Usage of the word "where"



I am not a native speaker. So please excuse my "silly" question.


I have learned in my school that one can only use the word "where" in contexts describing locations, positions [or directions]. But I have come across two sentences used by a native speaker and I wonder if they are correct.



1) It can fill in details where experimental methods cannot.


2) Computer simulations are accurate on predicting molecular motions but work poorly where quantum effects are important.



Can someone explain to me why he can use the word "where"? Many thanks!




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