Subject: Connections between models and reality

Posted by Doug Cardell on 3/11/2004
In Reply To:Connections between models and reality Posted by John Gunkler on 3/10/2004

Message:

Part of the reason that this is less than intuitive is that in real life we do measure flows all the time. But we do not do so directly, we do so analogously. Wind speed for example is measured instantaneously all the time but it is not a direct measurement. A wind sock (like those at airports) is one way to measure wind speed but what we are directly measuring is the angle of the wind sock, less directly wind force which then correlates with wind speed. Speedometers, electrical meters etc. all operate on similar principles. I agree with Jay (as if he needs my agreement) you can't measure flows directly but it can frequently appear that you can.
Doug Cardell

Follow Ups:

Connections between models and reality - Bill Barroway 3/11/2004