Computer Simulation

Wikipedia

Number of words	2220
Computer science content	low
Math content	medium
English language complexity	medium

Sub-areas covered

Computer simulation
Computer graphics
Maths

Learning objectives

to acquire basic knowledge about simulation kinds and history
to understand difference between simulation and modelling
to understand the power of simulation and its influence on modern science

Keywords

mathematical model (model matematyczny)

an abstract model that uses mathematical language to describe a system

Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)

an application of the field of computer graphics (or more specifically, 3D computer graphics) to special effects in films, television programs, commercials, simulation

differential equations (równania różniczkowe)

a mathematical equation for an unknown function of one or several variables that relates the values of the function itself and of its derivatives

gamut (gamut)

a certain complete subset of colours

Monte Carlo method (metoda Monte Carlo)

a computational algorithm which relies on repeated random sampling to compute its results

stochastic (stochastyczny)

describes a process whose behavior is non-deterministic in that the next state of the environment is not fully determined by the previous state of the environment

discrete (dyskretny)

not supporting or requiring the notion of continuity; discrete objects are countable sets such as integers

Summary

The article presents a general view of computer simulations. It explains what a computer simulation is and the differences between simulation and modelling. It provides a brief overview of the history of computer simulation and divides computer simulation into specific types: stochastic and deterministic and continuous and discrete, giving examples of each kind. It sets out the advantages of CGI simulations and describes the impact of simulations on present-day science. The final part of the article lists practical contexts for computer simulation which are important in everyday life.

Artykuł prezentuje ogólną ideę symulacji komputerowych. Wyjaśnia, co nazywamy symulacją komputerową oraz jaka jest różnica między symulacją a modelowaniem. Krótko opowiada o historii symulacji komputerowych, oraz prezentuje różne typy symulacji: stochastyczne i deterministyczne, ciągłe i dyskretne wraz z przykładami. Przedstawia zalety symulacji typu CGI oraz wpływ symulacji na współczesną naukę. Na końcu możemy się dowiedzieć, gdzie spotykamy się z symulacją w naszym codzien- nym życiu.

Pre-reading questions

How can we solve problems in cases where physical models are too complex or expensive to build?
Name some problems which can be solved using computer simulation?