Why are models useful in studying electricity?

Answer 1

There are various reasons for using models when studying electricity.

For example, models can be used to help us understand complex behaviour in terms of something we already understand. For example, the true nature of an atom is beyond our understanding, so we usually describe it it terms of electrons spinning around a nucleus -rather like the planetary system that we are familiar with. Similarly, magnetic and electric lines of force don't actually exist, but they help us visualise a magnetic or electric field so that we can understand their behaviours.

Other models help us reduce complex behaviours, such as the actual behaviour of a transformer, into simple components such as resistors, inductors, and capacitors, arranged in straightforward series, parallel, or series-parallel circuits. These relatively-simple circuits can then enable us to perform calculations that can explain the operation of a transformer under various loading conditions with various degrees of accuracy.