ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Applicability domain

Hey there! Do you know how your mom puts different clothes on you for different occasions? She chooses pants and a shirt for playing outside, but a nice dress for a family event. In the same way, scientists use something called the applicability domain to help them figure out what situations their experiments or models can be used in.

The applicability domain is like a set of rules that tell scientists when their experiments or models can be useful. Think of it as a checklist that asks questions like, "Does this experiment work for only one type of material, or for many different kinds?" or "Is this model accurate for small changes, or only for big changes?"

Scientists use this checklist to make sure that their experiments or models are accurate and reliable. This is really important because if they use their experiment or model in the wrong situation, they might get the wrong answer – just like if your mom put you in a swimming suit for a winter snow day!

So, the applicability domain helps scientists make sure that they're using their experiments and models in the right way, just like your mom makes sure you're dressed appropriately for the situation. I hope this helps you understand what the applicability domain is all about!