How is physics taught and learned. Teaching strategies, class examples and demonstrations; learning resources, career advice, etc. For explicit problems, use the 'homework' tag instead.
0
votes
2answers
112 views
Getting started with Landau Physics course [closed]
I want to learn Physics in my own time. I am an electrical engineer, working in the same field and am tremendously interested in Physics. I have heard a lot about the 10 book series of Landau ...
4
votes
2answers
78 views
Why distinguish between row and column vectors?
Mathematically, a vector is an element of a vector space. Sometimes, it's just an n-tuple $(a,b,c)$. In physics, one often demands that the tuple has certain transformation properties to be called a ...
1
vote
5answers
281 views
Theoretical physics and education: Does it really matter a great deal about what happens inside a black hole, or about Hawking radiation? [closed]
I stumbled across this article http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/2010/12/21/science-faction-is-theoretical-physics-becoming-softer-than-anthropology/
It got me thinking. Why do we ...
0
votes
4answers
463 views
What is the typical career path to become a professional Astronomer? [closed]
Here is a typical question which I have been asked many times while giving public lectures in various places. While I know one of the paths like Diploma, Masters and PhD but sometimes this is not so ...
1
vote
0answers
49 views
Studying QM without math and physics background [duplicate]
I rode all posted answers about this topic but i need to ask you another information. I have done a semester course called "Principle of Physics" (i am studying Biotechnology) and one called ...
-4
votes
3answers
552 views
Should linear algebra and vector calculus from traditional courses be replaced with `geometric algebra`?
geometric algebra gives geometric meaning to linear algebra and much more.
it can provide a coordinate free geometric interpretation of spaces.
those who learn of ...
0
votes
6answers
1k views
What distinguishes between physics and chemistry? [closed]
What are the major differences between physics and chemistry? I know that they both study atoms, electrons and molecules, but what makes some topics part of one and some part of another?
-1
votes
0answers
44 views
University admission in physics in USA University [closed]
I think it's kinda off topic but I didn't find any option to post to other sister site.
I have completed BSc in physics from Bangladesh with cgpa 3.95 (75%) and HSC (12 class)--> (70%) and in ...
6
votes
0answers
48 views
Undergrad project advice [closed]
I am presently in my senior year and I am considering fluid mechanics for my thesis.
What area of research of fluid mechanics which is purely analytical and very mathematical since I am an applied ...
1
vote
0answers
49 views
Geometry for Physics [duplicate]
I am currently a high school student interested in a research career in physics. I have self taught myself single variable calculus and elementary physics upto the level of IPHO . And I am comfortable ...
0
votes
1answer
289 views
Goldstein's Classical Mechanics exercises solutions [duplicate]
Does anyone know where I can find some (good) solution of Goldstein's book Classical Mechanics?
4
votes
7answers
542 views
Physics Equations for Grad School / Physics GRE Prep
Motivation for asking question:
I am planning to take the GRE subject test for Physics.
Question:
Can somebody please tell me what are the most important equations I should definitely know and ...
11
votes
7answers
2k views
How to learn physics effectively and efficiently [closed]
How do you effectively study physics? How does one read a physics book instead or just staring at it for hours?
(Apologies in advance if the question is ill-posed or too subjective in its current ...
1
vote
0answers
42 views
Book suggestion : geometric approach to electromagnetism [duplicate]
I´m looking for a book on electromagnetism that is introducing the topic from a geometric point of view, focusing more on the theoretical structure than on the application.
1
vote
1answer
73 views
Why does a plane wave have definite momentum?
Apologies if this is a little vague. It might not have a good answer.
Given the interpretation of $|\psi(x)|^2$ as a probability distribution it's unsurprising that a wave function that is ...
0
votes
2answers
180 views
How to teach myself physics needed at undergraduate electrical engineer level? [closed]
I want to learn electrical engineering on my own, specifically because I'm interested in loudspeaker design, more specifically how to design active dipole loudspeakers using DSP crossovers.
I have ...
0
votes
1answer
47 views
A simple example of symmetry setting the properties of a Physical System
Does anybody know of an example were one could derive some important properties of a physical system from a symmetry of said system.
I´m specially looking for simple classical examples, which could ...
4
votes
1answer
189 views
How deep can my knowledge of particle physics go without the maths?
Successfully just got my first question answered on here, and now time for the second.
So I recently gained interest in particle physics and was wondering.
By no means do I have the mathematical ...
1
vote
2answers
166 views
How much pure math should a physics/microelectronics person know [duplicate]
I do condensed matter physics modeling in my phd and I was struck up learning quite an amount of physics. But while having done lot of physics courses, I see that if I learn pure math I would ...
1
vote
1answer
86 views
The length of an antenna is twice the amplitude of the wave
I have seen it remarked in some problem sets that if you have an electromagnetic wave traveling in the $x$-direction with it's $y$-coordinate given as
$y(x,t)=y_0\sin (\omega t +kx)$
and you want a ...
0
votes
0answers
24 views
What is the appropriate route to go from undergrad math to M.S. level physics [closed]
I recently graduated with a B.A. in mathematics from a CalState university and now I'm looking into graduate programs in physics. The schools that I'm interested in applying are UC Riverside, San ...
0
votes
0answers
64 views
Where to earn an engineering degree online part time in India after physics graduation? [closed]
I'm a Physics Graduate from India. I want to earn some Engineering degree with the base of my graduation in physics. Also suggest any degree which I can earn online and can be helpful for getting ...
7
votes
5answers
651 views
Math or Physics degree?
I am hoping to become a physicist focusing mainly on the theoretical side in the future. I am trying to decide whether to go for a physics or math undergrad course.
Assuming that I am capable of ...
12
votes
11answers
5k views
How do you start self-learning physics [closed]
I think this question has its place here because I am sure some of you are "self-taught experts" and can guide me a little through this process.
Considering that :
I don't have any physics scholar ...
4
votes
4answers
635 views
Why is introductory physics not taught in a more “axiomatic” way?
I am engineer who was taught the standard four semester, two-year physics courses from Halliday and Resnick's book. However, after reading the insightful answers here (e.g. Ron Maimon's awesome ...
10
votes
6answers
3k views
How do you explain spinning tops to a nine year old?
Why don't spinning tops fall over? (The young scientist version)
My nine year old son asked me this very question when playing with his "Battle Strikers" set. Having studied Physics myself, I am very ...
3
votes
7answers
2k views
Beginner Physics Resources?
I'm interested in learning physics. I do realize that the subject is large and that it would be easier if I had a specific area of interest. However, I do not. I suppose I want to learn about the ...
1
vote
1answer
75 views
Can electromagnetic momentum be introduced at pre-university level as for electromagnetic energy?
Electromagnetic energy is introduced at pre-university level, starting with static electric energy followed by static magnetic energy. But the introduction of electromagnetic momentum usually has to ...
1
vote
2answers
149 views
Can a student with a heavy math background start learning physics with Goldstein's “Classical Mechanics”? [duplicate]
Can a student with a heavy math background start learning physics with Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics"?
Or is the book too obtuse with basic physics that I need to start elsewhere?
6
votes
7answers
1k views
How does the earth move?
My son who is 5 years old is asking me a question about how the earth moves around the sun. What answer should I give him?
18
votes
3answers
3k views
Why don't electrons crash into the nuclei they “orbit”?
I'm having trouble understanding the simple "planetary" model of the atom that I'm being taught in my basic chemistry course.
In particular,
I can't see how a negatively charged electron can stay ...
18
votes
9answers
878 views
What is the simplest way to prove the Earth is round?
Assume you've come in contact with a tribe of people cut off from the rest of the world, or you've gone back in time several thousand years, or (more likely) you've got a numbskull cousin.
How would ...
0
votes
1answer
312 views
How do I start learning particle physics? [closed]
I am 16 at the moment. I am really interested in physics. Especially particle physics. Can someone please tell me how to start learning the subject. like what to learn first. like which fundamental ...
1
vote
0answers
144 views
Starting string theory studies in grad school
How is it possible for a grad student to do research in any modern area of string theory like AdS/CFT or ABJM if they need to start grad school by having to learn QFT from scratch?
Is there a ...
25
votes
10answers
4k views
Best books for mathematical background?
What are the best textbooks to read for the mathematical background you need for modern physics, such as, string theory?
Some subjects off the top of my head that probably need covering:
...
1
vote
1answer
172 views
Learning roadmap for solid state physics [duplicate]
I am a PhD student in mathematics who knows little more about physics than what one learns in high school. For my research on tilings of space and aperiodic order, every now and then I have to skim a ...
15
votes
11answers
980 views
Why quantum mechanics?
Imagine you're teaching a first course on quantum mechanics in which your students are well-versed in classical mechanics, but have never seen any quantum before. How would you motivate the subject ...
0
votes
9answers
8k views
What's the standard “roadmap” to learning quantum physics? [closed]
I'm really interested in quantum physics and would like to learn more. However, I don't know where to start and in what order I should learn things. So, ideally I'm looking for some sort of roadmap of ...
5
votes
4answers
606 views
Alternate layman's metaphors for illustrating curved space-time
The metaphor of a surface (typically a pool table or a trampoline) distorted by a massive object is commonly used as a metaphor for illustrating gravitationally induced space-time curvature. But as ...
2
votes
3answers
2k views
What is the math knowledge necessary for starting Quantum Mechanics?
Could someone experienced in the field tell me what the minimal math knowledge one must obtain in order to grasp the introductory Quantum Mechanics book/course?
I do have math knowledge but I must ...
2
votes
5answers
3k views
Mathematical background for Quantum Mechanics [duplicate]
What are some good sources to learn the mathematical background of Quantum Mechanics?
I am talking functional analysis, operator theory etc etc...
5
votes
5answers
768 views
The Z-Torque: how can it be shown intuitively that it does not work?
There is a new kickstarter project that claims to increase torque and power compared to a normal crank on a bicycle (Z-Torque on kickstarter). If this patented (US Patent Number 5899119) approach ...
3
votes
0answers
254 views
What are the mathematical prerequisites to understand this paper? [closed]
What are the mathematical prerequisites to understand this paper?
Blumenhagen et al. Four-dimensional String Compactifications with D-Branes, Orientifolds and Fluxes. Phys. Rept. 445 no. 1-6, pp. ...
13
votes
8answers
4k views
What are the prerequisites to studying general relativity?
This question recently appeared on Slashdot:
Slashdot posts a fair number of physics stories. Many of us, myself included, don't have the background to understand them. So I'd like to ask the ...
1
vote
1answer
191 views
Please recommend a physics problems book similar to Demidovich [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Graduate Physics Problems Books
Does anyone have recommendation for a physics problems collection book (series) that is similar to Demidovich's A Collection of Problems ...
1
vote
2answers
352 views
Simulation of physics of chains/ropes in force fields resources?
I'm thinking about a project to tackle, and I'd like to make a simulation that allows the user to define a rope or chain of length L, pin it at arbitrary points r1, r2.... etc. and draw the resulting ...
3
votes
0answers
109 views
Course advice for someone interested in strings and mathematical physics [closed]
I'll be doing Introductory General Relativity and Graduate Quantum Mechanics II next semester. I still need to choose 2 (or maybe 3, but I don't want to overload too much) from the following:
...
0
votes
2answers
141 views
What is a good way to reason in physics? [closed]
I have recently made the decision to study Physics seriously. However, in the past, I've had some difficulty with the subject because of my primarily mathematical background. I find that sometimes ...
0
votes
1answer
289 views
Quick introduction to electromagnetism / Maxwell's equations [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Electrodynamics textbook that emphasizes applications
I am a graduate student in applied mathematics and I am looking for a concise introduction to Maxwell's equations / ...
2
votes
1answer
156 views
Is it possible to take a QFT class knowing only basic quantum mechanics?
I'm in grad school and notice there are no prerequisites required for QFT in the physics department. In fact, the system allows me to sign up for the course just fine as a technical elective.
But... ...
