What is the difference between deterministic and stochastic simulation?

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What is the difference between deterministic and stochastic simulation?

Deterministic simulation refers to a simulation model where the inputs and outputs are completely determined by fixed mathematical equations or rules. It assumes that the future behavior of the system can be precisely predicted based on the initial conditions and the known relationships between variables. In other words, the outcome of the simulation is entirely predictable and does not involve any randomness or uncertainty.

On the other hand, stochastic simulation involves incorporating randomness or uncertainty into the simulation model. It takes into account the variability and randomness that exist in real-world systems. Stochastic simulation models use probabilistic distributions to represent uncertain inputs and simulate the system's behavior over time. The outcome of a stochastic simulation is not fixed and can vary each time the simulation is run due to the random nature of the inputs.

In summary, the main difference between deterministic and stochastic simulation lies in the treatment of uncertainty. Deterministic simulation assumes no uncertainty and provides a fixed outcome, while stochastic simulation incorporates randomness and provides a range of possible outcomes.