[plat_num]

At what level do our models NOT represent things we would actually see and are JUST models at best?  For example we know that an atom is not a point like object with an electron orbiting it like a moon orbits a planet, my question is at what point can we confirm that our models are actual representations of our world?

In particular, when we see structures like DNA for example is it to be understood that if we had a microscope powerful enough to see detail at the level of a DNA molecule we would see the double helix structure exactly like we see in the book?  Or are the structures we use in models simply there to help explain experimental results? 

[Arkcon]

A good starting point for topics such as these is this recent post here:

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=30085.msg114274#msg114274

which likewise has links to other discussions on the topic.  A good read, all around.