Physics Pulse x Canvas_for_impact Collab

Mahnoor Farooqi
Nov 2, 2024
2 min read

Chaos Theory

By: Mahnoor Farooqi - Researcher

Introduction

Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings lead to a destructive and devastating hurricane all the way in texas? This was the question the “domino effect theory” was built on and what the chaos theory branches off of.

What is Chaos Theory?

Chaos Theory suggests that tiny changes in initial conditions can turn into extreme differences later on.

Even with the greatest technology, the only way to have a 100% success rate in predicting the future is to know the placement of every single atom and every force acting on it in the universe at all times.

Everyday Example

All objects, even the simplest of things, are susceptible to great change due to a minor difference. For example: take two yoyos and release them at slightly different angles, while their initial path will be similar eventually they will both be following completely different paths.

How is it relevant to us?

Chaos theory mainly applies to all meteorological predictions. With the state of the world as it is, unstable and environmentally wrecked, this theory is more significant than ever before. Scientists are capable of providing us a time and a magnitude but it is never absolute. Hence, why all meteorological readings are given in percentages.

Discovery in history

It was accidentally discovered by Edward Lorenz in 1961 that when he placed his readings in the weather machine a second time with only the difference that the readings were shortened by a few decimal places the results were completely different!

Do modern computers change anything

Even with our greatest super computers that are fed hundreds of thousands of readings our prediction of the weather is still only as accurate as it was 30-40 years ago

Is it possible to overcome/efforts to overcome?

However, the difference is now we have computers run not just one but many many simulations at once so that a rough graph of the most likely weather pattern is formed while still acknowledging the unlikely bits.

Conclusion

The world is not a perfect machine unless on an atomic level but even then completely unpredictable. This is why while placing your trust in the weather reporter is necessary you should always remain prepared.

Lesson and message

With the hurricane influx in most countries today it is even more important to remember not to test mother nature and underestimate just how quickly everything can change. Here’s your reminder to be safe rather than sorry!