models are used to simplify ideas would otherwise be difficult to understand.
- Some examples of models you should know are:
- The Dalton Model of the atom.
- The Heliocentric Model of The Solar System.
- The Particle Model of matter.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A model is a simple version of a complex system used to help describe and explain that system.
About Models
- Models are used to simplify ideas would otherwise be difficult to understand.
- Since models simplify a system it causes them to be inaccurate so they cannot always explain all the phenomena which are observed.
- Some examples of models you should know and their limitations are:
- The Nuclear Model of the atom - Does not explain the absorption or emission specific wavelengths of electromagnetic waves.
- The Heliocentric Model of The Solar System - Does not account for the wobble of The Sun since the planets actually orbit the centre of mass of The Solar System, not The Sun.
- The Particle Model of matter - Does not explain the melting points or boiling points of different substances.