Final answer:
A model is a simplified representation or description of a system or phenomenon. It can help explain complex concepts, but its validity can be limited. Unlike theories or laws, a model does not need to be universally valid.
Step-by-step explanation:
A model is a simplified representation or description of a system or phenomenon. It helps us understand and explain complex concepts or predict the behavior of the real world. However, the validity of a model can be limited and it may not be universally valid. The limitations could arise from assumptions or simplifications made in the model that may not accurately represent all aspects of the real world. For example, the model of the atom as a miniature solar system is limited because it does not capture all the complexities of atomic structure.
Unlike a theory or a law, a model does not need to be universally valid. It is evaluated based on how well it represents the real world, its limitations, and its usefulness. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding and has a higher level of validity than a model. A law, on the other hand, is a statement or equation that describes a natural phenomenon and has been repeatedly confirmed through observations or experiments.