Differential Equations for Physics

In summary, the conversation discussed the importance of studying differential equations (DEs) from a mathematical point of view for careers in technical fields such as engineering and physics. The speaker, a physics major hoping to attend graduate school, expressed difficulty with DEs and questioned if it would be worth their time to study them from a math text. The expert summarizer recommended taking courses in both ordinary and partial differential equations, as they are crucial for many technical fields and have real-world applications.
  • #1
Astrum
269
5
My weak spot in math is certainly DEs, I find them pretty boring, and fairly unattractive from an aesthetic point of view.

I've spent some time with them while studying harmonic motion, and I've gotten OK at them when applied to this particular topic (aside from having trouble with solving driven oscillatory motion), but when applied to other areas, I still have much trouble (PDEs are the worst).

So the question I ask is, is it worth spending time on them from a mathematical point of view? I understand that most universities require a semester or two on ODEs and PDEs, but I've heard people complaining that such classes are not necessary.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If you don't understand ODEs and PDEs, your career in just about any technical field will be severely limited. I don't know who you've been talking to (humanities majors perhaps?) and I don't know what you are studying or what career you hope to enter.
 
  • #3
I also think DEs are boring and aesthetically displeasing.

They are, however, important.

There are basically four different "aspects" of DEs (whether O or P):
  1. Numerical solutions
  2. Analytic solutions
  3. Qualitative analysis
  4. Abstract theory

The first is very important for anyone doing engineering and for most people doing physics. There are probably mathematicians who study DEs who have no idea how to numerically solve them, but everyone else who uses them needs to be adept at solving them numerically using computers.

The second and third are probably good for everyone to know. Engineers might be able to get away with just doing simulations without any understanding, but physicists probably can't. And even then, knowing what the solution should look like will be informative. From my perspective as a mathematician (not a working physicist or engineer), at the very least, you should study this topic from a mathematical perspective until you don't have trouble with inhomogeneous second-order linear ODEs with constant coefficients (e.g. driven oscillators). You should also be able to look at linear PDEs (wave/heat/Schrodinger's equations, etc.) without running away in terror. And that is a minimum.

The abstract stuff is almost exclusively the territory of mathematicians, and specifically analysts. I would not recommend spending your valuable time and energy on it unless you think you may fall into that category, or just want to see what analysts do all day.
 
  • #4
SteamKing said:
If you don't understand ODEs and PDEs, your career in just about any technical field will be severely limited. I don't know who you've been talking to (humanities majors perhaps?) and I don't know what you are studying or what career you hope to enter.

Physics major, who hopes to one day go to grad school.

I KINDA understand DEs, with a lot of gray areas. I know I need to get better at them, my question is really "Do you think it would be worth my time to go through a math text on DEs".
 
  • #5
If you are a physics major headed to grad school, you will undoubtedly be showered with ODEs and PDEs until you can't stand it. If you can't handle them, it would be like an eye doctor who can't see.
 
  • #6
SteamKing said:
If you are a physics major headed to grad school, you will undoubtedly be showered with ODEs and PDEs until you can't stand it. If you can't handle them, it would be like an eye doctor who can't see.

Yeah, I understand that, but it wasn't really my question.

Should I just try to pick up DEs as I go along (from physics texts), or would I benefit from studying from a math text that deals with DEs (such as this)
 
  • #7
I would use whatever text you feel comfortable with (IDK if there is an 'ODEs for Dummies'). I am curious how you managed to major in physics without taking at least one class in DEs. Even engineering majors take at least a one semester course. I don't recommend you pick stuff up 'on the fly' as it were. You are now in school; the courses you take should be focused on getting your degree. If you are not sure of what courses to take, consult a faculty advisor and not some random people.
 
  • #8
I hope this can help

Astrum, I am writing articles to try to help people just like you. I am actually writing an article as I reply to you about Differential Equations used in Beam Deflection (in this case an F1 Front Wing). It won't be done for several hours, but you can find my list of applications for math here.

Applied Math Examples List - Methods - Real World Uses

Let me know if this is helpful for you in general, and I'll reply when my DiffE article is done.

I think most people struggle with math because they don't see the direct real world uses for it.


fr_wing_cantilevered_deflection.png
 
  • #9
Simple answer to a simple question. YES. take courses in both ODE's and PDE's.
 
  • #10
Integral said:
Simple answer to a simple question. YES. take courses in both ODE's and PDE's.

Ok, that's all I was looking for. :thumbs:
 

1. What are differential equations used for in physics?

Differential equations are used in physics to describe the relationship between physical quantities that are changing with respect to each other. They are particularly useful for modeling systems that involve continuous change, such as motion, heat transfer, and electrical circuits.

2. Why are differential equations important in physics?

Differential equations are important in physics because they allow us to make accurate predictions about the behavior of complex systems. They provide a mathematical framework for understanding and analyzing phenomena that cannot be described by simple algebraic equations.

3. What types of differential equations are commonly used in physics?

The most commonly used types of differential equations in physics are ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and partial differential equations (PDEs). ODEs involve a single independent variable, while PDEs involve multiple independent variables.

4. How are differential equations solved in physics?

There are various methods for solving differential equations in physics, including analytical methods such as separation of variables and numerical methods such as Euler's method. The choice of method depends on the specific equation and the desired level of accuracy.

5. What are some real-world applications of differential equations in physics?

Differential equations have numerous applications in physics, including predicting the motion of celestial bodies, modeling the flow of fluids, and understanding the behavior of electrical circuits. They are also used in fields such as engineering, economics, and biology.

Similar threads

Studying Need some advice -- Studying oscillations before differential equations?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
19
Views
1K
Learning DEs: Solving 2nd Order Differential Equations
    • Mechanics
Replies
1
Views
571
Question on Two Differentiation Techniques
    • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
303
Courses Differential Equations Are Eating Me Alive
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
16
Views
2K
How did they get to this differential equation?
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
Studying Ordinary Differential Equations and Calc III
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
4
Views
1K
Programs Undecided on the last unit of my math major
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
11
Views
1K
Equation Demonstration -- Simple Pendulum Analysis
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
916
Courses How much Chemistry should I take to prepare for Biophysics PhD?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
838
State space controllers - find equations from differentials
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top