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Emilio Pisanty
Emilio Pisanty
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Physics math Can one do the maths of physics without using $\sqrt{-1}$?

The use of imaginary and complex values comes up in many physics/engineering and engineering derivations.

My I have a question isabout that: Is the use of complex numbers simply to make the process of derivation easier, or is it an essential ingredient, without which it would be impossible to derive some results?

Is it makingI can identify two different settings where the process of derivation easier or is it essential without which it wouldanswer may be impossible to derive some results.

1.It doesn't look like it is mandatory for a Newtonian to gen relativistic results and electrodynamics..different:

2.Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

  1. It doesn't look like it is mandatory for results in Newtonian mechanics, General Relativity and classical electrodynamics.

  2. Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

Could this be a difference in quantum mechanics over the classical picture?

Physics math without $\sqrt{-1}$

The use of imaginary and complex values comes up in many physics/engineering derivations.

My question is

Is it making the process of derivation easier or is it essential without which it would be impossible to derive some results.

1.It doesn't look like it is mandatory for a Newtonian to gen relativistic results and electrodynamics..

2.Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

Could this be a difference in quantum mechanics over the classical picture?

Can one do the maths of physics without using $\sqrt{-1}$?

The use of imaginary and complex values comes up in many physics and engineering derivations. I have a question about that: Is the use of complex numbers simply to make the process of derivation easier, or is it an essential ingredient, without which it would be impossible to derive some results?

I can identify two different settings where the answer may be different:

  1. It doesn't look like it is mandatory for results in Newtonian mechanics, General Relativity and classical electrodynamics.

  2. Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

Could this be a difference in quantum mechanics over the classical picture?

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Qmechanic ♦
Qmechanic ♦
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Physics math without sqrt($\sqrt{-1)}$

The use of imaginary and complex values comes up in many physics/engineering derivations.

My question is

Is it making the process of derivation easier or is it essential without which it would be impossible to derive some results.

1.It doesntdoesn't look like it is mandatory for a Newtonian to gen relativistic results and electrodynamics..

2.Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

Could this be a difference in quantum mechanics over the classical picture?

Physics math without sqrt(-1)

The use of imaginary and complex values comes up in many physics/engineering derivations.

My question is

Is it making the process of derivation easier or is it essential without which it would be impossible to derive some results.

1.It doesnt look like it is mandatory for a Newtonian to gen relativistic results and electrodynamics..

2.Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

Could this be a difference in quantum mechanics over the classical picture?

Physics math without $\sqrt{-1}$

The use of imaginary and complex values comes up in many physics/engineering derivations.

My question is

Is it making the process of derivation easier or is it essential without which it would be impossible to derive some results.

1.It doesn't look like it is mandatory for a Newtonian to gen relativistic results and electrodynamics..

2.Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

Could this be a difference in quantum mechanics over the classical picture?

Tweeted twitter.com/#!/StackPhysics/status/83238972381335552
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Ajay
Ajay
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Physics math without sqrt(-1)

The use of imaginary and complex values comes up in many physics/engineering derivations.

My question is

Is it making the process of derivation easier or is it essential without which it would be impossible to derive some results.

1.It doesnt look like it is mandatory for a Newtonian to gen relativistic results and electrodynamics..

2.Can we say the same thing about quantum mechanics either way for sure?

Could this be a difference in quantum mechanics over the classical picture?