Solve Interesting Problems at Home - Post-Undergrad Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding interesting physics problems or experiments for someone who has recently completed their undergraduate studies. Participants explore both theoretical problems and hands-on experiments that can be conducted at home, with a focus on solid state physics and related concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks suggestions for interesting problems or experiments to pursue after completing their undergraduate physics education.
  • Another participant suggests deriving solid state physics and proposes experiments such as building a cloud chamber and exploring single bubble sonoluminescence.
  • A participant expresses confusion over the suggestion to "derive" solid state physics, questioning the meaning of deriving a field of study rather than a specific phenomenon.
  • Further clarification is provided, indicating that the intention was to suggest working on problems related to solid state physics, starting with simpler concepts like crystal vibrations and progressing to more complex models involving electronic structures and band gaps.
  • Participants discuss the educational value of starting with simpler models to build understanding before tackling more complex theories.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the appropriateness of the term "derive" in relation to solid state physics, with some participants questioning its validity. The discussion includes multiple viewpoints on how to approach the study of solid state physics and what types of problems or experiments are suitable for someone at this level.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of clarity regarding the scope of solid state physics and the types of problems that can be pursued. There is an acknowledgment of the potential for confusion in terminology and the need for clearer definitions of tasks.

greatscott
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I finished my undergraduate curriculum in physics and I'm out of school, working from home. School doesn't tell me what to do anymore.. I'm looking for an interesting problem I can work on, either a problem that could be solvable mathematically or some hands-on-experiments that I can do at home. Academic journals are still too hard for me. I will appreciate your suggestions.
 
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Something that has been solved? Or something new and prehaps unsolvable?

Derive solid state physics.

Experiments to build:
Cloud chamber
http://w4.lns.cornell.edu/~adf4/cloud.html
Single Bubble Sonoluminescence
http://www.physik3.gwdg.de/~rgeisle/nld/sbsl-howto.html

other experiment resources
http://www.iit.edu/~rcoleman/apmanual.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Davorak said:
Something that has been solved? Or something new and prehaps unsolvable?

Derive solid state physics.

Er... I'm sorry, but DERIVE solid state physics?!

Zz.
 
Well I did not mean to say he should do it all himself with no textbooks. I made the suggestion because solid state is not required as undergrad work at least in the few universities I am aware of.
 
Davorak said:
Well I did not mean to say he should do it all himself with no textbooks. I made the suggestion because solid state is not required as undergrad work at least in the few universities I am aware of.

No, what I meant to ask was, what in the world does it mean to "derive" solid state physics? Solid state physics is a field of study. You might as well say "derive plasma physics" or "derive physics". Solid state physics isn't a phenomenon, nor anyone single thing.

Zz.
 
Your right I was not very clear. I am talking about the sort of work that was assigned in my undergrad solid state. He could start out with crystal small vibration in one dimension and work up to three dimensions. Different lattice structures with different basises.

For electronic solid state there is Fermi gas in a potential well. Put a lattice of structure in the well and see band gaps form.

These should be in the ability of anyone who has finished undergrad in physics. These models are not horrible accurate but still give a person a feel for concepts involved. Also if you start with the simple models and work your way up to the more complex models I think it helps people learn how to come up with their own models.
 

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