Explanation Definition and 982 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. N

    Dinosaur soft tissue explanation?

    I have read/heard about this for awhile now and I haven't really read any good explanations for this. Does anyone know how exactly soft tissue could be preserved for so long?...assuming it is indeed >60 million years old?
  2. DaTario

    Clear explanation of Doppler effect assimmetry

    Hi All, I would like to know how can one explain the assimmetry in Doppler effect. I will illustrate what I mean. If a source emits 440 Hz but is coming in my direction with a velocity V (measured in m/s) I will hear, let's say, 441 Hz. Now, if the source is at rest with respect to the...
  3. D

    Why is the Buzzer Always On in this Circuit?

    I have this circuit that I found on the internet and I see for the most part how it works. But for some reason I am misunderstanding something about it because it seems to me that the buzzer would always be on. Perhaps I am confused due to the use of both a pnp and an npn transistor (I only have...
  4. A

    Explanation Needed for Equation for Gravitation/Conservation of Energy equation

    Homework Statement A projectile is shot directly away from Earth's surface. Neglect rotation of Earth. What multiple of Earth's radius R_e gives the radial distance a projectile reaches if its initial speed is 1/2 of the escape speed from Earth. Homework Equations Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf...
  5. C

    Explanation of Sine Function Please

    Lately I have been trying to plot sine waves, but I can't understand any explanation on the net. I always get y=sine(x), but I never receive any explanation regarding what x IS, be it angle or just the x-axis number. I found a way around this using the Pythagorean theorem, but that is annoying...
  6. S

    Mathematical explanation of maximum speed limit c'

    mathematical explanation of maximum speed limit "c' i have tried many texts and searched but can't find particular mathematical proof or explanation of how sp.theory led to conclusion that maximum velocity limit is "c"
  7. R

    Lacking information of the general quantum physics explanation

    hi! Every time i stumble upon quantum physics I get to the same example, where the subatomic particles (photons i suppose) behave like particles in a particle experiment, and waves in a wave experiment. Then the conclusion is that the particle becomes what the observer measures. I'm just...
  8. W

    Do Ghosts Really Exist or Are They Just a Trick of the Mind?

    I saw this on cracked, so take it with a pinch of salt. http://www.cracked.com/article_18828_the-creepy-scientific-explanation-behind-ghost-sightings_p1.html What do you think?
  9. T

    What is a Line? A Definition and Explanation

    Can someone give me the definition of a line?
  10. P

    What Does Convergent Mean in Numerical Methods for Differential Equations?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_ordinary_differential_equations Could someone be nice to explain me the convergent condition as written in wiki ? I don't have an idea what it really means :frown: I am learning the basics only Thank you
  11. B

    Calculus 3 help needed. confusing piecewise. I need explanation

    Homework Statement 2. On the domain x \geq 0; y \geq 0, dene the function f(x; y) such that [PLAIN]http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2144/huhh.jpg Homework Equations I'm not so sure. The Attempt at a Solution I apologize for no attempt. I am just totally confused with this notation as I...
  12. D

    Understanding the Parametric Equation for a Sphere

    The equation for a circle is x = r cos(u) y = r sin(u) Where u is 0 <= u <= 2 pi, because 2 pi is for calculating circle. While a sphere is x = r cos(u)cos(v) y = r sin(v)cos(v) z = r sin(v) Where u is the same, 2 pi but v is 0<= v <= 1 pi. Why only 1 pi for v? and not 2...
  13. R

    Kinematics in Two-Dimensions - Explanation?

    Homework Statement "A rock climber throws a small first aid kid to another climber who is higher up the mountain. The initial velocity of the kit is 11 m/s at an angle of 65 degrees above the horizontal. At the instant when the kit is caught, it is traveling horizontally, so its vertical...
  14. N

    How Does a Rocket Engine Maintain Constant Thrust While Power Increases?

    ok here's the problem. i really need on this. its not a calculation but more of an explanation. Consider a rocket engine. It delivers a constant thrust, which is the force exerted on the rocket by the expanding exhaust gases from the burning fuel.This typically is true in real life:both the...
  15. L

    Find spectrum given a potential. I have the solution, just need explanation.

    Homework Statement My teacher posted this solution. It is exactly what I had, except I did not have 4Pi in the numerator. Rather, I had 2 instead of 4, and I didn't have Pi. The solution manual has had mistakes before, so I am wondering if that's what the case is here. Every other step, I had...
  16. 3

    Understanding the Proof of the Existence of Rational Numbers in Any Interval

    Homework Statement theorem: There is at least 1 rational # in any interval Say a<b and let I = (a,b). Let n be a positive integer so large that 1/n < b-a and consider the numbers k/n (where K is an integer). Then there will be a K such that k/n EI I'm just having a bit of trouble...
  17. A

    Need an explanation on how to do a question applying Newtons Laws

    Homework Statement A 2.0 kg mass , placed on a smooth, level table, is attached by a light string passing over a frictionless pulley to a 5.0 kg mass hanging freely over the edge of a table. Calculate... a) the tension in the string b) the acceleration of the 2.0 kg mass on the table.The answer...
  18. G

    Algebraic explanation of - times - = +

    I'm pretty sure this isn't a homework style question. o_O could someone please explain this, I may be overly tired, but it's confusing me: "A further illustration of this rule is generally given by algebraists as follows: First, we know that +a multiplied by +b gives the product +ab; and...
  19. M

    Help wanted with an explanation

    I have a BS in physics from some time ago. In another forum on another board I have become embroiled in a discussion with another poster about SR and the need to adjust the clocks on GPS satellites to account for SR effects. I need some help trying to explain things. As expressed by the other...
  20. E

    What is the explanation behind Newton's Laws?

    Homework Statement I need someone to help me fully understand Newton's Laws. I kinda get his second law, the sum of the forces equals mass times acceleration??, but yea. Homework Equations Newton's First Law Newton's Second Law...
  21. S

    The explanation of the domain of two variable function

    can anyone explain that domain or give me any reference about it??
  22. J

    Simple explanation - wings in an aeroplane

    on an aeroplane, why does air fly FASTER over the top than the bottom. I get everything else; i.e: higher pressure moves to lover pressure. What I don't get is how the air flies faster over the curved part of the wing. Please explain simply thanks
  23. J

    UK MOD explanation for black triangle UFO's

    UK Ministry of Defense Report Findings "The UK Ministry of Defense report "UAP in the UK Air Defence Region[2] released to the public in 2006 draws several conclusions as to the origin of "Black Triangle" UFO sightings. Their researchers conclude that "Black Triangle" UFOs are formations of...
  24. epenguin

    The Grand Design and other Explanations without Explanation

    Explaining without explanation Go into any bookshop (at least in the UK) ad under Popular Science you will find Science majorly represented by things like String Theory and then maybe Cosmology and Prime Numbers or very fundamental (particle) physics and then quantum philosophy. There is far...
  25. T

    NASA Explanation needed: unknown objects orbiting our sun in NASA images

    Greetings, I've stumbled upon some peculiar images of our sun that appear to have extremely large objects in orbit which don't appear to be planets. The images are from the following NASA database. Each image is taken every ~10 minutes...
  26. E

    Explaining Ultimate Factorial Value in x^n Integer Series

    In the situation where differences between consecutive squares, (or consecutive cubes, consecutive x^4, etc.) are calculated, then the differences between those differences are calculated, and then the differences of those differences, and so on until you reach a constant number at a deep...
  27. R

    Understanding the Hill Sphere: Exploring the Formula & Its Implications

    The Hill sphere of a celestial object is the area in which it is the dominating force in the area. I was wondering how the formula was determined. If the mass of the smaller body is m, and it orbits a heavier body of mass M with a semi-major axis a and an eccentricity of e, then the radius...
  28. C

    Explanation of acceleration of a ball bouncing up and down on the ground

    I am from HK. Hope you guys can understand my poor English! ^^ actually, this is not for my homework but my preparation for the public exam. Homework Statement The situation is that a ball bouncing up and down on the ground in vertical direction. The question is to choose which graphs best...
  29. S

    Intercalation process explanation

    Could somebody explain in detail, how intercalation process works? For exampe, when Li ion intercalates in graphite where goes external (valent) electron of Li atom? Does it become common with graphite atoms? Is this true that smaller ions easier intercalate into substrate? What`s about...
  30. M

    Problem With Explanation of Inner Product of Vector and Dyad

    I've been trying to learn more about tensors with the help of this website, http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/Numbers/Math/documents/Tensors_TM2002211716.pdf, but its explanation on one little part about vectors has me puzzled. It states that an inner product of a vector S and a dyad expressed...
  31. P

    Explanation of Schur's Lemma Corollary

    Hi, I am studying Group Theory from Georgi's book. Here is an excerpt from Chap 1, Pg 14. He proves the following theorem (theorem 1.4): If D(g)A = AD(g) \forall g \in G where D is a finite dimensional irreducible representation of G, then A \propto I He then goes on to say, the following...
  32. Danger

    Origin of Pilot Term "Balls-to-the-Wall

    Most of my friends, both on PF and in person, are accustomed to me using the phrase "balls-to-the-wall" to indicate a flat-out effort. It never occurred to me, until someone (in person) mentioned it earlier today, that it might be deemed offensive by some. I want to explain that there is no...
  33. T

    Polyhedron Face Angles: Intuitive & Rigorous Explanation for Beginners

    What is the easiest way to see that, in a regular polyhedron, the sum of the face angles about each vertex is less than 2π? This seems elementary, but I truly have very little background in geometry. Preliminary searches on PF and Google/Wikipedia didn't turn up anything substantial aside from...
  34. P

    How Does Simple Encryption Work in Java Programming?

    Hello, My professor wants us to code a program that encrypts a massage and decrypt it , I know that to encrypt something you need a message and a key, and you assign a number to each letter or the message, and you do the same with the key, and then you add the two numbers together to get...
  35. R

    Help i need a explanation for this

    I got this from a book anyway An astronomer called William Herchel used some very accurate and sensitive mercury thermometer, he placed one in front of a spectrum of light and found that as he moved it across the bands of different colors from violet to red,the temperature rose. this...
  36. L

    Medical Triune brain as a model for explanation

    Triune Brain Not rigorous enough for pure neuroscience. But rigorous enough for people to grasp the brain? The actual reality is complex and gritty. Yet we don't explain the reality of quantum physics- we present simple, understandble analogies for people to grasp. My question to...
  37. F

    Some explanation about transister

    Can anyone tell me ?how should i idetify transister type ?i simple want to know .from the board.it is pnp transister or npn transister physically.Kindly let me know the idea.Any help woud be highly appreciated.
  38. C

    Ordering Force Functions: Reasoning & Explanation

    Homework Statement The graphs show the force Fi (in pounds) required to move an object 9 feet along the x-axis. Order the force functions from the one that yields the least work to the one that yields the most work without doing any calculations. Explain your reasoning. Homework...
  39. P

    VIP experiment explanation needed

    OK I have been stuck up with this VIP experiment relating to pauli's exclusion principle, I reached here somehow by searching about the tetraneutrons but anyways can anyone explain me waht the following lines convey ? "The VIP experiment aims to improve the current limit on the violation of...
  40. A

    Understanding Impurity Doping: An Explanation

    What is impurity doping? Can somebody please explain it?
  41. D

    Explanation of entropy only takes into account positions?

    Hi, I've read several times an explanation of entropy that describes it something like "log of the number of states that are macroscopically indistinguishable". So the entropy of a system depends on the number of positions all the particles in the system can be in - right? If a system is...
  42. C

    What caused the universe to expand in the Big Bang theory?

    explanation for the big bang?? This is my first post to PF but this question has been really bothering me for a while. In the theory of the "big bang" the universe was created from 1 gravitational singularity holding all the mass and energy. This would be very similar to the black holes we see...
  43. H

    Could this be an explanation why there is more matter than antimatter?

    There is an old weird theory that an antiparticle is actually a particle going back in time; when a pair is born "out of nowhere", it's in fact one particle making a U-turn in time. Now, consider the expanding Universe. Let's say you are observing a nearby spinning galaxy drifting away from...
  44. S

    What is the Simple Explanation for Radians and Trigonometric Functions?

    Im currently in Calc II and am finding myself totally lost when it comes to solving things like sin(pi/3) and trig of that nature. I am very reliant on my calculator and am extremely fond of degrees, but I NEED to be able to find the definite integral of cos(x) from 0 to (pi/3) and problems that...
  45. J

    Trying to follow my textbook's explanation

    I don't need the template because this isn't a homework problem, per se; it's just information about how to get started on my homework. So I have an equation x'=Ax, x(0)=x0, where A is a constant matrix. I can write it as x=ø(t)x0, where ø(t) is a fundamental matrix such that ø(0)=I...
  46. C

    Understanding Null Space: A Layman's Explanation

    Can someone give me a layman’s terms explanation of what a null space is .
  47. B

    Explanation for the Fountain effect in superfluids

    I'm looking for an explanation for the fountain effect in superfluids using the 'two fluid model'. However the explanations I've come across are not very satisfactory From the NASA website http://cryo.gsfc.nasa.gov/introduction/liquid_helium.html But why does superfluid Helium flow...
  48. K

    An intuitive explanation to the Killing equation?

    Hello, Your forum was very helpful in giving intuitive geometric explanations to various concepts from differential geometry, so I was hoping you could perhaps help me with the following. I'm interested in Killing vector fields. I understand that a tangent vector field X is a Killing vector...
  49. L

    Looking for a physics explanation of this observation

    I have cola-bottle (1.5L) that is half-filled with water. The other half was air, of course. I put it in the fridge (~ -14 C) and after about an hour, before i could see ice formation but when it was very cold nonetheless, i saw that the bottle hull was deformed to the inside, the same way if...
  50. V

    Alternative Explanation for Double Slit Interference

    i think I have an alternative explanation to the double slit.We can assume that the slit surface is not completely smooth,thus a photon may enter these gaps thus allowing for interference in the case of single photon emitter
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