is model a representation of actual phenomena?

[ark200]

is model a representation of actual phenomena? is it analogous to the actual phenomena or is it actual phenomena itself?

 

for example: is atom actually looking like its model i.e. ball shape? or is atom analogous to ball shape?

[Strange]

Some models are closer to "reality" than others. But as we can only know what "reality" is via our models, I'm not sure the question makes much sense.

 

But you can find images that have been made of atoms, and even of the electron orbitals within molecules, and they look pretty much like our models predict.

[swansont]

Models describe how something behaves. It does not necessarily represent what that something actually is.

[ark200]

Models describe how something behaves. It does not necessarily represent what that something actually is.

how to construct model to know about phenomena? is model analogous to something?

[swansont]

how to construct model to know about phenomena? is model analogous to something?

 

It's an equation or et of equations (or rules) that tell you what happens. e.g. x = Asin(wt) is an equation that describes the motion of a mass on a spring. In that case, you can derive it from knowing the force is proportional to displacement.