Relating to or determined by the arrangement or spatial structure of elements within a system, often with regard to the relative positions, orientations, and connections of these elements. This term emphasizes the form or shape that results from this arrangement, and how it influences the overall behavior or properties of the system. It encompasses both the static arrangement and the dynamic changes to that arrangement over time, considering the effects of position, orientation, and the presence of connections or interactions between parts.
Configurational meaning with examples
- The protein's specific configurational arrangement of amino acids dictates its ability to bind to other molecules and perform its biological function. Modifications to this configuration, like a single misfolded amino acid, can render the protein non-functional.
- A well-designed circuit board relies on a carefully chosen configurational layout of components to ensure efficient power distribution and minimal signal interference, impacting the device's performance and reliability.
- Researchers studied the configurational patterns of galaxies within a cluster, seeking to understand how gravitational forces influence the structure and evolution of the cosmos over billions of years.
- The effectiveness of a chemical catalyst depends greatly on the configurational stability of its active sites, which needs to maintain their shape during the reaction. Variations would make it less effective.
- To enhance the learning experience, an educational software's interface must be configured to allow users to easily see the configurational layout of its controls, making navigation and interaction more intuitive and less confusing.