Problem 1
You are probably familiar with the idea of a two-dimensional spreadsheet, like the ones created in Microsoft Excel. Would you call this type of spreadsheet a "computational model"? State why or why not, and justify your answer.
Problem 3
Rather than using a general-purpose programming language like the ones discussed in Chapter 9, models are often constructed using simulation languages designed specifically for this application. (These languages fall into the category of "special-purpose languages" mentioned in Chapter 10.) Examples of simulation languages include: \- SIMULA \- GPSS (General Purpose System Simulation) \- Simscript Read about one of these languages and discuss what features make it well suited for implementing simulation models.
Problem 5
In this chapter, we described a way to model a statistical distribution by using random numbers generated by a computer. How do you think it is possible for a computer to generate a truly random number that successfully passes all tests for randomness? Read about random number generators and discuss the algorithms that they use.
Problem 8
In the McBurgers simulation, our model assumes that the arrival distribution of customers is the same throughout the entire day. Do you think this is a realistic assumption? If not, explain how you could modify the model to make it a better representation of customer arrivals in real life.
Problem 11
Do you think a computational model of elementary particles being created and destroyed by collisions in a high-speed accelerator would be discrete or continuous?
Problem 12
a. Assume our model requires \(10^{14}\) computations to simulate one hour of activity. We run the program on a desktop computer with a computation speed of 800 MIPS (millions of instructions per second). How long will it take to simulate one day of activity in the model? b. How fast a computer (in terms of MIPS) do we need to use if we want to complete the simulation of one day in five minutes of computing time?
Problem 13
We discussed the use of color and scale to enhance and highlight aspects of a data set being studied. In addition to these two features, suggest other ways to visually enhance the output of a model that will help to clarify its interpretation.
Problem 14
In this chapter, we focused our discussions primarily on the uses of modeling in the physical sciences, life sciences, economics, and engineering. However, the use of models is certainly not limited to these areas. Read about how simulation models are currently used to conduct research in the social sciences and humanities, such as the fields of anthropology, sociology, and political science. Write a report describing the uses of computational modeling in one of these fields.
Problem 15
Read about how simulation models are being used in your own specific field of study, and write a report on exactly what these models do and what type of research is being done using them.
