In another thread the Big Bang Model was mentioned and it made me wonder; do 'current' versions of models ever exist in a specific place?

 

For example, is a compiled, current version of the Big Bang Model available in a format such as a .pdf, or at a lab at a university on computers and in boxes? Or does perhaps the 'current model' refer to something more akin to 'all of the generally accepted scientific knowledge' about the Big Bang, where some is shown in a public source, but other parts are in a scientific journal, and no one has bothered to (or even can) compile it into a single place?

 

Back in the day if someone wanted to know precisely what people meant when they were talking about the length of a meter, they might have to go to France to look at the accepted most accurate version. I'm just wondering if an agreed upon 'most accurate version' of a scientific model ever exists in a single place.

Depends on how complex and established a mode is. Something fairly new and limited in scope is likely outlined in a paper and referenced there. Something that has been around long enough that it has become common knowledge are often outlined in standard textbooks. Certain models are more or less split up and sometimes you will find reviews that synthesize the findings. For some topics there are also books where various aspects are described (usually by respective experts). Typically, what gets cited most tends to become the seminal work on that matter.

 

Edit: also the meter is more a standard than a model. For that there are various institutions such as NIST that provide measurements standards.

Edited May 19, 20178 yr by CharonY

As regards books, Science is a pretty big expanse these days for one book but try these

 

Fundamental Formulas of Physics : Menzel : in 2 volumes.

 

A compendium of mathematics and Physics : Meyler and Sutton

 

These are both a bit old now somewhat more modern are

 

The Physics Handbook : Poole, Jr.

 

The Princeton Companion to Mathematics : Fischer-Cripps

Edited May 19, 20178 yr by studiot

You mean something like a "standards document" laying out the model?

You mean something like a "standards document" laying out the model?

There'd never be agreement on the finer points and the leading edge is always in flux. As a microcosm of that, you only have to look at some conversations here between people who are conversant professionally on some physics matters; there are as many interpretations as there are scientists. Nailing down a definitive scientific reference tome between them would be a pretty difficult project.

Yes, I have to agree.