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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. M

    Why Does the Solution to My Differential Equation Include a +3?

    x' =-5x-y y' =4x-y I got x=ae^-3t+bte^-3t y=-2bte^-3t+2ae^-3t+be^-3t a=0 b=0 The answer is x=e^(-3t+3)-te^(-3+3) y=-e^(-3+t)+2te^(-3+3) I don't understand where the +3 comes from
  2. P

    Forces, elevator, acceleration -- I have the answer, just explain it....

    Homework Statement When a 45-kg person steps on a scale in an elevator, the scale reads a steady 480 N. Which of the following statements must be true? There could be more than one correct choice. a) The elevator is accelerating upward at a constant rate b) The elevator is moving downward at a...
  3. M

    How Does Height Affect the Impact of Falling Objects?

    An object falling from a short distance (e.g. 5cm) has less of an impact than the same object falling from a height of 5m.
  4. Z

    How Many Limit Points Does This Function Have?

    Let f be a function on [0,major infinity] such that for each point in its graph,(x,y)=(y*y,y).At how many points must each point in f have a limit...?I'm not clear what the question is aiming...
  5. S

    Does the ubiquitousness of EM fields explain single particle

    Does the (assumption of) ubiquitousness of EM fields explain single particle interference well/better? Below is a rough logic, however it maybe need modifications. The double slit or the mach-zehnder or any object changes the configuration of time-space and EM fields. The photon may not know...
  6. R

    Explain chemical formulas PO43-

    PO43- I Understand the 4 represents how many oxygen atoms are bonded to the Phosphate. What exactly does the 3 and its - sign represent? By the image, I can tell the difference between the 3 oxygen atoms and the single isolated one, with the double || symbol, has a different electronic...
  7. patrickbotros

    Explain Different Types of Light Microscopy

    Okay so first I would like someone to add detail to my descriptions of different types of light microscopy. Here's what I know: Brightfield (unstained): standard view of partially opaque, live cells. Brightfield (stained): standard view of colored, dead cells. Phase Contrast: Not sure how it...
  8. P

    Underground magma ocean could explain Io's 'misplaced' volcanoes

    Underground magma ocean could explain Io's 'misplaced' volcanoes Tides flowing in a subsurface ocean of molten rock, or magma, could explain why Jupiter's moon Io appears to have its volcanoes in the "wrong" place. New NASA research implies that oceans beneath the crusts of tidally stressed...
  9. isnainidiah

    Fermat's Principle to explain lenses and mirrors

    How do we use Fermat's principle of least time to explain the required shapes of lenses and mirrors?
  10. I

    Can the following explain randomness in quantum events?

    Hi, I was just wondering if the following can be viewed as an explanation for randomness in quantum events. My knowledge of quantum physics is not all that good. I've got a bit of philosophical bent, which is the source of my interest. Anyways... Assume that when particles interact, what...
  11. A

    Does multiverse really explain fine-tuning?

    Hello everyone, I am not sure about this issue and this is the reason why I am asking this question. I can write many sentences on this topic, but I will try to make my point as short is possible. I will suppose you are familiar with multiverse idea and anthropic principle.. My question is...
  12. Agave tequilana

    Can someone explain to me further on QCD

    Since I am a beginner in particle physics I was wondering if anyone could explain to me the concepts of Quantum Chromo Dynamics rather than saying it is the study of the colour force. 1. What are the concepts of QCD? 2. If QCD has more to it than colour, what are the other concepts? 3. Can you...
  13. Armando Valle

    B Can someone explain string theory?

    Can someone explain string theory? and how it works please? I am really interested thanks :D
  14. RJLiberator

    Can someone explain to me how this is not 1/4? Complex Analy

    Homework Statement Hi all, I posted the image of the solution here. My questions concerns the evaluation of the Residue at z=i. Homework Equations None needed, all giving in the question -- simple algebraic mistake made is likely to be the problem here. The Attempt at a Solution [/B] We...
  15. T

    How to explain the term quantum mechanics in 10 minutes?

    How to explain the term quantum mechanics to a class in 10 minutes? I may need to do this in an oral exam where the professors are from English department. Whiteboard can be used. My presentation should include one or more of the following:· Examples (practical and/or personal)·...
  16. J

    How Many Extra Biscuits Did I Eat?

    I buy a packet of 28 biscuits with intention of eating two biscuits every lunch time (including weekends). However, sometimes I get greedy and eat an extra biscuit at lunch time (I always eat 2 or 3 biscuits each day). If I DONT eat any extra I would end up eating the last two biscuits on say a...
  17. wheels123

    Can you explain the lever using Newton's Laws?

    I have always thought that all of "Classical Mechanics" can be explained with Newton's Laws and a few force equations (e.g., gravitational and Coulomb). In particular, the concepts of energy and torque are convenient but not necessary. If this is true, then can you explain with Newton's Laws -...
  18. G

    Mom Thinks I'm Arguing with her when I'm trying to explain

    Every time I try to explain something to my mom she thinks I'm arguing. She is like this all the time. If I don't stop arguing(actually trying to explain something) she threatens me with something. Is she just a dumb parent or what? Please help
  19. M

    How would you explain self-induced voltage in an inductor?

    Consider the following: You have a circuit with an inductor and a battery. You have an open switch, that was open for gazillion years. The inductor is "uncharged", meaning has no stored magnetic field. Then, you close the switch. At time t=0+, right at the moment you closed the switch, the...
  20. P

    How Does QED Explain the Electromagnetic Force

    From a conceptual point of view, how is it that Quantum Electrodynamics explains the interaction between two charged particles, (let's say two electrons)? I've heard people say that the electrons exchange photons, but how is it that an electron would know when to send off a photon and that it...
  21. V

    Do we need quantum mechanics to explain biological stuff?

    While I have to admit the question in its summarized version seems to be not very well defined (and naive, of an easy answer), so that I desire to at least make it sound less stupid. Or at least I hope. After reading all of this it might sound even worse though (no promises).I like reading about...
  22. Christian Grey

    Which theory or field can explain this?

    Suppose I am in a room and light(photons) from the light bulb reach my eyes, or I am outside light(photons) from the sun reach my eyes and I am able to see the objects around me. I want to know what factors affect the path of photons like temperature, gravity etc.I mean by knowing these factors...
  23. Kior

    Would anyone explain the solution a little bit to me?

    I am preparing for my math probability class next semester. There is question: Calculate E(x3µσ) Would anyone explain the solution in the picture a little bit to me? 1.Why is the step hold? Is there a formula or something that i can calculate E[X-µ]n? 2.Why is the fourth step hold? Where is...
  24. A

    How do you explain this? (Optics)

    Hi. As you can see in the video attached, the image of the street is projected on the ceiling! Only a window glass and a simple curtain is involved. How does this happen? And how can I optimize (the window angle curtain etc) to get the most clear picture?
  25. S

    Can someone explain to me what a matrix is in simple words?

    Ok so officially a matrix is a rectangular array of numbers, symbols, etc arranged in rows and columns that is treated in certain prescribed ways. But that doesn't help me understand a darn thing. From what I understand, a matrix is a math tool that can help you solve linear systems, represent...
  26. Yohanes Nuwara

    Can you explain this 'Theory of Everything' formula?

    I recently come across with an amazing equation of Theory of Everything; I wonder if TOE has been formulated (?) I found this equation on a website, check it out http://www.preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2013/01/04/the-world-of-everyday-experience-in-one-equation/. While seeing briefly this...
  27. kkpanu9

    How Do Sound Waves Influence Water Flow?

    http://www.quora.com/How-can-sound-waves-alter-the-flow-of-water Ok, so I carried out this experiment, and I understand some of it, but need help with other parts. Ok, so are we actually seeing a sine wave formed by the water? If so, I understand that waves are supposed to transport energy...
  28. M

    Nobody here can explain the Leedskalnin discovery

    I posted a thread here about Ed Leedskalnin's discovery of an electromagnet which works after the power has been cut off. The forum deleted it and gave the reason "crackpot video". The video I linked simply showed the discovery that I mentioned. It was hardly a "crackpot video". In fact, as I...
  29. N

    Could someone please explain what a limit is?

    I've been searching around trying to understand them. About to take calculus and I want to be prepared. Could someone explain what they are and give a few typical limit problems and solve them Thank you
  30. K

    Explain convection heat transfer using kinetic theory

    I am trying to explain the convection heat transfer and the mass transfer related (buoyancy of the heated part of the gas) using only kinetic theory of gases , I mean using only collisions between molecules of the gas. The environment is the usual one : a hot wall in contact with a gas...
  31. Prashan Shan

    Do virtual photons explain this phenomenon?

    ok. this may sound stupid, first of all i asked this question because i have a doubt that "if a photon can see things around it will it be able to see its own reflection if it aproaches towards a mirror?" so i played a video of light being reflected in a mirror in slow motion and paused the...
  32. T

    Can someone explain to me what centripetal acceleration?

    Homework Statement I also need help on a problem. but FIRST, can someone explain to me how radial acceleration relates to gravity and how gravity can be split up into tangential and radial accelerations and how that can be compared to radial acceleration ? I know the basic stuff..like if a...
  33. M

    Is there anyone can explain the warp drive?

    I have seen this news earlier that the physicist accidentally discover a warp drive an idea of traveling as fast of speed of light? Is this possible? How it will work?
  34. R

    Mystery Generation of Dust Patterns from Grinding Wheels -- I can't explain it

    I'm not sure where to post this, but I wanted to show this just because of the incredible nature of the phenomenon. It's just the dust from a slow running wet grindstone. I assume just vibration, but the more carefully you look the more unbelievable it becomes. As the grindstone ran, some of...
  35. J

    What is binding energy can anyone please explain thank you

    I need to know what is binding energy and how is it equal to the outcome in energy
  36. G

    Please explain to me 'why' light is part defined by velocity

    Rhetorical Question: I have never understood why light (primarily a form of information or data) is often assumed to have velocity. We would never in any other process, attempt to give the quality/definition of speed to any other form of information and rather look to the platform or mechanism...
  37. Carmen Wong

    Use Sauerbrey equation explain Δf Vs. analyte concentration

    1. Explain, using the Sauerbrey equation, how the change in the resonance frequency of a quartz crystal can be related to an analyte concentration 2. Sauerbrey equation: 3. I knew Quartz crystal microbalance work according to the change of frequency after mass loaded, and when working in a...
  38. K

    Could someone explain to me what electricity really is?

    At this stage of my education there's a lot of things that we're just supposed to accept and roll with it. Last year electricity was pretty much Ohm's law and Kirchoff's rules, now I've done electric fields so I'd like to understand it in more detail. Let's consider a simple circuit with a...
  39. X

    Can someone explain to me this process?

    π- + p→Λ + K0 Why is this a strong interaction instead of weak? Since the quark content changed.
  40. A

    Studying Books that explain physics thoroughly?

    I'm looking for physics books that explain beginner concepts, their history, and how they came to be thoroughly. I thought of Newton's mathematica but I heard it's super complicated and the notations are difficult to understand. I was recommended "On the Shoulders of the Giants" by Stephen...
  41. S

    Physics principle(s) to explain how to stack spherical items

    I need to think of all the physics principles to explain how one can stack spherical items (ex. baseballs) on top of each other. So far I've thought of one. 1. Newton's third law In this case, the reaction is the normal force in each baseball that is stacked and the action is the force of...
  42. Vlad137

    Physics behind turbochargers and compressors

    Hi everyone, I need to do a presentation to a high school class about the physics behind a turbocharger and was looking for some help getting which principals/laws explain what happens when a turbocharger is used within a car i.e.; Thermodynamics, gas laws. I just need a direction in which...
  43. bcrowell

    Parallel transport to explain motion of light near black hole?

    I'm currently teaching a gen ed course called Relativity for Poets. This is the first semester I've taught it, and it's been a ton of fun so far. If anyone is curious, http://www.lightandmatter.com/area3phys120.html is the class's web page with links to the syllabus and lecture notes. The...
  44. P

    Attempts to explain quantum entaglement

    So I tried googling it but unfortunately i haven't found anything, so I though i'll take my quarries here. I would like to know, how scientists have tried to explain how quantum entanglement works. Thanks for the answers. :)
  45. B

    MHB Could you explain me about 'relation algebraic property with conjugate'?

    Hello everyone. At first, I appreciate your click this page. I have a book named 'A first Course in Abstract Algebra 7th' by Fraleigh. I have a question about 'relation algebraic property with conjugate' in automorhisms of fields. in page415, this book explains "Let E is algebraic extension...
  46. B

    Explain delayed choice quantum eraser without consciousness

    I'm trying to understand the delayed choice quantum eraser experiment without consciousness. As I understand it, photons will either interfere or not depending on whether or not "which-path" information is randomly hidden and rendered unkowable to the experimenter. That is, rather the by any...
  47. P

    Can someone please explain this aspect of Interstellar

    I know there are many aspects of Interstellar that are true to science and it appears that there are many that aren't. I was confused about one particular aspect but wanted to know if this was actual science or one of the things that wasn't. Ok, so Earth sent some scouts to 12 or 13 possible...
  48. D

    How can we explain continuous absorption / emission?

    I am familiar with the explanations for atomic absorption and emission line spectra and how the existence of discrete, fixed energy levels can give rise to the absorption/emission lines that are seen at only very particular frequencies of EM radiation. However, I have no intuitive understanding...
  49. H

    Why Did You Choose Your Avatar for Wikipedia?

    say what it is and why you picked it
Back
Top