Physics Book - User contributions [en]

VPython Object

2018-10-10T00:56:13Z

Aabid8:

*Claimed by aabid8 (F2018)

A VPython Object is a representation of data in a specific in VPython both visually and numerically. Each object represents data through its attributes, specific characteristics assigned to each individual object. Objects play an essential role in the necessary knowledge for the coding portion of PHYS 2211 and 2212, as most of your programs will require the extensive usage and manipulation of objects. This page is intended to provide you a background on these objects, especially if you have no prior knowledge of coding or VPython.

In this class, you should know how to create sphere objects and set their positions, and how to use arrows to show forces, fields, velocities, etc.

==The Main Idea==

Objects in VPython are intended to represent data in ways that can be easily visualized and understood by both the user and the computer. Each object has a type it belongs to, which determines its default attributes, as well as how the computer will choose to display it when the program runs. Objects must be uniquely named if you wish to refer to them again later in your program, and any graphical object you create (spheres, boxes, curves, arrows, etc.) continue to exist for as long as your program remains running - VPython will continue to display them regardless of where they are positioned. If you change an attribute of an object, such as its position or color, VPython will automatically display the object in its new location and/or with its new color.

For example, let's say you create a sphere called 'ball' - by default, ball has attributes pre-assigned to it, such as ball.pos (the .pos attribute signifies the position of the sphere) or ball.color (the .color attribute allows you to change the color of the sphere). Also, in addition to the preset attributes, you can also create new ones. Besides the position and radius, you can also create attributes for mass (ball.mass), velocity (ball.vel), momentum (ball.momentum), or anything else you see fit. Of course, not all attributes need to be added manually. They can be left blank and filled in with a default value which the program automatically assigns them

==Basics==
To make an object and visualize it, it is required to import functions by writing following lines on the top of the code. If you are using Glowscript, these imports are not required.

from __future__ import division
from visual import *

Then, by writing following line on your code, you can instantiate

[variable name] = [object type]([attribute1].[attribute1 type], ... ,[attribute n].[attribute n type])

For an object of type sphere, attributes might include position (pos), color, and size. You can also add attributes such as charge or material.
For an arrow, typical attributes are position (pos), the axis vector, and color.

You can also change attributes of the certain objects after they have been created.

[variable name].[attribute] = [new attribute type]

==Attributes==
Many objects in VPython carry common attributes regardless of their type. This section will cover the attributes you will be utilizing the most in this class.

===Position===
The position attribute is common to almost every single object, and is probably the most important of the attributes. It determines the position of the object's center (in the case of spheres, boxes, etc.) or the object's endpoint (arrows, curves, etc.). It is of the vector type. To access and/or edit this attribute, it can be accessed using objectName.pos. Returning to the example from the above section, we can access the position of our sphere called 'ball' by typing

ball.pos

This would return the position of the ball in vector form, or allow you to refer to said position in calculations.

In addition, because this is a vector, the position attribute has three components of its own, which can be accessed by typing:

ball.pos.x
ball.pos.y
ball.pos.z

depending on the desired component of the position. The same rules apply as to ball.pos, however they are returned as single numbers instead of as a vector.

To set the position of an object, one must first set the type of the object and then type pos([vector coordinates]). For instance, if we wanted to create an object called ball centered at (4,2,0), we would type

ball = objectType(pos(4,2,0))

===Color===
The color attribute defines the object's color when it appears in the display window. This attribute is not important for data but more for display - it is simply to distinguish objects from one another, which is especially useful if you are working with a multitude of objects at once.

Color can be assigned in one of two ways. The first way it can be assigned is through a preset color. The preset colors in VPython are blue, orange, green, red, purple, brown, pink, gray, olive, and cyan - any of these can be inserted to create the desired color. For instance, the syntax for creating a red color is:

color = color.red

Another way of assigning color is through an RGB vector, an additive form of assigning color. Red, green and blue layers are added together in various saturations and opacities to reproduce a broad array of colors. The vector contains three numbers from 0 to 255 - The first number represents the red, the second represents the green, and the third represents the blue. The higher the value of the number, the more it resembles that particular color. For instance, if we wanted to assign cyan to color, we would type
color = (0, 255, 255)

To set the color of an object, one must first set the type of the object and then set the color within the parentheses. For instance, if we wanted to create an object called ball which was cyan, we would type either

ball = objectType(color = color(cyan))
ball = objectType(color = (0,255,255))

===Axis===
The axis attribute is important specifically for arrows, as it determines the direction which the arrow points and how long it is. For instance, if you wanted to create an arrow parallel to the x-axis with a length of 5, the syntax could be:

myArrow = arrow(pos=vec(5, 0, 0), axis=vec(1, 1, 1), color=color.green)

meaning the arrow points 5 units along the x axis and is perpendicular to the y and z axes. You will often use arrows to represent forces and fields, where the position will be the observation point, and the axis will the vector value of the force/field/etc.

The axis attribute also determines orientation of other objects, such as rings or cylinders, but arrows are the only object whose size is specifically tied to the axis attribute.

===Setting Attributes in a Loop===
Sometimes, the position vector will be given, and will be easy to set. In other cases, you may want to create, say 12 spheres in a circle, all a distance 2 from the origin. A quick way to do this is by by using a [http://physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Loops loop] or a [http://physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Lists list].

For example:

i = 0
while i < 2*pi:
sphere(pos=vec(2*cos(i), 2*sin(i), 0), radius=0.5, color=color.green)
i = i + 2*pi/12

This would create 12 green spheres of radius .5 in a circle 2 units from the origin:
[[File:12circles.png|right]]

===Material/Texture===
One of the main purposes of VPython programming is to help people's understanding on a physical principle or phenomenon by displaying an animation describing the principle or phenomenon. To achieve this, various objects are used in the program, and various attributes such as color and shape are used to distinguish them. Material is also one of that attributes, which does not change the essence of the phenomenon but helps people's understanding on the phenomenon.

====Basic Materials====
'''Wood'''
materials.wood

woodsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.wood)
woodbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.wood)

[[File:Wood.JPG]]

'''Rough'''
materials.rough

roughsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.rough)
roughbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.rough)

[[File:Rough.JPG]]

''Marble''
materials.marble

marblesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.marble)
marblebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.marble)

[[File:Marble.JPG]]

'''Plastic'''
materials.plastic

plasticsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.plastic)
plasticbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.plastic)

[[File:Plastic.JPG]]

'''Earth'''
materials.earth

earthsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.earth)
earthbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.earth)

[[File:Earth.JPG]]

'''Diffuse'''
materials.diffuse

diffusesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.diffuse)
diffusebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.diffuse)

[[File:Diffuse.JPG]]

'''Emissive'''
Material which looks like it glows

materials.emissive

emissivesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.emissive)
emissivebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.emissive)

[[File:Emissive.JPG]]

'''Unshaded'''
Material which does not affected by lighting

materials.unshaded

unshadedsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.unshaded)
unshadedbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.unshaded)

[[File:Unshaded.JPG]]

'''Shiny'''
materials.shiny

shinysphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.shiny)
shinybox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.shiny)

[[File:Shiny.JPG]]

'''Chrome'''
materials.chrome

chromesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.chrome)
chromebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.chrome)

[[File:Chrome.JPG]]

'''Blazed'''
materials.blazed

blazedsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.blazed)
blazedbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.blazed)

[[File:Blazed.JPG]]

'''Silver'''
materials.silver

silversphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.silver)
silverbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.silver)

[[File:Silver.JPG]]

'''BlueMarble'''
Earth with clouds

materials.BlueMarble

BlueMarblesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.BlueMarble)
BlueMarblebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.BlueMarble)

[[File:BlueMarble.JPG]]

'''Bricks'''
materials.bricks

brickssphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.bricks)
bricksbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.bricks)

[[File:Bricks.JPG]]

====Creating your own texture====
=====Making a text from a photo=====

You can create a texture with a image file, using PIL, the Python Image Library.
To do this,PIL must be installed on the computer and the function "Image" should be imported.

[http://www.pythonware.com/products/pil/#pil117]

from visual import *
import Image # Must install PIL

And the basic syntax is

name = "buzz"
width = 64 # must be power of 2
height = 64 # must be power of 2
im = Image.open(name+".jpg")
#print(im.size) # optionally, see size of image
# Optional cropping:
#im = im.crop((x1,y1,x2,y2)) # (0,0) is upper left
im = im.resize((width,height), Image.ANTIALIAS)
materials.saveTGA(name,im)

You can use the texture "im", which is created with an image file "buzz", using following code

tex = materials.texture(data=im, mapping="rectangular")
buzzbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = tex)
buzzsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = tex)

[[File:BuzzTexture.JPG]]

===Other Attributes===
There are other attributes which are also important but not as essential (or common) as position/color/axis, such as radius and make_trail, among others. Most of these attributes are self-explanatory or will not be used in the course, so if you would like full descriptions of these attributes, refer to the [http://vpython.org/contents/docs/index.html VPython Documentation].

==Common Objects==
In order to display and understand your code effectively, there are a certain few objects which will be essential, especially for this class.

===Sphere===
[[File:Sphere.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example sphere]]
Spheres are the most basic but also very useful objects. A sphere object is a representation of a sphere with a set radius, position, and color. Spheres are commonly used to represent particles in assignments and labs, and are generally assigned a velocity / momentum / etc. in problems. Spheres generally have three properties which should be set when creating them - radius, position, and color, in any order within the parentheses. Only the position is required - note that the position attribute for a cylinder, arrow, cone, and pyramid corresponds to one end of the object, whereas for a sphere it corresponds to the center of the object. If a radius and color are not specified, VPython will set the radius to 1 and the color to the current foreground color.

For instance, if we wanted to create a yellow sphere at the origin with a radius of ten, we would type

yellowSphere = sphere(radius = 10, pos = vector(0,0,0), color=color.yellow)

===Arrow===
[[File:arrowW.png|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example arrow]]
Arrows are just as multipurpose as spheres, if not more so. In this class, arrows will be used to represent vector quantities visually. For instance, you can use arrows to show the velocity/acceleration/momentum of a particle, the electric field direction around a charged particle, etc. Arrow objects are created with a position which represents the starting point of the arrow - not the center - and an axis which represents the arrow's direction and length. Both the position and the length are vector quantities. The color is again not essential as VPython will set it to a default value if left out. The arrow object itself features a straight box-shaped shaft with a 3d pyramid-shaped arrowhead at one end.

For instance, to create an white arrow based at (4,2,0) pointing in the direction of (-2,2,-4), we would type

nameArrow = arrow(pos=(4,2,0), axis=(-2,2,-4), color=color.white)

===Box===
[[File:ArrowV.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example box]]
Boxes will feature more in Physics 1 during the kinematics and dynamics sections. While the position attribute is the center of the box as with a sphere, the other attributes of boxes are more complex than spheres or arrows, and particular heed must be paid to the axis attribute, as the box's rotation and orientation depends on it. The axis attribute sets the direction of the length of the box, assuming the length, width and height of the box are set before. If they are not given, the length is automatically set to the magnitude of the axis vector.

To create a green cube with its corner at the origin and a side length of 5 (pictured), we would type

greenbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), length=5, height=5, width=5)

The axis attribute can also be added to tilt the box by changing the angle of the length. For example, this would cause the box from the previous step to be tipped at a 45 degree angle:

tippedbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), axis(1,1,0), length=5, height=5, width=5)

The box can also be rotated around its own axis by changing which way is "up" for the box, by specifying an up attribute for the box that is different from the up vector of the coordinate system. For instance, this would take the tipped box from the previous step and rotate it so that the top face of the box is perpendicular to the vector in question.

rotatedbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), axis(1,1,0), length=5, height=5, width=5, up=(2, 3, 1))

===Cylinder===
[[File:Cyl.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example cylinder]]
Cylinders are useful wherever a rod comes into play. For instance, in Physics 2, you may see problems regarding charged rods or something of the sort. The cylinder's attributes are a bit different and incorporate elements of most of the other shapes. As such, knowing cylinder syntax gives you a good basis for any object you need to create. The position vector determines the center of the cylinder's base (similar to a cone's pos attribute) and not the center of the object, while the axis determines the direction and length of the cylinder (similar to the arrow's axis attribute). The radius is self-explanatory.

For example, to make a red cylinder with the base centered at (4,1,3) which is 6 units tall, has a radius of 2, and is laying parallel to the x-axis, you would type

cyl = cylinder(pos=(4,1,3), axis=(6,0,0), radius=2, color=color.red)

===Other===
Aside from the four main objects listed above, there are many more objects which can be used in your programs. You will not need the majority of them for this class, but they do exist, and you may want to learn about them and their attributes. Visit the VPython Documentation for more information on the following objects:

{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:EllipseB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Ellipse]]
| [[File:RingB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Ring]]
| [[File:PyramidG.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Pyramid]]
| [[File:HelixO.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Helix]]
| [[File:FacesR.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Face]]
| [[File:Curve.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Curve]]
| [[File:ConeB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Cone]]
|}

==Examples==
===Simple===
Create a green sphere named "greenSphere" with a radius of 5 located at the origin.

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
| <code>greenSphere = sphere(radius=5, pos=vector(0,0,0), color=color.green)</code>
|}

===Middling===
Create two objects.
* Object 1: A magenta sphere of radius 3 named sphereOne at the position (9,0,8)
* Object 2: A cyan arrow named arrowTwo that points from the origin to the center of sphereOne.

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereOne = sphere(radius=3.5, pos=vector(9,0,8), color=color.magenta)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>position = vector(0,0,0)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>arrow(pos=position, axis=(sphereOne.pos - position), color = color.cyan)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | Note: the position vector is used in the second line, because arrowTwo.pos cannot be called yet. The arrow has yet to be created - it is created in line 3.
|-
|}

===Difficult===
Create three objects.
* Object 1: Sphere, radius of 2, located at (-4,-3,8)
* Object 2: Sphere, radius of 1, located at (6,11,0)
* Object 3: Curve, starting at origin, moving to first sphere, then to second

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereOne = sphere(radius = 2, pos=vector(-4,-3,8))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereTwo = sphere(radius = 1, pos=vector(6,11,0))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne = curve(color=color.red, pos = (0,0,0))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne.append(sphereOne.pos)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne.append(sphereOne.pos)</code>
|-
|}

'''Applying Texture'''

[[File:EarthandMoon.GIF]]

Trinket Link
[https://trinket.io/glowscript/6ddb3d237e]

VPython code

from __future__ import division
from visual import *
from visual.graph import *
scene.width=1024
scene.height=760

# CONSTANTS
G = 6.7e-11
mEarth = 6e24
mcraft = 15000
deltat = 60
t = 0
mMoon = 7e22
scale = 800000
c=2.99792e8

#OBJECTS AND INITIAL VALUES
Earth = sphere(pos=vector(0,0,0), radius=15e6, material = materials.BlueMarble)
# Add a radius for the spacecraft. It should be BIG, so it can be seen.
craft = sphere(pos=vector(-60160000,-192000,0), radius=2e6, material = materials.marble)
Moon = sphere(pos=vector(4e8,0,0), radius=1.75e6, material = materials.marble)
vcraft = vector(735,2849,0)
pcraft = mcraft*vcraft

trail = curve(color=craft.color) # This creates a trail for the spacecraft
#scene.autoscale = 1000000 # And this prevents zooming in or out

pscale = Earth.radius / mag(pcraft)
fscale = Earth.radius/ ((G*mEarth*mcraft)/mag(craft.pos-Earth.pos)**2)
dpscale = 500 * Earth.radius/mag(pcraft)

r_EarthMoon = Moon.pos - Earth.pos #Relative position vector from Earth to Moon
r_EarthMoon_mag = mag(r_EarthMoon)
F_EarthMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_EarthMoon_mag**2)
r_EarthMoon_hat = r_EarthMoon/r_EarthMoon_mag

Force_EarthMoon = (-r_EarthMoon_hat)*F_EarthMoon_mag #Force on Moon due to Earth
pMoon = Force_EarthMoon / deltat

# CALCULATIONS
print("p=", pcraft)
while t < (10e10):
rate(500) # This slows down the animation (runs faster with bigger number)
rE = craft.pos - Earth.pos
rEmag = mag(rE)
FEmag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(rEmag**2)
rEhat = rE/rEmag
FEnet = (-rEhat)*FEmag

rM = craft.pos - Moon.pos
rMmag = mag(rM)
FMmag = (G*mcraft*mMoon)/(rMmag**2)
rMhat = rM/rMmag
FMnet = (-rMhat)*FMmag

Fnet = FMnet+FEnet

pcraft_i = pcraft + vector(0,0,0)
pcraft_ii = mag(pcraft_i)
pcraft = pcraft + ((Fnet)*deltat)
pcraft_f = pcraft
pcraft_ff = mag(pcraft)
vavg = pcraft/mcraft
speedcraft = mag(vavg)
craft.pos = craft.pos + vavg*deltat

Fnet_tangent = ((pcraft_ff-pcraft_ii)/deltat)*(pcraft/mag(pcraft))*pscale
Fnet_perp = Fnet - Fnet_tangent

r_EarthMoon = Moon.pos - Earth.pos #Relative position vector from Earth to Moon
r_EarthMoon_mag = mag(r_EarthMoon)
F_EarthMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_EarthMoon_mag**2)
r_EarthMoon_hat = r_EarthMoon/r_EarthMoon_mag

r_craftMoon = Moon.pos - craft.pos#Relative position vector from spacecraft to Moon
r_craftMoon_mag = mag(r_craftMoon)
F_craftMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_craftMoon_mag**2)
r_craftMoon_hat = r_craftMoon/r_craftMoon_mag

Force_EarthMoon = (-r_EarthMoon_hat)*F_EarthMoon_mag #Force on Moon due to Earth
Force_craftMoon = (-r_craftMoon_hat)*F_craftMoon_mag#Force on Moon due to spacecraft
Fnet_Moon = Force_EarthMoon + Force_craftMoon #Net force on Moon

momentum_Moon = pMoon + Fnet_Moon*deltat#Update momentum of Moon
vavg_Moon = momentum_Moon/mMoon
Moon.pos = Moon.pos + vavg_Moon * deltat #Update momentum of Moon

trail.append(pos=craft.pos)
t = t+deltat
pcraft = pcraft_f
deltap = pcraft - pcraft_i

==Connectedness ==
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
* I quite enjoy coding myself on my own time; I have taken a couple online classes outside of Tech on Java and a class here on MATLAB. However, Python and its variants are still far and away my favorite languages to code in, and the one I am most knowledgeable in. I believe the inclusion of VPython in the Physics curriculum is overall a benefit to us students as it allows us to both learn the physics and visualize them by creating the models we do in Labs on VPython.

How is it connected to your major?
* As a Business Admin major I'll be doing IT Management, which requires me to have an understanding of computer systems at the very least. While VPython may not be quite what I need in the future, it is still a good basis in learning the ins and outs of a major programming language long before I have to delve into serious CS training - plus it lets me keep my coding skills sharp!

Is there an interesting industrial application?
* Of course! Whereas the simplicity of Python/VPython have made it effective to illustrate simple physics as we do, it's also powerful elsewhere. VPython is being used by some as a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK60VT0c8eI simulation tool for robotics] among other things, while Python itself is the backbone for thousands of industrial softwares and applications. In addition, agencies such as NASA use Python and VPython in their labs - I used both programs during my two separate internships at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH.

==See Also==
[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython VPython] - VPython's biography, if you will

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_basics VPython Basics] - Especially if you're totally new to coding as a whole, this page will bolster your learning

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Functions VPython Functions] - Working with functions, assuming you understand the basics of coding

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Loops VPython Loops] - The next step in VPython code knowledge after functions - using loops

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Common_Errors_and_Troubleshooting VPython Troubleshooting] - Having problems? Check here!

==References==

http://vpython.org/

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/index.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/color.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/primitives.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/materials.html

http://guigui.developpez.com/cours/python/vpython/en/?page=object

VPython Object

2018-09-27T18:33:32Z

Aabid8:

*Claimed by Ddebord3 (2015)
*Edited by Vnistala3 (2017)
*Edited by jlee3414 (2018)
*Claimed by aabid8 (F2018)

A VPython Object is a representation of data in a specific in VPython both visually and numerically. Each object represents data through its attributes, specific characteristics assigned to each individual object. Objects play an essential role in the necessary knowledge for the coding portion of PHYS 2211 and 2212, as most of your programs will require the extensive usage and manipulation of objects. This page is intended to provide you a background on these objects, especially if you have no prior knowledge of coding or VPython.

In this class, you should know how to create sphere objects and set their positions, and how to use arrows to show forces, fields, velocities, etc.

==The Main Idea==

Objects in VPython are intended to represent data in ways that can be easily visualized and understood by both the user and the computer. Each object has a type it belongs to, which determines its default attributes, as well as how the computer will choose to display it when the program runs. Objects must be uniquely named if you wish to refer to them again later in your program, and any graphical object you create (spheres, boxes, curves, arrows, etc.) continue to exist for as long as your program remains running - VPython will continue to display them regardless of where they are positioned. If you change an attribute of an object, such as its position or color, VPython will automatically display the object in its new location and/or with its new color.

For example, let's say you create a sphere called 'ball' - by default, ball has attributes pre-assigned to it, such as ball.pos (the .pos attribute signifies the position of the sphere) or ball.color (the .color attribute allows you to change the color of the sphere). Also, in addition to the preset attributes, you can also create new ones. Besides the position and radius, you can also create attributes for mass (ball.mass), velocity (ball.vel), momentum (ball.momentum), or anything else you see fit. Of course, not all attributes need to be added manually. They can be left blank and filled in with a default value which the program automatically assigns them

==Basics==
To make an object and visualize it, it is required to import functions by writing following lines on the top of the code. If you are using Glowscript, these imports are not required.

from __future__ import division
from visual import *

Then, by writing following line on your code, you can instantiate

[variable name] = [object type]([attribute1].[attribute1 type], ... ,[attribute n].[attribute n type])

For an object of type sphere, attributes might include position (pos), color, and size. You can also add attributes such as charge or material.
For an arrow, typical attributes are position (pos), the axis vector, and color.

You can also change attributes of the certain objects after they have been created.

[variable name].[attribute] = [new attribute type]

==Attributes==
Many objects in VPython carry common attributes regardless of their type. This section will cover the attributes you will be utilizing the most in this class.

===Position===
The position attribute is common to almost every single object, and is probably the most important of the attributes. It determines the position of the object's center (in the case of spheres, boxes, etc.) or the object's endpoint (arrows, curves, etc.). It is of the vector type. To access and/or edit this attribute, it can be accessed using objectName.pos. Returning to the example from the above section, we can access the position of our sphere called 'ball' by typing

ball.pos

This would return the position of the ball in vector form, or allow you to refer to said position in calculations.

In addition, because this is a vector, the position attribute has three components of its own, which can be accessed by typing:

ball.pos.x
ball.pos.y
ball.pos.z

depending on the desired component of the position. The same rules apply as to ball.pos, however they are returned as single numbers instead of as a vector.

To set the position of an object, one must first set the type of the object and then type pos([vector coordinates]). For instance, if we wanted to create an object called ball centered at (4,2,0), we would type

ball = objectType(pos(4,2,0))

===Color===
The color attribute defines the object's color when it appears in the display window. This attribute is not important for data but more for display - it is simply to distinguish objects from one another, which is especially useful if you are working with a multitude of objects at once.

Color can be assigned in one of two ways. The first way it can be assigned is through a preset color. The preset colors in VPython are blue, orange, green, red, purple, brown, pink, gray, olive, and cyan - any of these can be inserted to create the desired color. For instance, the syntax for creating a red color is:

color = color.red

Another way of assigning color is through an RGB vector, an additive form of assigning color. Red, green and blue layers are added together in various saturations and opacities to reproduce a broad array of colors. The vector contains three numbers from 0 to 255 - The first number represents the red, the second represents the green, and the third represents the blue. The higher the value of the number, the more it resembles that particular color. For instance, if we wanted to assign cyan to color, we would type
color = (0, 255, 255)

To set the color of an object, one must first set the type of the object and then set the color within the parentheses. For instance, if we wanted to create an object called ball which was cyan, we would type either

ball = objectType(color = color(cyan))
ball = objectType(color = (0,255,255))

===Axis===
The axis attribute is important specifically for arrows, as it determines the direction which the arrow points and how long it is. For instance, if you wanted to create an arrow parallel to the x-axis with a length of 5, the syntax could be:

myArrow = arrow(pos=vec(5, 0, 0), axis=vec(1, 1, 1), color=color.green)

meaning the arrow points 5 units along the x axis and is perpendicular to the y and z axes. You will often use arrows to represent forces and fields, where the position will be the observation point, and the axis will the vector value of the force/field/etc.

The axis attribute also determines orientation of other objects, such as rings or cylinders, but arrows are the only object whose size is specifically tied to the axis attribute.

===Setting Attributes in a Loop===
Sometimes, the position vector will be given, and will be easy to set. In other cases, you may want to create, say 12 spheres in a circle, all a distance 2 from the origin. A quick way to do this is by by using a [http://physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Loops loop] or a [http://physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Lists list].

For example:

i = 0
while i < 2*pi:
sphere(pos=vec(2*cos(i), 2*sin(i), 0), radius=0.5, color=color.green)
i = i + 2*pi/12

This would create 12 green spheres of radius .5 in a circle 2 units from the origin:
[[File:12circles.png|right]]

===Material/Texture===
One of the main purposes of VPython programming is to help people's understanding on a physical principle or phenomenon by displaying an animation describing the principle or phenomenon. To achieve this, various objects are used in the program, and various attributes such as color and shape are used to distinguish them. Material is also one of that attributes, which does not change the essence of the phenomenon but helps people's understanding on the phenomenon.

====Basic Materials====
'''Wood'''
materials.wood

woodsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.wood)
woodbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.wood)

[[File:Wood.JPG]]

'''Rough'''
materials.rough

roughsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.rough)
roughbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.rough)

[[File:Rough.JPG]]

''Marble''
materials.marble

marblesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.marble)
marblebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.marble)

[[File:Marble.JPG]]

'''Plastic'''
materials.plastic

plasticsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.plastic)
plasticbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.plastic)

[[File:Plastic.JPG]]

'''Earth'''
materials.earth

earthsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.earth)
earthbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.earth)

[[File:Earth.JPG]]

'''Diffuse'''
materials.diffuse

diffusesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.diffuse)
diffusebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.diffuse)

[[File:Diffuse.JPG]]

'''Emissive'''
Material which looks like it glows

materials.emissive

emissivesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.emissive)
emissivebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.emissive)

[[File:Emissive.JPG]]

'''Unshaded'''
Material which does not affected by lighting

materials.unshaded

unshadedsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.unshaded)
unshadedbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.unshaded)

[[File:Unshaded.JPG]]

'''Shiny'''
materials.shiny

shinysphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.shiny)
shinybox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.shiny)

[[File:Shiny.JPG]]

'''Chrome'''
materials.chrome

chromesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.chrome)
chromebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.chrome)

[[File:Chrome.JPG]]

'''Blazed'''
materials.blazed

blazedsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.blazed)
blazedbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.blazed)

[[File:Blazed.JPG]]

'''Silver'''
materials.silver

silversphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.silver)
silverbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.silver)

[[File:Silver.JPG]]

'''BlueMarble'''
Earth with clouds

materials.BlueMarble

BlueMarblesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.BlueMarble)
BlueMarblebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.BlueMarble)

[[File:BlueMarble.JPG]]

'''Bricks'''
materials.bricks

brickssphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.bricks)
bricksbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.bricks)

[[File:Bricks.JPG]]

====Creating your own texture====
=====Making a text from a photo=====

You can create a texture with a image file, using PIL, the Python Image Library.
To do this,PIL must be installed on the computer and the function "Image" should be imported.

[http://www.pythonware.com/products/pil/#pil117]

from visual import *
import Image # Must install PIL

And the basic syntax is

name = "buzz"
width = 64 # must be power of 2
height = 64 # must be power of 2
im = Image.open(name+".jpg")
#print(im.size) # optionally, see size of image
# Optional cropping:
#im = im.crop((x1,y1,x2,y2)) # (0,0) is upper left
im = im.resize((width,height), Image.ANTIALIAS)
materials.saveTGA(name,im)

You can use the texture "im", which is created with an image file "buzz", using following code

tex = materials.texture(data=im, mapping="rectangular")
buzzbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = tex)
buzzsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = tex)

[[File:BuzzTexture.JPG]]

===Other Attributes===
There are other attributes which are also important but not as essential (or common) as position/color/axis, such as radius and make_trail, among others. Most of these attributes are self-explanatory or will not be used in the course, so if you would like full descriptions of these attributes, refer to the [http://vpython.org/contents/docs/index.html VPython Documentation].

==Common Objects==
In order to display and understand your code effectively, there are a certain few objects which will be essential, especially for this class.

===Sphere===
[[File:Sphere.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example sphere]]
Spheres are the most basic but also very useful objects. A sphere object is a representation of a sphere with a set radius, position, and color. Spheres are commonly used to represent particles in assignments and labs, and are generally assigned a velocity / momentum / etc. in problems. Spheres generally have three properties which should be set when creating them - radius, position, and color, in any order within the parentheses. Only the position is required - note that the position attribute for a cylinder, arrow, cone, and pyramid corresponds to one end of the object, whereas for a sphere it corresponds to the center of the object. If a radius and color are not specified, VPython will set the radius to 1 and the color to the current foreground color.

For instance, if we wanted to create a yellow sphere at the origin with a radius of ten, we would type

yellowSphere = sphere(radius = 10, pos = vector(0,0,0), color=color.yellow)

===Arrow===
[[File:arrowW.png|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example arrow]]
Arrows are just as multipurpose as spheres, if not more so. In this class, arrows will be used to represent vector quantities visually. For instance, you can use arrows to show the velocity/acceleration/momentum of a particle, the electric field direction around a charged particle, etc. Arrow objects are created with a position which represents the starting point of the arrow - not the center - and an axis which represents the arrow's direction and length. Both the position and the length are vector quantities. The color is again not essential as VPython will set it to a default value if left out. The arrow object itself features a straight box-shaped shaft with a 3d pyramid-shaped arrowhead at one end.

For instance, to create an white arrow based at (4,2,0) pointing in the direction of (-2,2,-4), we would type

nameArrow = arrow(pos=(4,2,0), axis=(-2,2,-4), color=color.white)

===Box===
[[File:ArrowV.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example box]]
Boxes will feature more in Physics 1 during the kinematics and dynamics sections. While the position attribute is the center of the box as with a sphere, the other attributes of boxes are more complex than spheres or arrows, and particular heed must be paid to the axis attribute, as the box's rotation and orientation depends on it. The axis attribute sets the direction of the length of the box, assuming the length, width and height of the box are set before. If they are not given, the length is automatically set to the magnitude of the axis vector.

To create a green cube with its corner at the origin and a side length of 5 (pictured), we would type

greenbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), length=5, height=5, width=5)

The axis attribute can also be added to tilt the box by changing the angle of the length. For example, this would cause the box from the previous step to be tipped at a 45 degree angle:

tippedbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), axis(1,1,0), length=5, height=5, width=5)

The box can also be rotated around its own axis by changing which way is "up" for the box, by specifying an up attribute for the box that is different from the up vector of the coordinate system. For instance, this would take the tipped box from the previous step and rotate it so that the top face of the box is perpendicular to the vector in question.

rotatedbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), axis(1,1,0), length=5, height=5, width=5, up=(2, 3, 1))

===Cylinder===
[[File:Cyl.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example cylinder]]
Cylinders are useful wherever a rod comes into play. For instance, in Physics 2, you may see problems regarding charged rods or something of the sort. The cylinder's attributes are a bit different and incorporate elements of most of the other shapes. As such, knowing cylinder syntax gives you a good basis for any object you need to create. The position vector determines the center of the cylinder's base (similar to a cone's pos attribute) and not the center of the object, while the axis determines the direction and length of the cylinder (similar to the arrow's axis attribute). The radius is self-explanatory.

For example, to make a red cylinder with the base centered at (4,1,3) which is 6 units tall, has a radius of 2, and is laying parallel to the x-axis, you would type

cyl = cylinder(pos=(4,1,3), axis=(6,0,0), radius=2, color=color.red)

===Other===
Aside from the four main objects listed above, there are many more objects which can be used in your programs. You will not need the majority of them for this class, but they do exist, and you may want to learn about them and their attributes. Visit the VPython Documentation for more information on the following objects:

{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:EllipseB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Ellipse]]
| [[File:RingB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Ring]]
| [[File:PyramidG.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Pyramid]]
| [[File:HelixO.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Helix]]
| [[File:FacesR.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Face]]
| [[File:Curve.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Curve]]
| [[File:ConeB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Cone]]
|}

==Examples==
===Simple===
Create a green sphere named "greenSphere" with a radius of 5 located at the origin.

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
| <code>greenSphere = sphere(radius=5, pos=vector(0,0,0), color=color.green)</code>
|}

===Middling===
Create two objects.
* Object 1: A magenta sphere of radius 3 named sphereOne at the position (9,0,8)
* Object 2: A cyan arrow named arrowTwo that points from the origin to the center of sphereOne.

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereOne = sphere(radius=3.5, pos=vector(9,0,8), color=color.magenta)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>position = vector(0,0,0)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>arrow(pos=position, axis=(sphereOne.pos - position), color = color.cyan)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | Note: the position vector is used in the second line, because arrowTwo.pos cannot be called yet. The arrow has yet to be created - it is created in line 3.
|-
|}

===Difficult===
Create three objects.
* Object 1: Sphere, radius of 2, located at (-4,-3,8)
* Object 2: Sphere, radius of 1, located at (6,11,0)
* Object 3: Curve, starting at origin, moving to first sphere, then to second

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereOne = sphere(radius = 2, pos=vector(-4,-3,8))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereTwo = sphere(radius = 1, pos=vector(6,11,0))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne = curve(color=color.red, pos = (0,0,0))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne.append(sphereOne.pos)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne.append(sphereOne.pos)</code>
|-
|}

'''Applying Texture'''

[[File:EarthandMoon.GIF]]

Trinket Link
[https://trinket.io/glowscript/6ddb3d237e]

VPython code

from __future__ import division
from visual import *
from visual.graph import *
scene.width=1024
scene.height=760

# CONSTANTS
G = 6.7e-11
mEarth = 6e24
mcraft = 15000
deltat = 60
t = 0
mMoon = 7e22
scale = 800000
c=2.99792e8

#OBJECTS AND INITIAL VALUES
Earth = sphere(pos=vector(0,0,0), radius=15e6, material = materials.BlueMarble)
# Add a radius for the spacecraft. It should be BIG, so it can be seen.
craft = sphere(pos=vector(-60160000,-192000,0), radius=2e6, material = materials.marble)
Moon = sphere(pos=vector(4e8,0,0), radius=1.75e6, material = materials.marble)
vcraft = vector(735,2849,0)
pcraft = mcraft*vcraft

trail = curve(color=craft.color) # This creates a trail for the spacecraft
#scene.autoscale = 1000000 # And this prevents zooming in or out

pscale = Earth.radius / mag(pcraft)
fscale = Earth.radius/ ((G*mEarth*mcraft)/mag(craft.pos-Earth.pos)**2)
dpscale = 500 * Earth.radius/mag(pcraft)

r_EarthMoon = Moon.pos - Earth.pos #Relative position vector from Earth to Moon
r_EarthMoon_mag = mag(r_EarthMoon)
F_EarthMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_EarthMoon_mag**2)
r_EarthMoon_hat = r_EarthMoon/r_EarthMoon_mag

Force_EarthMoon = (-r_EarthMoon_hat)*F_EarthMoon_mag #Force on Moon due to Earth
pMoon = Force_EarthMoon / deltat

# CALCULATIONS
print("p=", pcraft)
while t < (10e10):
rate(500) # This slows down the animation (runs faster with bigger number)
rE = craft.pos - Earth.pos
rEmag = mag(rE)
FEmag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(rEmag**2)
rEhat = rE/rEmag
FEnet = (-rEhat)*FEmag

rM = craft.pos - Moon.pos
rMmag = mag(rM)
FMmag = (G*mcraft*mMoon)/(rMmag**2)
rMhat = rM/rMmag
FMnet = (-rMhat)*FMmag

Fnet = FMnet+FEnet

pcraft_i = pcraft + vector(0,0,0)
pcraft_ii = mag(pcraft_i)
pcraft = pcraft + ((Fnet)*deltat)
pcraft_f = pcraft
pcraft_ff = mag(pcraft)
vavg = pcraft/mcraft
speedcraft = mag(vavg)
craft.pos = craft.pos + vavg*deltat

Fnet_tangent = ((pcraft_ff-pcraft_ii)/deltat)*(pcraft/mag(pcraft))*pscale
Fnet_perp = Fnet - Fnet_tangent

r_EarthMoon = Moon.pos - Earth.pos #Relative position vector from Earth to Moon
r_EarthMoon_mag = mag(r_EarthMoon)
F_EarthMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_EarthMoon_mag**2)
r_EarthMoon_hat = r_EarthMoon/r_EarthMoon_mag

r_craftMoon = Moon.pos - craft.pos#Relative position vector from spacecraft to Moon
r_craftMoon_mag = mag(r_craftMoon)
F_craftMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_craftMoon_mag**2)
r_craftMoon_hat = r_craftMoon/r_craftMoon_mag

Force_EarthMoon = (-r_EarthMoon_hat)*F_EarthMoon_mag #Force on Moon due to Earth
Force_craftMoon = (-r_craftMoon_hat)*F_craftMoon_mag#Force on Moon due to spacecraft
Fnet_Moon = Force_EarthMoon + Force_craftMoon #Net force on Moon

momentum_Moon = pMoon + Fnet_Moon*deltat#Update momentum of Moon
vavg_Moon = momentum_Moon/mMoon
Moon.pos = Moon.pos + vavg_Moon * deltat #Update momentum of Moon

trail.append(pos=craft.pos)
t = t+deltat
pcraft = pcraft_f
deltap = pcraft - pcraft_i

==Connectedness ==
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
* I quite enjoy coding myself on my own time; I have taken a couple online classes outside of Tech on Java and a class here on MATLAB. However, Python and its variants are still far and away my favorite languages to code in, and the one I am most knowledgeable in. I believe the inclusion of VPython in the Physics curriculum is overall a benefit to us students as it allows us to both learn the physics and visualize them by creating the models we do in Labs on VPython.

How is it connected to your major?
* As a Business Admin major I'll be doing IT Management, which requires me to have an understanding of computer systems at the very least. While VPython may not be quite what I need in the future, it is still a good basis in learning the ins and outs of a major programming language long before I have to delve into serious CS training - plus it lets me keep my coding skills sharp!

Is there an interesting industrial application?
* Of course! Whereas the simplicity of Python/VPython have made it effective to illustrate simple physics as we do, it's also powerful elsewhere. VPython is being used by some as a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK60VT0c8eI simulation tool for robotics] among other things, while Python itself is the backbone for thousands of industrial softwares and applications. In addition, agencies such as NASA use Python and VPython in their labs - I used both programs during my two separate internships at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH.

==See Also==
[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython VPython] - VPython's biography, if you will

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_basics VPython Basics] - Especially if you're totally new to coding as a whole, this page will bolster your learning

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Functions VPython Functions] - Working with functions, assuming you understand the basics of coding

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Loops VPython Loops] - The next step in VPython code knowledge after functions - using loops

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Common_Errors_and_Troubleshooting VPython Troubleshooting] - Having problems? Check here!

==References==

http://vpython.org/

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/index.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/color.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/primitives.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/materials.html

http://guigui.developpez.com/cours/python/vpython/en/?page=object

File:12circles.png

2018-09-27T18:29:24Z

Aabid8:

File:12 circles.png

2018-09-27T18:27:34Z

Aabid8:

VPython Object

2018-09-27T18:26:48Z

Aabid8:

*Claimed by Ddebord3 (2015)
*Edited by Vnistala3 (2017)
*Edited by jlee3414 (2018)
*Claimed by aabid8 (F2018)

A VPython Object is a representation of data in a specific in VPython both visually and numerically. Each object represents data through its attributes, specific characteristics assigned to each individual object. Objects play an essential role in the necessary knowledge for the coding portion of PHYS 2211 and 2212, as most of your programs will require the extensive usage and manipulation of objects. This page is intended to provide you a background on these objects, especially if you have no prior knowledge of coding or VPython.

In this class, you should know how to create sphere objects and set their positions, and how to use arrows to show forces, fields, velocities, etc.

==The Main Idea==

Objects in VPython are intended to represent data in ways that can be easily visualized and understood by both the user and the computer. Each object has a type it belongs to, which determines its default attributes, as well as how the computer will choose to display it when the program runs. Objects must be uniquely named if you wish to refer to them again later in your program, and any graphical object you create (spheres, boxes, curves, arrows, etc.) continue to exist for as long as your program remains running - VPython will continue to display them regardless of where they are positioned. If you change an attribute of an object, such as its position or color, VPython will automatically display the object in its new location and/or with its new color.

For example, let's say you create a sphere called 'ball' - by default, ball has attributes pre-assigned to it, such as ball.pos (the .pos attribute signifies the position of the sphere) or ball.color (the .color attribute allows you to change the color of the sphere). Also, in addition to the preset attributes, you can also create new ones. Besides the position and radius, you can also create attributes for mass (ball.mass), velocity (ball.vel), momentum (ball.momentum), or anything else you see fit. Of course, not all attributes need to be added manually. They can be left blank and filled in with a default value which the program automatically assigns them

==Basics==
To make an object and visualize it, it is required to import functions by writing following lines on the top of the code. If you are using Glowscript, these imports are not required.

from __future__ import division
from visual import *

Then, by writing following line on your code, you can instantiate

[variable name] = [object type]([attribute1].[attribute1 type], ... ,[attribute n].[attribute n type])

For an object of type sphere, attributes might include position (pos), color, and size. You can also add attributes such as charge or material.
For an arrow, typical attributes are position (pos), the axis vector, and color.

You can also change attributes of the certain objects after they have been created.

[variable name].[attribute] = [new attribute type]

==Attributes==
Many objects in VPython carry common attributes regardless of their type. This section will cover the attributes you will be utilizing the most in this class.

===Position===
The position attribute is common to almost every single object, and is probably the most important of the attributes. It determines the position of the object's center (in the case of spheres, boxes, etc.) or the object's endpoint (arrows, curves, etc.). It is of the vector type. To access and/or edit this attribute, it can be accessed using objectName.pos. Returning to the example from the above section, we can access the position of our sphere called 'ball' by typing

ball.pos

This would return the position of the ball in vector form, or allow you to refer to said position in calculations.

In addition, because this is a vector, the position attribute has three components of its own, which can be accessed by typing:

ball.pos.x
ball.pos.y
ball.pos.z

depending on the desired component of the position. The same rules apply as to ball.pos, however they are returned as single numbers instead of as a vector.

To set the position of an object, one must first set the type of the object and then type pos([vector coordinates]). For instance, if we wanted to create an object called ball centered at (4,2,0), we would type

ball = objectType(pos(4,2,0))

===Color===
The color attribute defines the object's color when it appears in the display window. This attribute is not important for data but more for display - it is simply to distinguish objects from one another, which is especially useful if you are working with a multitude of objects at once.

Color can be assigned in one of two ways. The first way it can be assigned is through a preset color. The preset colors in VPython are blue, orange, green, red, purple, brown, pink, gray, olive, and cyan - any of these can be inserted to create the desired color. For instance, the syntax for creating a red color is:

color = color.red

Another way of assigning color is through an RGB vector, an additive form of assigning color. Red, green and blue layers are added together in various saturations and opacities to reproduce a broad array of colors. The vector contains three numbers from 0 to 255 - The first number represents the red, the second represents the green, and the third represents the blue. The higher the value of the number, the more it resembles that particular color. For instance, if we wanted to assign cyan to color, we would type
color = (0, 255, 255)

To set the color of an object, one must first set the type of the object and then set the color within the parentheses. For instance, if we wanted to create an object called ball which was cyan, we would type either

ball = objectType(color = color(cyan))
ball = objectType(color = (0,255,255))

===Axis===
The axis attribute is important specifically for arrows, as it determines the direction which the arrow points and how long it is. For instance, if you wanted to create an arrow parallel to the x-axis with a length of 5, the syntax could be:

myArrow = arrow(pos=vec(5, 0, 0), axis=vec(1, 1, 1), color=color.green)

meaning the arrow points 5 units along the x axis and is perpendicular to the y and z axes. You will often use arrows to represent forces and fields, where the position will be the observation point, and the axis will the vector value of the force/field/etc.

The axis attribute also determines orientation of other objects, such as rings or cylinders, but arrows are the only object whose size is specifically tied to the axis attribute.

===Material/Texture===
One of the main purposes of VPython programming is to help people's understanding on a physical principle or phenomenon by displaying an animation describing the principle or phenomenon. To achieve this, various objects are used in the program, and various attributes such as color and shape are used to distinguish them. Material is also one of that attributes, which does not change the essence of the phenomenon but helps people's understanding on the phenomenon.

====Basic Materials====
'''Wood'''
materials.wood

woodsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.wood)
woodbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.wood)

[[File:Wood.JPG]]

'''Rough'''
materials.rough

roughsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.rough)
roughbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.rough)

[[File:Rough.JPG]]

''Marble''
materials.marble

marblesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.marble)
marblebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.marble)

[[File:Marble.JPG]]

'''Plastic'''
materials.plastic

plasticsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.plastic)
plasticbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.plastic)

[[File:Plastic.JPG]]

'''Earth'''
materials.earth

earthsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.earth)
earthbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.earth)

[[File:Earth.JPG]]

'''Diffuse'''
materials.diffuse

diffusesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.diffuse)
diffusebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.diffuse)

[[File:Diffuse.JPG]]

'''Emissive'''
Material which looks like it glows

materials.emissive

emissivesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.emissive)
emissivebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.emissive)

[[File:Emissive.JPG]]

'''Unshaded'''
Material which does not affected by lighting

materials.unshaded

unshadedsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.unshaded)
unshadedbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.unshaded)

[[File:Unshaded.JPG]]

'''Shiny'''
materials.shiny

shinysphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.shiny)
shinybox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.shiny)

[[File:Shiny.JPG]]

'''Chrome'''
materials.chrome

chromesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.chrome)
chromebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.chrome)

[[File:Chrome.JPG]]

'''Blazed'''
materials.blazed

blazedsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.blazed)
blazedbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.blazed)

[[File:Blazed.JPG]]

'''Silver'''
materials.silver

silversphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.silver)
silverbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.silver)

[[File:Silver.JPG]]

'''BlueMarble'''
Earth with clouds

materials.BlueMarble

BlueMarblesphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.BlueMarble)
BlueMarblebox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.BlueMarble)

[[File:BlueMarble.JPG]]

'''Bricks'''
materials.bricks

brickssphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = materials.bricks)
bricksbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = materials.bricks)

[[File:Bricks.JPG]]

====Creating your own texture====
=====Making a text from a photo=====

You can create a texture with a image file, using PIL, the Python Image Library.
To do this,PIL must be installed on the computer and the function "Image" should be imported.

[http://www.pythonware.com/products/pil/#pil117]

from visual import *
import Image # Must install PIL

And the basic syntax is

name = "buzz"
width = 64 # must be power of 2
height = 64 # must be power of 2
im = Image.open(name+".jpg")
#print(im.size) # optionally, see size of image
# Optional cropping:
#im = im.crop((x1,y1,x2,y2)) # (0,0) is upper left
im = im.resize((width,height), Image.ANTIALIAS)
materials.saveTGA(name,im)

You can use the texture "im", which is created with an image file "buzz", using following code

tex = materials.texture(data=im, mapping="rectangular")
buzzbox = box(pos = (2,0,0), length=1, height=1, width=1, material = tex)
buzzsphere = sphere(pos = (-2,0,0), radius = 1, material = tex)

[[File:BuzzTexture.JPG]]

===Other Attributes===
There are other attributes which are also important but not as essential (or common) as position/color/axis, such as radius and make_trail, among others. Most of these attributes are self-explanatory or will not be used in the course, so if you would like full descriptions of these attributes, refer to the [http://vpython.org/contents/docs/index.html VPython Documentation].

==Common Objects==
In order to display and understand your code effectively, there are a certain few objects which will be essential, especially for this class.

===Sphere===
[[File:Sphere.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example sphere]]
Spheres are the most basic but also very useful objects. A sphere object is a representation of a sphere with a set radius, position, and color. Spheres are commonly used to represent particles in assignments and labs, and are generally assigned a velocity / momentum / etc. in problems. Spheres generally have three properties which should be set when creating them - radius, position, and color, in any order within the parentheses. Only the position is required - note that the position attribute for a cylinder, arrow, cone, and pyramid corresponds to one end of the object, whereas for a sphere it corresponds to the center of the object. If a radius and color are not specified, VPython will set the radius to 1 and the color to the current foreground color.

For instance, if we wanted to create a yellow sphere at the origin with a radius of ten, we would type

yellowSphere = sphere(radius = 10, pos = vector(0,0,0), color=color.yellow)

===Arrow===
[[File:arrowW.png|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example arrow]]
Arrows are just as multipurpose as spheres, if not more so. In this class, arrows will be used to represent vector quantities visually. For instance, you can use arrows to show the velocity/acceleration/momentum of a particle, the electric field direction around a charged particle, etc. Arrow objects are created with a position which represents the starting point of the arrow - not the center - and an axis which represents the arrow's direction and length. Both the position and the length are vector quantities. The color is again not essential as VPython will set it to a default value if left out. The arrow object itself features a straight box-shaped shaft with a 3d pyramid-shaped arrowhead at one end.

For instance, to create an white arrow based at (4,2,0) pointing in the direction of (-2,2,-4), we would type

nameArrow = arrow(pos=(4,2,0), axis=(-2,2,-4), color=color.white)

===Setting Attributes in a Loop===
Sometimes, the position vector will be given, and will be easy to set. In other cases, you may want to create, say 12 spheres in a circle, all a distance 2 from the origin. A quick way to do this is by by using a [http://physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Loops loop] or a [http://physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Lists list].

For example:

i = 0
while i < 2*pi:
sphere(pos=vec(2*cos(i), 2*sin(i), 0), radius=0.5, color=color.green)
i = i + 2*pi/12

This would create 12 green spheres of radius .5 in a circle 2 units from the origin:

===Box===
[[File:ArrowV.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example box]]
Boxes will feature more in Physics 1 during the kinematics and dynamics sections. While the position attribute is the center of the box as with a sphere, the other attributes of boxes are more complex than spheres or arrows, and particular heed must be paid to the axis attribute, as the box's rotation and orientation depends on it. The axis attribute sets the direction of the length of the box, assuming the length, width and height of the box are set before. If they are not given, the length is automatically set to the magnitude of the axis vector.

To create a green cube with its corner at the origin and a side length of 5 (pictured), we would type

greenbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), length=5, height=5, width=5)

The axis attribute can also be added to tilt the box by changing the angle of the length. For example, this would cause the box from the previous step to be tipped at a 45 degree angle:

tippedbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), axis(1,1,0), length=5, height=5, width=5)

The box can also be rotated around its own axis by changing which way is "up" for the box, by specifying an up attribute for the box that is different from the up vector of the coordinate system. For instance, this would take the tipped box from the previous step and rotate it so that the top face of the box is perpendicular to the vector in question.

rotatedbox = box(pos=(2.5, 2.5, 2.5), axis(1,1,0), length=5, height=5, width=5, up=(2, 3, 1))

===Cylinder===
[[File:Cyl.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Yellow Arrow|The example cylinder]]
Cylinders are useful wherever a rod comes into play. For instance, in Physics 2, you may see problems regarding charged rods or something of the sort. The cylinder's attributes are a bit different and incorporate elements of most of the other shapes. As such, knowing cylinder syntax gives you a good basis for any object you need to create. The position vector determines the center of the cylinder's base (similar to a cone's pos attribute) and not the center of the object, while the axis determines the direction and length of the cylinder (similar to the arrow's axis attribute). The radius is self-explanatory.

For example, to make a red cylinder with the base centered at (4,1,3) which is 6 units tall, has a radius of 2, and is laying parallel to the x-axis, you would type

cyl = cylinder(pos=(4,1,3), axis=(6,0,0), radius=2, color=color.red)

===Other===
Aside from the four main objects listed above, there are many more objects which can be used in your programs. You will not need the majority of them for this class, but they do exist, and you may want to learn about them and their attributes. Visit the VPython Documentation for more information on the following objects:

{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:EllipseB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Ellipse]]
| [[File:RingB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Ring]]
| [[File:PyramidG.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Pyramid]]
| [[File:HelixO.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Helix]]
| [[File:FacesR.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Face]]
| [[File:Curve.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Curve]]
| [[File:ConeB.jpg|thumb|center|alt=Yellow Arrow|Cone]]
|}

==Examples==
===Simple===
Create a green sphere named "greenSphere" with a radius of 5 located at the origin.

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
| <code>greenSphere = sphere(radius=5, pos=vector(0,0,0), color=color.green)</code>
|}

===Middling===
Create two objects.
* Object 1: A magenta sphere of radius 3 named sphereOne at the position (9,0,8)
* Object 2: A cyan arrow named arrowTwo that points from the origin to the center of sphereOne.

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereOne = sphere(radius=3.5, pos=vector(9,0,8), color=color.magenta)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>position = vector(0,0,0)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>arrow(pos=position, axis=(sphereOne.pos - position), color = color.cyan)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | Note: the position vector is used in the second line, because arrowTwo.pos cannot be called yet. The arrow has yet to be created - it is created in line 3.
|-
|}

===Difficult===
Create three objects.
* Object 1: Sphere, radius of 2, located at (-4,-3,8)
* Object 2: Sphere, radius of 1, located at (6,11,0)
* Object 3: Curve, starting at origin, moving to first sphere, then to second

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| Solution
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereOne = sphere(radius = 2, pos=vector(-4,-3,8))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>sphereTwo = sphere(radius = 1, pos=vector(6,11,0))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne = curve(color=color.red, pos = (0,0,0))</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne.append(sphereOne.pos)</code>
|-
! scope="row" | <code>curveOne.append(sphereOne.pos)</code>
|-
|}

'''Applying Texture'''

[[File:EarthandMoon.GIF]]

Trinket Link
[https://trinket.io/glowscript/6ddb3d237e]

VPython code

from __future__ import division
from visual import *
from visual.graph import *
scene.width=1024
scene.height=760

# CONSTANTS
G = 6.7e-11
mEarth = 6e24
mcraft = 15000
deltat = 60
t = 0
mMoon = 7e22
scale = 800000
c=2.99792e8

#OBJECTS AND INITIAL VALUES
Earth = sphere(pos=vector(0,0,0), radius=15e6, material = materials.BlueMarble)
# Add a radius for the spacecraft. It should be BIG, so it can be seen.
craft = sphere(pos=vector(-60160000,-192000,0), radius=2e6, material = materials.marble)
Moon = sphere(pos=vector(4e8,0,0), radius=1.75e6, material = materials.marble)
vcraft = vector(735,2849,0)
pcraft = mcraft*vcraft

trail = curve(color=craft.color) # This creates a trail for the spacecraft
#scene.autoscale = 1000000 # And this prevents zooming in or out

pscale = Earth.radius / mag(pcraft)
fscale = Earth.radius/ ((G*mEarth*mcraft)/mag(craft.pos-Earth.pos)**2)
dpscale = 500 * Earth.radius/mag(pcraft)

r_EarthMoon = Moon.pos - Earth.pos #Relative position vector from Earth to Moon
r_EarthMoon_mag = mag(r_EarthMoon)
F_EarthMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_EarthMoon_mag**2)
r_EarthMoon_hat = r_EarthMoon/r_EarthMoon_mag

Force_EarthMoon = (-r_EarthMoon_hat)*F_EarthMoon_mag #Force on Moon due to Earth
pMoon = Force_EarthMoon / deltat

# CALCULATIONS
print("p=", pcraft)
while t < (10e10):
rate(500) # This slows down the animation (runs faster with bigger number)
rE = craft.pos - Earth.pos
rEmag = mag(rE)
FEmag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(rEmag**2)
rEhat = rE/rEmag
FEnet = (-rEhat)*FEmag

rM = craft.pos - Moon.pos
rMmag = mag(rM)
FMmag = (G*mcraft*mMoon)/(rMmag**2)
rMhat = rM/rMmag
FMnet = (-rMhat)*FMmag

Fnet = FMnet+FEnet

pcraft_i = pcraft + vector(0,0,0)
pcraft_ii = mag(pcraft_i)
pcraft = pcraft + ((Fnet)*deltat)
pcraft_f = pcraft
pcraft_ff = mag(pcraft)
vavg = pcraft/mcraft
speedcraft = mag(vavg)
craft.pos = craft.pos + vavg*deltat

Fnet_tangent = ((pcraft_ff-pcraft_ii)/deltat)*(pcraft/mag(pcraft))*pscale
Fnet_perp = Fnet - Fnet_tangent

r_EarthMoon = Moon.pos - Earth.pos #Relative position vector from Earth to Moon
r_EarthMoon_mag = mag(r_EarthMoon)
F_EarthMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_EarthMoon_mag**2)
r_EarthMoon_hat = r_EarthMoon/r_EarthMoon_mag

r_craftMoon = Moon.pos - craft.pos#Relative position vector from spacecraft to Moon
r_craftMoon_mag = mag(r_craftMoon)
F_craftMoon_mag = (G*mcraft*mEarth)/(r_craftMoon_mag**2)
r_craftMoon_hat = r_craftMoon/r_craftMoon_mag

Force_EarthMoon = (-r_EarthMoon_hat)*F_EarthMoon_mag #Force on Moon due to Earth
Force_craftMoon = (-r_craftMoon_hat)*F_craftMoon_mag#Force on Moon due to spacecraft
Fnet_Moon = Force_EarthMoon + Force_craftMoon #Net force on Moon

momentum_Moon = pMoon + Fnet_Moon*deltat#Update momentum of Moon
vavg_Moon = momentum_Moon/mMoon
Moon.pos = Moon.pos + vavg_Moon * deltat #Update momentum of Moon

trail.append(pos=craft.pos)
t = t+deltat
pcraft = pcraft_f
deltap = pcraft - pcraft_i

==Connectedness ==
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
* I quite enjoy coding myself on my own time; I have taken a couple online classes outside of Tech on Java and a class here on MATLAB. However, Python and its variants are still far and away my favorite languages to code in, and the one I am most knowledgeable in. I believe the inclusion of VPython in the Physics curriculum is overall a benefit to us students as it allows us to both learn the physics and visualize them by creating the models we do in Labs on VPython.

How is it connected to your major?
* As a Business Admin major I'll be doing IT Management, which requires me to have an understanding of computer systems at the very least. While VPython may not be quite what I need in the future, it is still a good basis in learning the ins and outs of a major programming language long before I have to delve into serious CS training - plus it lets me keep my coding skills sharp!

Is there an interesting industrial application?
* Of course! Whereas the simplicity of Python/VPython have made it effective to illustrate simple physics as we do, it's also powerful elsewhere. VPython is being used by some as a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK60VT0c8eI simulation tool for robotics] among other things, while Python itself is the backbone for thousands of industrial softwares and applications. In addition, agencies such as NASA use Python and VPython in their labs - I used both programs during my two separate internships at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH.

==See Also==
[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython VPython] - VPython's biography, if you will

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_basics VPython Basics] - Especially if you're totally new to coding as a whole, this page will bolster your learning

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Functions VPython Functions] - Working with functions, assuming you understand the basics of coding

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Loops VPython Loops] - The next step in VPython code knowledge after functions - using loops

[http://www.physicsbook.gatech.edu/VPython_Common_Errors_and_Troubleshooting VPython Troubleshooting] - Having problems? Check here!

==References==

http://vpython.org/

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/index.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/color.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/primitives.html

http://vpython.org/contents/docs/materials.html

http://guigui.developpez.com/cours/python/vpython/en/?page=object

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:26:41Z

Aabid8: /* Modeling */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every particle in the universe interacts with every other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient. For systems with small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play. If gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|416x192px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|155x200px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:26:04Z

Aabid8: /* Modeling */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every particle in the universe interacts with every other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient. For systems with small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play. If gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|416x192px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:25:18Z

Aabid8: /* Concept and Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every particle in the universe interacts with every other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient. For systems with small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play. If gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:23:18Z

Aabid8: /* Practical Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every particle in the universe interacts with every other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:22:48Z

Aabid8: /* Concept and Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every particle in the universe interacts with every other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:21:21Z

Aabid8: /* Practical Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every particle in the universe interacts with every other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:21:02Z

Aabid8: /* Practical Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every particle in the universe interacts with every other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations we can carry out. [[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:20:03Z

Aabid8: /* Practical Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. [[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:19:17Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. Tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:18:39Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:18:29Z

Aabid8: /* Concept and Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

 
 
 
 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:17:49Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out. [[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

 
 
 
 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:17:41Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out. [[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

 
 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:17:28Z

Aabid8: /* Practical Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out. [[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|left|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:17:11Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out. [[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|right|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:16:57Z

Aabid8: /* Practical Limitations */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out. [[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|right|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:16:49Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:16:33Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|frame|right|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:16:22Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|right|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:15:53Z

Aabid8: /* Chaos */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:15:27Z

Aabid8: /* VPython Model */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:15:06Z

Aabid8: /* Modeling */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

===Mathematical Model===

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:14:40Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:14:30Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:14:16Z

Aabid8: /* Modeling Determinism Using VPython */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===VPython Model===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:14:04Z

Aabid8: /* A Mathematical Model */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:13:43Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:13:27Z

Aabid8: /* Modeling Determinism Using VPython */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. [[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:13:02Z

Aabid8: /* Modeling Determinism Using VPython */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:12:39Z

Aabid8: /* Modeling Determinism Using VPython */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:12:33Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:12:26Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:11:49Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:11:35Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:11:21Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|right|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:11:10Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 

==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:10:56Z

Aabid8: /* Example: Weather Systems */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 
 
==Example: Weather Systems==
[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:10:44Z

Aabid8: /* Example: Weather Systems */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
 
==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:10:28Z

Aabid8: /* Example: Weather Systems */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
 
==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:10:06Z

Aabid8: /* Example: Weather Systems */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

 
==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:09:56Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here]. 

==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:09:34Z

Aabid8: /* Sample Glowscript Code */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px|Screenshot of Glowscript program]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here].

==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:09:05Z

Aabid8: /* Example: Weather Systems */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here].

==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:08:54Z

Aabid8: /* Example: Weather Systems */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here].

==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|right|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]

Determinism

2015-12-03T04:08:26Z

Aabid8: /* A Mathematical Model */

By Areeba Abid

Determinism is the idea that if the physical state of a system is known, including the momentums, positions, and forces of each object in the system, the behavior of the system can be calculated using [[Iterative Prediction|iterative prediction]] to determine its behavior at any given time. This idea is based on the [[Momentum Principle]], developed by [[Sir Isaac Newton|Isaac Newton]].

==Concept and Limitations==

===Physical and Philosophical Determinism===
Newton's laws allow us to predict the motion of an object if we know the initial position, initial momentum, and forces acting on the object. Using iterative prediction, we should be able to calculate where the object will be at any given time in the future. If this idea is extrapolated to all objects in the universe, it would seem that we could predict the future of the entire universe if we only knew the initial conditions (the starting positions and momentums, and forces being applied) of each object. From a scientific standpoint, this means that the future state of the universe should theoretically be able to be determined by scientists using simple physics. This idea has been taken even further in a philosophical context to argue that humans do not have free will, because the atoms that make up our bodies simply continue to move in the paths we would expect based on their initial conditions.

===Practical Limitations===
While the idea of determinism seems straightforward at first, there are actually complicated reasons that we cannot precisely predict the future of small, simple systems, much less the entire universe.

One practical limitation is the fact that initial conditions can only be measured as accurately as our instruments allow, and after a few time steps, small inaccuracies build on each other. This means that over time, our model of the system and our predictions of its future state stray farther and farther away from the actual future state of the system. This is why iterative prediction is usually only used over small periods of time.

Another practical limitation is that we must necessarily simplify systems to be able to model and calculate them. It is impossible to account for every interaction within and outside a system, since every single particle in the universe interacts with every single other particle in the universe, resulting in an unthinkable number of calculations that would need to be done to accurately account for the net forces on a system. This introduces error that limits the long term accuracy of any calculations that we can carry out.

Furthermore, Newton's laws are not always sufficient to describe a system. For systems with very small particles, quantum mechanics comes into play, and when gravitational interaction between massive objects is involved, the [[Principle of Relativity|Theory of General Relativity]] needs to be taken into account. Additionally, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserts that we physically cannot know the position and velocity of a particle with one hundred percent certainty; there is always some level of uncertainty, which limits the precision of our calculations.

===Chaos===
Determinism and chaos are related, almost opposite concepts. Chaos results in systems that are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This means that tiny changes in initial conditions quickly lead to dramatic differences in behavior. Any system that exhibits chaos presents a challenge to deterministic theory because the future behavior of a system is so difficult to predict and varies wildly based on miniscule, imperceptible differences in initial conditions, demonstrating in an extreme way the practical limitations that hinder deterministic calculations.
 
[[File:determinismpooltable.png|center|frame|For an example of a chaotic system, consider a game of pool. The blue and yellow paths are the result of very similar forces on the cue ball, but the outcomes are not similar. Slight changes in the force applied to the ball result in a wildly different outcome seconds later.]]

==Modeling==
===A Mathematical Model===
[[Image:MOTION.png|right|frame|520x240px|Position updating using Newton's laws. (from [[Iterative Prediction]])]]

For an understanding of the mathematical equations relevant to determinism, see [[Iterative Prediction]].

===Modeling Determinism Using VPython===

Basic systems can be considered deterministic and calculated with some level of accuracy.
In Physics 1, you will often use VPython to model the future behavior of systems given a set of initial conditions. The steps to do this, with given time step (deltat), initial momentum (p_initial), and initial position (pos_intiial) are:

#Calculate the net force on the object. 
#Calculate the change in momentum (deltap) of the object using deltap = Fnet*deltat. 
#Calculate the final momentum using p_initial + deltap = p_final. 
#Calculate final velocity (v_final) by dividing final momentum by mass. 
#Calculate change in position (deltapos) using v_final*deltat = deltapos. 
#Calculate final position (pos_final) using pos_initial + deltapos = pos_final.

These steps should be repeated using a while loop.

===Sample Glowscript Code===
[[File:Glowscript2.png|frame|left|200x300px]]

Sample Glowscript code and a basic program can be found [http://www.glowscript.org/#/user/areeba/folder/Public/program/IterativePredictionExample here].

==Example: Weather Systems==

[[File:Weather2.jpg|center|504x330px|frame|The atmosphere can be considered a physical system, and rough predictions can be made about its future state.]]
For a practical example of a system that should theoretically be deterministic, consider the weather. Meteorologists use the movement of weather fronts to predict the weather in the near future, and if the temperatures and velocities of masses of air were known with precision, they should be able to determine what the weather will look like in the next few days. However, we all know how inaccurate weather predictions can be just a couple days in advance. This is because of the difficulty of measuring atmospheric conditions with the level of precision required for iterative prediction.

==Connectedness==
===Connection to Personal Interest: Philosophical Determinism===
How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in? 
Determinism has fascinating implications for the concept of free will. Even if it is impossible for us to calculate the future behavior of a system accurately, it is still without a doubt the direct result of the initial conditions, as directed by Newton's laws. Consider the human body as a physical system. If the body is simply a collection of particles and thoughts in the brain are just neurons firing, is every feeling experienced and every decision made by a person simply the result of whatever initial conditions they started with? Is it possible to differentiate between the laws that regulate matter and the laws that regulate our own bodies? What happens when we try to apply the laws of physics to the workings of our minds? It's difficult to think of your body as a collection of chemicals that behave like a very complicated deterministic system, but the implications are mind blowing and have been the subject of controversy since ancient times.

===Connection to Major: Engineering Applications===
How is it connected to your major (biomedical engineering)? 
Predicting the behavior of physical systems is important for any engineer, and determinism makes this possible to some extent.

===Connection to Industry: Ethernet Data Transfer===
Is there an interesting industrial application? 
Data transmission takes time, and knowing the time that it takes for information to travel from one location to another is important is some industrial applications, such as sending control variables to a high-speed CNC mill. Engineers need to be able to know how long it will take for a machine to receive data, and if a system is deterministic this can be calculated. However, Ethernet systems are not deterministic and the rate of data transfer is unpredictable, which poses problems for engineers. [http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Source]

==History==
The concept of determinism has been around for centuries and was explored by thinkers around the world. Physical determinism was bolstered by [[Newton's Laws and Linear Momentum|Newton's Laws]], and the first publication discussing it in a scientific context, "LaPlace's demon", was written by [[Pierre Laplace]] in 1814. He wrote that a hypothetical omniscient observer could potentially predict the entire future of the universe. Even though this is practically impossible for any human or computer to ever achieve, LaPlace argued that it was still hypothetically possible if physical determinism were true. However, this was before 1927. when the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle asserted that initial conditions cannot be known with complete accuracy, even hypothetically.

== See also ==
===Background Physics===
[[Fundamental Interactions]] 
[https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/electronic-structure-of-atoms/orbitals-and-electrons/v/heisenberg-uncertainty-principle Khan Academy: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle]

===General Information on Determinism===
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism Determinism] 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_determinism Physical Determinism] 

===More on Free Will===
[https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/wi-phi/metaphys-epistemology/v/problem-of-free-will Khan Academy/MIT: The Problem of Free Will] 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU05XZ4_jtk Video Arguing Free Will Doesn't Exist] 
[http://bigthink.com/dr-kakus-universe/why-quantum-physics-ends-the-free-will-debate Video Arguing Free Will Does Exist (Sort Of)]

==References==
[http://www.automationworld.com/networking-amp-connectivity/understanding-ethernet-speed-and-determinism Understanding Ethernet Speed and Determinism]

[[Category: Interactions]]