Questions that ask about some aspect of physics research or study which doesn't involve the actual physics. In general, soft questions can be answered without using physical reasoning.
2
votes
2answers
98 views
How can we claim something violates some physical law, when so many physical laws have been postulated?
For example, Einstein postulated that the speed of light, c, is constant in all inertial frames of reference.
Bohr postulated that electrons go around the atom in ...
1
vote
1answer
471 views
Walter Lewin Lectures in HD
I like the lectures by Walter Lewin 8.0x. However the quality of the videos is pretty bad. Is there any way (DVD, web,...) to get the lecture videos in a good quality, best in HD?
6
votes
4answers
334 views
What happens when we cut objects?
What is the role of the molecular bonds in the process of cutting something? What the one of the Pauli exclusion principle, responsible for the "hardness" of matter?
Moreover, is all the energy ...
1
vote
4answers
261 views
Matrix mechanics for those with wave mechanics background
Just curious:
Is there any book or resource that teaches matrix mechanics (quantum mechanics) only without wave mechanics stuff - meaning that the book assumes wave mechanics background.
0
votes
0answers
34 views
Undergraduate Math Major Wanting to Learn Physics [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Book recommendations
So I'm a Junior level math major. I've seen some abstract algebra, some differential geometry, and some lie theory. I'm currently working through ...
0
votes
0answers
58 views
Albert Einstein Quotations [closed]
Since it was Albert Einstein who said:
"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."
I ...
7
votes
5answers
645 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 ...
11
votes
1answer
343 views
Why is the partition function called ''partition function''?
The partition function plays a central role in statistical mechanics.
But why is it called ''partition function''?
0
votes
0answers
138 views
Best physics toys/models for learning [closed]
I'm trying to gather as many different physical or generally thought-provoking toys as possible.
I need to know what physics toys are out there, and where to get them.
I remember coming across an ...
2
votes
1answer
154 views
Considering the wave function is not 'real', what is interfering?
I find the idea of the wave function being 'just' a collection of numbers (probabilities) quite alluring, and elegant in explaining away the whole 'collapse' business (see Luboš' answer to this ...
3
votes
1answer
201 views
What is the difference between infrared heat and “regular” heat?
In Feynman's terms temperature is the speed at which atoms are 'jiggling'. Now, let's suppose I've just eaten a sizable dinner, and my body temperature just got a tad up. Am I emitting more photons in ...
2
votes
0answers
66 views
Searching for a specific Feynman quote [closed]
Pardon that this is strictly speaking not a question about physics but about a quote about physics, but I'm not sure where else to turn to.
A while back I read a quote by Feynman in which he says ...
1
vote
2answers
118 views
Physics and what it means [closed]
I got into a debate with a friend about the meaning of physics and its purpose, he is the sort who will test you and if you get it wrong it somehow gratifies his own self-reflection and self-worth. ...
0
votes
0answers
72 views
Greatest Discoveries in Physics [closed]
My sister asked me what can be the list of the greatest discoveries in physics so far. I want to give the top 20 discoveries. What should they be?
0
votes
1answer
199 views
Problem book in Quantum mechanics with emphasis on physical(ly relevant) problems
I am a second year undergraduate and studying quantum mechanics from sakurai's 'Modern Quantum Mechanics'. Is it a good idea to solve problems from sakurai, which are mostly mathematical in nature? I ...
2
votes
3answers
202 views
Explanation for classic mechanics puzzle
I'm trying to figure out a nice way to describe to a kid the physics behind these experiments:
Assuming ideal conditions, we have a small boat with a sale, close to a lake's shore and a fan fixed on ...
3
votes
3answers
370 views
What should a physics undergrad aspiring to be a string theorist learn before grad school?
The question I guess is pretty clear. I am a physics undergrad wishing to pursue research in quantum gravity(string theory?). What are the subjects I should learn other than the usual compulsory ...
6
votes
1answer
248 views
Mathematical concept of supersymmetry
I wish to study supersymmetry in field theory(sometime in december). However, I am quite not sure what is needed for its study. In supersymmetry, I just want to get the mathematical idea, such as its ...
4
votes
2answers
128 views
How to learn celestial mechanics?
I'm a PhD student in math and am really excited about celestial mechanics.
I was wondering if anyone could give me a roadmap for learning this subject. The amount of information about it on the ...
3
votes
1answer
397 views
How do I learn higher level physics? [closed]
I'm a chemical engineering student (just completed BS and am started the PhD program), but I'm very interested in particle physics as a hobby. I'm dismayed though with the sheer amount of information ...
1
vote
1answer
187 views
Would someone who is only interested in string theory benefit from working out the problems in Jackson electrodynamics?
This is a soft question. I'm not sure if it is appropriate for this site.
Would someone who is only interested in string theory benefit from working out the problems in Jackson electrodynamics? I ...
4
votes
2answers
535 views
How to choose a suitable topic for PhD in Physics? [closed]
After completion of graduate courses when a student is supposed to start real research in Physics, (to be more specific, suppose in high energy physics), how does one select the problem to work on? ...
1
vote
0answers
94 views
Finding a research area with a not-too-steep learning curve [closed]
In theoretical physics, I'm torn between high-energy and condensed matter physics. Is it true that the former has a much steeper learning curve than the latter, assuming I don't pick a well-trodden ...
0
votes
0answers
204 views
Common mistakes made by students in freshman physics [closed]
I was a part-time teaching assistant for freshman physics in summer. I always noticed some common mistakes committed by students when I was grading their quizzes.
To avoid this in the future, I was ...
0
votes
1answer
131 views
Recommended scientific book [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Books that every non-physicist should read
I am a student of mathematics, however, physics also has a great impact on my studying. I like reading physical book for broad ...
0
votes
1answer
106 views
Suggestion of books on Philosophy of physics [closed]
Can anyone please suggest me the best book in which physics and its development is explained in a philosophical manner??Thanks in advance!!
4
votes
5answers
584 views
Regarding string theory: how to refute the argument “if it cannot be tested experimentally then it is not science”? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What differs string theory from philosophy or religion?
I find a lot of people disbelieve in string theory, saying that since it cannot be tested experimentally then it ...
0
votes
1answer
150 views
The electron jumps and lets loose photons
Where is the source of the photon.
If the photon propagates from within the electrons transit does this point to some sort of field?
Does the energy come from a boundary being broken in laymens ...
0
votes
4answers
147 views
Why does physics not attempt to explain observations in addition to describing them?
Physics are there to describe observations of things' behaviours to recreate them or basically use nature for your goals. Which is not enough. Why do physicists not try to explain, why things are the ...
2
votes
2answers
493 views
Is it safe to study from MIT and Berkeley course series, or they contain wrong information?
After surveying most of the universities introductory physics courses, I found none is using Berkeley physics books or MIT physics books as textbooks. All are using Halliday, or Serway and the like.
...
12
votes
11answers
4k 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 ...
0
votes
2answers
198 views
Advice on classes: Theoretical Mechanics vs E&M II
So I'm having a tough time deciding between courses next semester. I'm a rising 3rd year undergrad math major whose goal is to get a solid understanding of theoretical physics through advanced math ...
0
votes
0answers
81 views
What are the prospects of physics funding by rich philanthropists? [closed]
What are the prospects of funding in physics by superrich philanthropists? There are a couple out there, like John Templeton and Mike Lazirides. In the past, people like Werner Erhard and Solvay ...
1
vote
3answers
371 views
Can I study Quantum Computing or Quantum Mechanics with an Engineering background?
Sir,
I am studying Electrical & Elctronics Engg. now. I wish to pursue Quantum Mechanics or Quantum Computing as my research subject. Is it possible for me to do my M.Tech. & then pursue ...
7
votes
3answers
895 views
PhD Research Areas in String Theory
I'm thinking of applying to do a PhD in String Theory, starting in September 2013. I'm gradually learning more about the subject through external reading, but still most papers are impenetrable! Could ...
1
vote
0answers
68 views
In positivism, what counts as empirical? [closed]
In positivism, what counts as empirical? Is it the readings of instruments, or the notes on a notebook or computer, or is it the sense perceptions of an experimenter? There certainly is the case we ...
0
votes
0answers
43 views
How to make strong base for fundamental physics? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Book recommendations
How to make strong base for fundamental physics? I want to learn the fundamentals of physics. But in a simple manners with very general examples. ...
4
votes
1answer
252 views
Areas of computer science required for quantum computing
What knowledge of computer science should I have, to be able to pursue research in quantum computing. I am a Physics undergrad and would take three core courses in QM, before the completion of my ...
0
votes
4answers
200 views
Is this a valid understanding of Newtonian mechanics?
This is a conceptual understanding of Newtonian mechanics. What the laws mean, how we know they're true, etc. I'm looking for criticism. I know this is really border line on the "don't ask questions ...
0
votes
2answers
145 views
Funny recurrence in escape velocity calculation of some planets
If we calculate the escape velocity of the not gaseous planets in solar system (mercury, venus, earth, mars...) is it possible to show that the escape velocity measured in Km/h is
$E. V. \sim 2 \pi ...
2
votes
0answers
53 views
Are scalars starting at around 1300 MeV analogous to some kind of sound in the vacuum glue?
Are scalars starting at around 1300 MeV analogous to some kind of sound in the vacuum glue?
Background:
There are scalars starting at around 1300 MeV which are probably some combination of ...
3
votes
4answers
213 views
List of Physical Toys [closed]
There should be a list of toys considered "physical", which demonstrate or make you think over certain physical principles/phenomena. And of course which could just amaze.
Related question at MSE is ...
4
votes
2answers
176 views
Standard notation reference
I'm searching for a compresensive and somewhat complete list of suggested standard notation (the symbols one ought to use in (theoretical) physics and also mathematics).
Is there such a collection, ...
1
vote
1answer
234 views
Mathematical description in GR
I have heard a phrase somewhere, which can be reduced to the following two points:
1) There exists a handy and underused mathematical apparatus applicable to GR, comparing to which tensor calculus is ...
7
votes
6answers
447 views
Why are the physical sciences described perfectly by mathematics?
Why are the physical sciences described perfectly by mathematics?
-3
votes
1answer
151 views
Higgs Boson - only little over GCSE physics? [closed]
According to http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2012/jul/04/higgs-boson-discovered-live-coverage-cern, the reporter says that higgs boson things are little over GCSE physics. So, English learn a ...
4
votes
5answers
687 views
Can a scientific theory ever be absolutely proven?
I personally cringe when people talk about scientific theories in the same way we talk about everyday theories.
I was under the impression a scientific theory is similar to a mathematical proof; ...
3
votes
4answers
818 views
What is meant by “Nothing” in Physics/Quantum Mechanics(QM)?
I am not a phycisist, so please forgive my ignorance. This is related to my posts and this.
I am trying to undertand what is meant by the term "Nothing" in physics or Quantum Mechanics since it seems ...
2
votes
2answers
297 views
Naive question on quantum mechanics and uncertainty principle
This is a follow up on this question, the answer of which points towards Quantum Mechanics.
As stated I am not a phycisist so please forgive my ignorance.
I will try to understand the issue by going ...
1
vote
1answer
2k views
Negative and positive energy and Hawking [closed]
I don't have any physics background (except the material we did in high school-long time ago).
I was watching a documentary with Stephen Hawking about whether God created the Universe and I could not ...
