Explain Definition and 1000 Threads

An explanation is a set of statements usually constructed to describe a set of facts which clarifies the causes, context, and consequences of those facts. This description may establish rules or laws, and may clarify the existing rules or laws in relation to any objects, or phenomena examined.Explanation, in philosophy, is a set of statements that makes intelligible the existence or occurrence of an object, event, or state of affairs. Among the most common forms of explanation are causal explanation; deductive-nomological explanation, which involves subsuming the explanandum under a generalization from which it may be derived in a deductive argument (e.g., “All gases expand when heated; this gas was heated; therefore, this gas expanded”); and statistical explanation, which involves subsuming the explanandum under a generalization that gives it inductive support (e.g., “Most people who use tobacco contract cancer; this person used tobacco; therefore, this person contracted cancer”). Explanations of human behaviour typically appeal to the subject’s beliefs and desires, as well as other facts about him, and proceed on the assumption that the behaviour in question is rational (at least to a minimum degree). Thus an explanation of why the subject removed his coat might cite the fact that the subject felt hot, that the subject desired to feel cooler, and that the subject believed that he would feel cooler if he took off his coat.

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  1. J

    Could someone explain to me how this clustering algorithm works?

    So MathWorks.com shows this as an example: d = pdist(meas); Z = linkage(d); c = cluster(Z,'maxclust',3:5); http://www.mathworks.com/help/stats/cluster.html. I'm confused about why the routine gives any useful information. First it returns the Euclidean distances between values in some array...
  2. S

    Combinations Question. Could someone please explain the logic behind part (c).

    This is not a homework problem but in fact a solved example question. The full question text is below with answers and my reasoning for them. Could someone please explain the reasoning behind part (c). A coffee shop sells 5 types of coffee (latte, mocha, espresso, cappuccino and iced...
  3. I

    Can someone explain what this means please?

    I read this but don't know what it means Particles in a carbon atom interact with each other and their environment all the time, quantum field theory describes those interaction with creation and annihilation operators. I thought creation and annihilation operators created and destroyed...
  4. A

    Can anyone explain this statement related to tesla's work.?

    "Tesla sent electrostatic forces through natural media across a conductor situated in the changing magnetic flux and transferred electrical energy to a wireless receiver" Can anyone elaborate this..?Is this employed now..? if no, why..?
  5. C

    Explaining a Conceptual Physics Problem with Free Body Diagrams

    I'm reviewing some problems from a few months ago and I remember getting hung on this before. A mass is dropped from a height h above a spring. I am given the deflection of the spring when the mass stops moving momentarily. The spring constant in the solution is given by mg/x. I understand how...
  6. M

    Explain how any square matrix A can be written as

    Homework Statement a) Explain how any square matrix A can be written as A = QS where Q is orthogonal and S is symmetric positive semidefinite. b) Is it possible to write A = S_1 Q_1 Where Q1 is orthogonal and S1 is symmetric positive definite? Homework Equations A = U \Sigma...
  7. D

    Someone explain hybrid zero dynamics in simple english?

    Homework Statement I'm working on a bipedal walker and as part of initial research I found hybrid zero dynamics as a solution to help detect terrain. The current method used is combining data from accelerometer and gyroscope and using Kalman Filter to find angle in x,y,z planes...
  8. W

    Explain some Energy Questions Please?

    I answered the questions(not sure if they are right) but I would like to know the best way to explain these questions on a test/quiz. 1) Describe the transfer of energy that enables a person to climb stairs. I put: The person's body first uses the chemical energy from food/water as...
  9. A

    Can anybody explain this to me? (Analysis)

    For question 32.2 in this link: http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~johnsonb/Welcome_files/104/104hw11sum06.pdf I did not understand how b^2/2 \leq U(f). We know that we have strict inequality in t_{k+1} > \frac{t_k + t_{k+1}}{2} ...so don't we need to have b^2/2 < U(f) instead of b^2/2...
  10. D

    How to explain that ∇ ⋅ B = 0 but ∂Bz/∂z can be non zero?

    It is known that Gauss's law for magnetism is ∇ ⋅ B = 0. If we write this in component form it becomes (∂Bx/∂x)i + (∂By/∂y)j + (∂Bz/∂z)k = 0, where i, j, k are unit vectors in a cartesian coordinate system and Bx, By, Bz are the components of the magnetic field on these axes. It would follow...
  11. R

    Can someone please explain to me what moment of inertia means?

    Can someone please explain to me what moment of inertia means?? I googled it and I found that moment of inertia is an objects resistance to angular momentum? What does that mean exactly? Can someone please briefly explain to me (in English) what it means or give me an example? Because I really...
  12. D

    Everyday analogy why hidden variables can’t explain entanglement

    Everyday analogy why hidden variables can’t explain entanglement I tried to come up with an everyday “obvious” analogy that explains why a hidden variable theory cannot explain quantum entanglement. Here’s the story: There are two guests and one moderator on a stage. The moderator...
  13. A

    Can anybody explain this to me?

    In this link: http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~johnsonb/Welcome_files/104/104hw9sum06.pdf For number 28.8 b), ...for case 1, they say that x is the limit for the sequnce <x_n>, right? So doesn't the limit for the sequence <f(x_n)> need to be x^2? Why does the answer say that it...
  14. A

    Can someone please explain this statement regarding Newton's 3rd law?

    This is a statement from my textbook "When an object falls down, it falls inwards towards the centre of mass of the Earth pulled by it's gravity. As said in Newton's 3rd law of motion the falling object will also exert an equal and opposite force on Earth; which then accelerates upwards towards...
  15. L

    Can someone explain this equation?

    F= (mg/sin θ) + K I don't understand how this equation came about. I have a physics practical to finish and I need to use this to finish it. I plotted a graph of F against 1/sin θ I got a straight line passing through the origin. So i tried to see if i could get the formula from...
  16. nukeman

    Can anyone explain to me how Deuterium slows down neutrons?

    Hey all, First off, am I correct in saying (generally) that Deuterium slows down neutrons? That's why nuclear reactors use it because its easier to catch neutrons that are going slower. ?? Does this apply to all neutrons? Example, let's say I drank a nice tall glass of delicious Heavy...
  17. J

    Weird phobia that I can't explain.

    (This is a bit weird for a physics forum but whatever) I am arachnophobic (I can't even look at pictures of spiders). However that is not the point of this post. I have another weird sort of "phobia". I say "phobia" because it is not nearly as severe as my arachnophobia and when this happens...
  18. nukeman

    Can someone explain what Eigenfrequency is? Trying to explain it to someone.

    I have not got to this point in Physics yet, but I am trying to do a little research project on the side and this came up within the group (Yet no one really knew what they were talking about) Someone asked if it applies at all on a quantum level? Basically what we are trying to do is...
  19. L

    Can anyone explain or correct this?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW7DW9NIO9M&feature=player_detailpage On the above one minute physics video, the guy explained E=mc2 using the idea of Doppler effect, but that doesn't seem right to me, can anyone help? Thanks very much!
  20. L

    How to explain Einstein's Special theory of Relativity.

    Can someone help me with understanding and explaining the Special theory of relativity. I know the basics (time dilation, the speed of light, ect), just what's left is Lorentz transformation and I'll understand the theory. And also help with explaining the theory to a friend. And help...
  21. J

    What is the best model to explain metal cutting?

    When I ask for the best I mean the one which explains better the experiments. My problem is that I tried to learn but I´m a bit confused, I know that metal cutting theory has a large history, and it has had a lot of experimentation but when I try to find the theory it´s like it wouldn´t...
  22. A

    Can anybody explain this to me? (Analysis)

    For x in [0, infinity), let f_n(x)= \frac{x}{n}... Determine whether f_n converges uniformly to f (the limit, which is equal to 0) on [0,1]. Answer: Let \epsilon > 0 be given. Let N= \frac{1}{\epsilon} . Then for n>N, | f_n(x) - 0 | = | \frac{x}{n} | \leq \frac{1/ \epsilon}{n} =...
  23. S

    How to explain alternating emf?

    Homework Statement Explaining alternating current is simple as the direction of current will change accordingly. For example: a magnet is pushed through a solenoid. Explain why is there an induced alternating current. As it is pushed forward, the solenoid experiences an increase in magnetic...
  24. P

    Can someone explain abberation of starlight?

    Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone can explain how the abberation of starlight works in general terms, as well as what exactly it is. I am a first year astronomy student and this is for my astronomy/physics class, and would like a general explanation of what it is. This is all my...
  25. N

    Can you explain where the mathematics are in music?

    I am a musician, I've been playing guitar form 8 years now. And piano and drums as well for under 3. People tell me music is mathematical same with artwork, something i am also very proficient at. Is it purely from the patterns of the notes and timing of the pitches that make it mathematical? Or...
  26. E

    Explain p.d.f. of the sum of random variables

    Hi, I need your help, Say we have two random variables with some joint pdf f(x,y). How would I go about finding the pdf of their sum?
  27. O

    Can someone explain the 4-force to me.

    I understand that we can write the 4-force in terms of the vector force based on velocity, and the energy of the system in general. What I don't understand is what this gains for us, and why we use it. Also correct me if I am incorrect in my definition above.. I don't have my book infront of me.
  28. M

    Can you clearly explain osmotic pressure for me?

    Hello,world..missed you really I've searched the internet for a good explanation for osmotic pressure see this page for exapmle http://chemed.chem.wisc.edu/chempaths/GenChem-Textbook/Osmotic-Pressure-854.html the idea I don't understand here Is why applying a pressure to the solution of...
  29. S

    How does quantum mechanics explain the big bang? Infinite realities?

    I hope I'm not being redundant here. I would like to re-start discussion on how, according to quantum mechanics, the universe can exist. The question could go deeper and ask why, since the universe does in fact exist, did it become so complex, develop life on at least one planet, etc. How did...
  30. X

    Can somebody explain the Warp Theory Equation?

    Could somebody please explain the following equation for me? ds^2 = −c^2 dt^2 + [dx − vs (t)f(rs)dt]^2 + dy^2 + dz^2 where f(rs)=(tanh(σ(rs + R)) − tanh(σ(rs − R)))/(2tanh(σR). I've wrestled with it for a while, but quite frankly do not get it. I'm only up through Calc II, but I'm more than...
  31. S

    Please explain why I keep getting the incorrect moment about O

    Please explain why I keep getting the "incorrect" moment about O Homework Statement on the xy plane (in mm), there is a 50 N force that travels from point A (-15 , -20) , to point B (40 , 10). The first part of this question asks to find the moment of this force about the origin using...
  32. M

    Could someone explain why work is force times distance?

    I was wondering if someone could help me out with understanding the intuition behind multiplied units. For example, with speed, the units are divided (distance/time, m/s, etc.). The unit means how many meters you go in one second, which is the value received after dividing the distance by...
  33. O

    Would motion explain the missing 'dark matter'?

    From previous answers - according to the general theory of relativity, kinetic energy contributes to gravitational mass. A body in motion posseses kinetic energy plus mass. Energy and mass are equivalent under GR. Particle colliders routinely confirm this prediction. Crash two particles together...
  34. T

    Can anyone explain why there is a force constraint in the z direction

    Homework Statement The Attempt at a Solution Can anyone explain why there is a force constraint in the z direction. The pin force only affects the x and y... Also shouldn't there be a moment in the z since the pin prevents the block from rotating cw and ccw in the xy plane?
  35. C

    Someone explain what this is actually saying?

    Hey guys, I was just reading an article on a patent Michael Jackson had under his name for one of his "anti-gravity" moves on stage, one which allowed him to lean out over his center of mass without falling over. However in the article I'm a bit confused exactly what is going on with the...
  36. A

    Revised Field Equations for GR Explain Dark Energy and Dark Matter

    Did anybody else hear the news? A recent paper examines the derivation of Einstein's field equations and proposes that the original assumption of a divergence-free energy-momentum tensor may not be valid anymore due to the discovery of dark matter and dark energy. The authors derive new field...
  37. B

    How does relativity explain inertia

    Hi: Will someone please answer this question: How does relativity explain inertia. What resists accelerational force; if there were nothing resisting the motivating force, why would a force be needed at all to set it in motion. Tks
  38. S

    Someone explain continuity principle

    http://chutzpah.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55180ed5c88340120a75cf644970b-pi How do the circles still intersect at the bottom, and at 2 points like the top 2 circles?
  39. J

    Will string theory explain what electric and magnetic fields really are?

    I mean we really don't know what they are, right? We just know they can be positive or negative, north or south, but we really don't know why they exist. Will string theory give a definite answer to this? And also gravity. Will it confirm Einsteins theories?
  40. O

    Can someone explain conserved quantities in this activity

    Hello, Can Someone help me with this activity - http://www.particleadventure.org/other/education/five_s.html - its activity 5 The rules of the Game The answer to the activity is - http://www.particleadventure.org/other/education/five_s.html I don't understand how they got the answer for...
  41. S

    Low Entropy big bang , models that explain it

    Hi As I understand it there are several attmepts to explain the low entropy configuration of the universe at the big bang. Is seems to me the choices on the table that I am aware of are a mutliverse as in the Caroll/Chen model . A cyclic universe as in the CCC model or some hybrid of the two...
  42. Bandersnatch

    Help explain an optical effect

    Hi, new to the forums, nice to meet you folks, etc. Today the English wikipedia featured a picture of Tracy Caldwell-Dyson in the cupola of ISS(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tracy_Caldwell_Dyson_in_Cupola_ISS.jpg). In that picture the arc of Earth/space boundary is visibly distorted at...
  43. X

    Can anyone explain to me what is string theory mathematically?

    Can anyone explain to me what is string theory mathematically?
  44. S

    Electricity generation - simple bike dynamo - can anyone explain this design?

    http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9523/dynamos.jpg I understand that when the rotating magnet spins, current should be induced in the coils which powers the lights. So what is the point of the soft iron core? The rotating magnet should magnetise it because it is near it, and it should...
  45. Demon117

    Can someone explain to me why E is constant?

    If an electrostatic field is parallel to the z-direction everywhere in some volume why is it that the field is constant without a charge in the volume? Is this because \nabla\cdot E = 0 without the charge in the volume?
  46. V

    Can someone explain me why f=ma ?

    hey guys i had a doubt can someone please explain me why force=mass x acceleration?
  47. M

    Can you explain me please these terms and their differences

    Hello Given that english is not my native languagr, can you explain me please these terms and their differences: - function - equation - formula Thanks!
  48. P

    Need Help Explaining a Physics Video? Let Us Help! | Expert Tips

    I've only taken one physics class. I'm not too knowledgeable yet in science, but I was hoping someone can help me explain this video to my brother. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqG-TL0WnjE&feature=BFa&list=HL1343828606 I'm assuming he has a battery in one of the wooden blocks that holds...
  49. P

    Can someone please explain to me how space-time works? Is space-time a

    Can someone please explain to me how space-time works? Is space-time a graph? If so how does it actually work? I just don't understand the idea of how it works. Is time treated as a constant so time is the same? Because if time wasn't the same I don't quite understand how you can relate space...
  50. J

    Schools Can someone explain grad school to a UK student.

    I am confused about the system of studying for a PhD in the US. I have just finished an undergraduate masters physics degree (4yrs), want to do research, but want to do it in the Earth sciences (specifically, ocean and atmospheric science). If I were to apply in the US would I have to take...
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