Process (science)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In science, a process is every sequence of changes of a real object/body which is observable using scientific method. Therefore, all sciences analyse and model processes.

Processes are always properties of dynamic systems, they are characterized by such system attributes as variables and parameters. Every process model has distinguished input and output variables, it can be autonomous or controlled.

The recognition of a process is an arbitrary subjective mental operation/event because it depends on different circumstances, observer's goal, perception and conceptualization tools.

There are numerous taxonomies of processes, roughly speaking, they are divided on: continuous and discrete, stabile and not stabile, convergent or not convergent, cyclic and not cyclic, linear and not linear, as well as they are grouped according to the name of the domain where they are analyzed.

Some example of physical, technological and biological processes

combustion, crystallization, centrifugation, diffraction, dispersion, distillation, electrolysis, electrophoresis, emulsification, evaporation, hydrolysis, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, oxidation, phosphorescence, pyrolysis, reduction, reflection, refraction, scattering, sedimentation, sublimation, birth, cell division, fermentation, fertilization, germination, growth, geotropism, heliotropism, hybridization, metamorphosis, photosynthesis, transpiration

[edit] See also

• Stochastic process
• Cognitive process
• Mental process
• Process group