Question

summary questions: 1. in your own words, describe what a scientific model is. 2. what are some important things a scientist looks for when she is judging the acceptability of a model? (describe at least three.) 3. give an example of a once - accepted model that was replaced by a revised model. describe specifically why the model was replaced and why the new model is considered to be better than the old one (you may use an example from the article, or from another area of science, or from the modelling activity in class).

Explanation:

1. A scientific model is a representation of a system or phenomenon that helps in understanding, predicting, and explaining. It can be a physical, mathematical, or conceptual model.
2. When judging the acceptability of a model, a scientist looks at its accuracy in predicting results, its simplicity, its ability to explain existing data, and its consistency with other well - established theories.
3. For example, the heliocentric model replaced the geocentric model. The geocentric model placed Earth at the center of the universe, but as more astronomical observations were made (such as the phases of Venus and the retrograde motion of planets), the heliocentric model, which placed the Sun at the center, was found to be more accurate in predicting planetary positions and explaining celestial phenomena, so it was considered a better model.

Answer:

1. A scientific model is a simplified representation used to explain, predict, or understand a natural phenomenon or system. It can be a physical object, a diagram, a mathematical equation, or a computer simulation.
2. Accuracy in prediction, consistency with data, simplicity, and ability to explain related phenomena.
3. The heliocentric model replaced the geocentric model. The heliocentric model was better as it could accurately explain the retrograde motion of planets and the phases of Venus, which the geocentric model could not do as effectively.