Process (science)

For other uses, see Process (disambiguation).

In science, a process is every sequence of changes of a real object/body which is observable using the scientific method. Therefore, all sciences analyze 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, and it can be autonomous or controlled.

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

There are numerous taxonomies of processes, and, roughly speaking, they are divided into: continuous and discrete, stable and not stable, convergent or not convergent, cyclic and not cyclic, linear and not linear. They are grouped according to the name of the domain in which they are analyzed.

Some examples of physical, technological and biological processes

combustion, crystallization, centrifugation, diffraction, diffusion, 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

See also

• Stochastic process
• Cognitive process
• Mental process
• Process group
• Process modeling
• Process ontology