What is Choice: Definition and 693 Discussions

A choice is the range of different things from which you can choose. The arrival at a choice may incorporate motivators and models. For example, a traveler might choose a route for a journey based on the preference of arriving at a given destination at a specified time. The preferred (and therefore chosen) route can then account for information such as the length of each of the possible routes, the amount of fuel in the vehicle, traffic conditions, etc.
Simple choices might include what to eat for dinner or what to wear on a Saturday morning – choices that have relatively low-impact on the chooser's life overall. More complex choices might involve (for example) what candidate to vote for in an election, what profession to pursue, a life partner, etc. – choices based on multiple influences and having larger ramifications.
Freedom of choice is generally cherished, whereas a severely limited or artificially restricted choice can lead to discomfort with choosing, and possibly an unsatisfactory outcome. In contrast, a choice with excessively numerous options may lead to confusion, reduced satisfaction, regret of the alternatives not taken, and indifference in an unstructured existence;
and the illusion that choosing an object or a course, necessarily leads to the control of that object or course, can cause psychological problems.

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  1. M

    Need book recommendation for difficult multiple choice problems

    I need to quiz small study group. Looking for book/other-resources for difficult multiple choice questions on physics (motion, rotation, light, electro-magnetics etc.)
  2. L

    Dot Product Rules Multiple choice

    Homework Statement See the image http://tinypic.com/r/33z6vz5/7 Homework Equations The rules of dot product multiplication. The Attempt at a Solution I've determined that 2 of the solutions are valid, while two of the choices are invalid. I thought C and D looked correct, making A...
  3. M

    Degree choice: Is IT and Science just too hard to even bother?

    Hello .. I'm currently trying to choose my degree course and I'm having difficulty in knowing what to do. I know this will sound stupid but I'm terrified of taking IT and/or Science in University and failing in it. Technology in particular because Maths is hard to me and many if not all IT...
  4. S

    Choice of steam Turbine/Expander?

    Hi! It's a real problem where we today have a steam throttle and would like to change it for a steam turbine/expander to provide some electricity. The problem is that the steam is at condensationline: 16 [bar] – T=201,37 [C] – h=2793,65 [KJ/kg]– s=6,4216 [KJ/kg*K] with an isentropic...
  5. M

    Time travel paradox only due to choice

    The title is the best way I could group this thought. And the following is most likely sloppy so I do apologize. I get the 'feeling' (subjective I know), that the measurement effecting the outcome i.e. only being able to measure position over velocity, collapsing wave functions, etc... comes...
  6. G

    Distribution of choice overlap

    I have N people and each of them has a uniform probability to belong to one of M countries. Now I wonder what is the distribution of the multiplicities?! I mean the number of countries with 1 person, 2 persons, 3 persons,... (no matter which country) Is there an equation for it? And what if...
  7. S

    Schools Making the Right Choice: Staying or Transferring for a Physics Degree

    I am currently a physics major at a mediocre local university(Coastal Carlina University) and I intend to get a Ph.D. in physics. Would it be better for me to stay here, and concentrate on a high GPA in the most advanced classes possible, or to transfer to a better university for my...
  8. G

    1986 AP Biology Multiple Choice Key

    Homework Statement I'm looking for the key so that way I can check my work. I'm sure a teacher on here whom taches AP Biology has this document handy. I was woundering if someone who has it can give it to me. I'm not asking for the exam. I have the exam. Believe me I'm not that stupid...
  9. H

    Exploring a Career in Theoretical Physics: Education Choice

    I'm currently a Junior in High School and have been thinking about possible career choices. It's definitely tough to find something that offers both money and satisfaction for the job itself. I've always been interested in physics and math, so I thought that theoretical physics would provide...
  10. Z

    Arbitrary choice of origin when linear momentum is zero

    I read the following in a textbook I'm reading: If the total linear momentum of a system of particles is zero, then the angular momentum of the system is independent of the choice of origin. It was given without proof and I've been trying to see why this is the case - mainly intuitively...
  11. M

    Discrete choice probability equation help (in pre-algebraic terms please)?

    As it says in the title, will anyone please give me the equation (in pre-algebraic terms) for discrete choice probability? I can see that the equation is P = Prob( Person n chooses Alternative i ) = G(xni, xnj(forall j inequal to i), sn, β), where xni is a vector of attributes of...
  12. P

    More Multiple Choice Questions

    Hi The answers i picked are: 1)B 2)C 3)B 4)A 5)C 6)A Can someone tell me if my solutions from the attachment are correct. P.S
  13. P

    What is the Correct Answer for These Multiple Choice Physics Questions?

    Hi can somebody tell me the answer they think is correct for the following multiple choice questions: Homework Statement 1) A uniform rod is attached to a wall by hinge at one end. Initially horizontal, the rod is released from rest to swing downwards. Consider the torque about the hinge...
  14. T

    Advice for PhD Choice in Physics - 4 Points to Consider

    Hi guys, I need an advise. I would like to start a Phd in physics, but I have not decided in which field yet. My curriculum is in theoretical physics, and my thesis was in cosmology, but I want to change the research field. I am looking for something theoretical that: 1)Still has...
  15. H

    Delayed Choice Experiment - A thought.

    I know the Delayed Choice Experiment has been beaten to death in the forum. But I was wondering if anyone can answer this question. Would the results of the DCE seems so odd if we accept that light is really a spread out wave. That is assuming that the particle nature light is really just...
  16. Y

    Electromagnetic Induction Multiple Choice

    Please go to the following link to see the multiple choice questions I am talking about (if I post the image directly into the thread, I shall immediately receive a warning about the size not being suitable for this forum): http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4475421401_345855f17e_b.jpg...
  17. Demystifier

    Who is puzzled by the delayed choice?

    Many physicists (especially experimentalists) seem puzzled by the delayed choice experiments (DCE), because, as they argue, such experiments seem to change the past. Here I discuss DCE from the point of view of (not 1, not 2, not 3, but) 7 major interpretations of quantum mechanics: 4 variants...
  18. J

    Axiom of choice question (small index set)

    Hi there, just wondering what this could mean: "Remark: AC is trivial for |I|=1, since A non-empty means \exists x st x \in A . Similarly for |I| finite (induction on |I|)." I is the index set. As in, our sets are {A_i with i in I}. I'm really not sure what this explanation is getting...
  19. T

    Help with multiple choice for physics test

    Homework Statement Trying to find out correct answers to multiple choice. Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution I have an important physics test coming up and I tried the multiple choice questions from a past paper, but unfortunately there is no memo. Could someone...
  20. P

    Momentum Multiple Choice Question

    A boy traveling on a skateboard steps off the board perpendicular to its motion. After stepping off, the boy lands on the ground and comes to rest. Which one of the following statements is INCORRECT? A The boy exerts an impulse on the ground on impact B The ground exerts an impulse on the...
  21. lisab

    Deciding on Euthanasia for Maxwell: A Tough Choice

    We're faced with a tough decision. It's about Maxwell, the dog featured in https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1632392&postcount=30". He has bladder cancer and we took him to the vet today for a check up. He recently started dripping urine and blood. The ultrasound shows that...
  22. T

    Physics multiple choice questions

    I'm doing some practice multiple choice questions for my class and I would like to check my answers for some ones I wasn't entirely sure about. Any explanations would be really helpful. 1)What is the acceleration of an object of mass 4.5*10^-5 kg with a charge of 9*10^-9 C under the influence...
  23. P

    Help on conceptual potential and radii multiple choice

    help! on conceptual potential and radii multiple choice Homework Statement Two positively charged metal spheres of different radii are connected by a conducting wire. Which statement is true about them? a. their potentials are the same b. their charges are the same c. their electric...
  24. ¡

    Double check base resistance values and TVS diode choice, please.

    Yo yo yo. What up homies? I am once again humbled to be in need of your gracious assistance. I did all the work this time. I would just like some fresh minds to double check. I am driving two relays with http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=FMMT493CT-ND" is the...
  25. A

    Science Requirement - class choice

    For the degree I'm working towards (B.S. Math, minor Physics) I have to take 2 semesters of 2 different sciences. Obviously, physics will cover one of the sciences... I'm currently taking a chemistry class. I'm not finding it very interesting. Should I just go ahead and do a second...
  26. Fredrik

    Zorn's lemma <=> Axiom of choice

    Where can I find the proof of the claim that Zorn's lemma is equivalent to the Axiom of choice?
  27. C

    Multiple Choice problem (internal energy)

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  28. G

    Choice of variable to make matrix rank = 1

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  29. R

    Schools Need help for graduate school choice (CMP)

    I am an international physics PhD applicant, and my intended field is experimental condensed matter, and have interest in nanomaterials and devices, electronic materials and devices, and semiconductors. I have received two offers from OSU and UFl, and other programs that are still reviewing...
  30. W

    Which is the better choice, linear algebra or differential equations?

    I am an undergraduate physics major and I have a choice of taking linear algebra or differential equations in the fall. I was wondering which class would benefit me and my choice of a major more. Obviously I will talk this out further with my advisor, but I am looking for some outside opinions...
  31. T

    Integration by Parts - Choice of variables

    Homework Statement I'm getting different results when choosing my u & dv for Integration by Parts on the following integral: \int 2x^3 e^x^2 dx (Note, the exponent on 'e' is x^2) This yields the correct solution: u = x^2 dv = 2x e^x^2 dx du = 2xdx v = e^x^2 However, I have tried using...
  32. S

    What Happens in Mixed Type Expressions in C?

    D. When evaluating a mixed type expression (e.g. a + b) if either operand is a floating type, which of the following conversions or promotions may occur i. int is converted to float ii. float is promoted to double iii. double is promoted to long double iv. int is promoted to unsigned int...
  33. Ivan Seeking

    E-Cigarettes, being hailed as the smoker's smart choice

    http://www.ecigaretteschoice.com/
  34. A

    Multiple Choice Question about Modulus Function

    Homework Statement Multiple choice question about a modulus function, which statement is false? Below is the multiple choice question about a modulus function (the domain of the function is all reals): Which one of the following is not true about the function f(x)= | 2x+4 | : A. The...
  35. S

    Schools How much does choice of undergrad school effect grad school admission?

    I think the title pretty much sums up my question. I would like to get into the most prestigious grad school that I can (particularly MIT) but am worried that my choice in undergrad school might not be prestigious enough to get into a higher profile school. Do the ivy league(rs) really just...
  36. U

    Linear algebra multiple choice

    Homework Statement 1. If A is a real symmetric matrix, then there is a diagonal matrix D and an orthogonal matrix P so that D = P T AP. a. True b. False 2. Given that λi and λj are distinct eigenvalues of the real symmetric matrix A and that v1 and v2 are the respective eigenvectors associates...
  37. K

    What Are the Correct Answers to These Physics Multiple Choice Questions?

    Hi can someone please help me with these multiple choice questions A sphere of mass M, radius r, and rotational inertia I is released from rest at the top of an inclined plane of height h as shown above. 1. If the plane is frictionless, what is the speed vcm, of the center of mass of...
  38. N

    Need help with vector space multiple choice

    Determine whether the given set S is a subspace of the vector space V. A. V=P5, and S is the subset of P5 consisting of those polynomials satisfying p(1)>p(0). B. V is the vector space of all real-valued functions defined on the interval [a,b], and S is the subset of V consisting of those...
  39. V

    Conservation of momentum multiple choice

    Here is the question 5. A long board is free to slide on a sheet of frictionless ice. As shown in the top view above, a skater skates to the board and hops onto one end, causing the board to slide and rotate. In this situation, which of the following occurs? A) Linear momentum is...
  40. S

    AP Physics Multiple Choice Concept Question

    A standing wave pattern is created on a guitar string as a person tunes the guitar by changing the tension in the string. Which of the following properties of the waves on the string will change as a result of adjusting only the tension in the string? 1) Speed of the traveling wave that...
  41. R

    Programs Does your choice of PhD research restrict your future research options much?

    Hello everyone I am going to be applying for PhDs this year and have been looking around at what is available. I'm finishing a masters in physics (in the UK) and I have tried to tailor it in the last year so that I have a medical physics/biophysics flavour to it through research projects and...
  42. J

    I was just accepted to my first choice college While I'm nearly

    I was just accepted to my first choice college! While I'm nearly entirely unknown here, I just can't help but spreading the good news. I'm so happy (and relieved) now. Whew, glad that's out of my system.
  43. T

    Programs PhD choice in theoretical physics,

    Dear All, I'm in the process of looking for a PhD position in Theoretical Physics but I'm unclear about a few things. 1) I still don't really know what I really want to do. The only thing I am sure of is that I want my research to help me in my understanding of ideas which I regard as...
  44. B

    The Paradox of Choice: Is More Choice Better?

    Is more choice better? Ten years ago the answer seemed obvious: Yes. Now the conventional wisdom is the opposite: lots of choice makes people less likely to choose anything, and less happy when they do choose. In the The Paradox of Choice, Psychologist Barry Schwartz discusses the phenomena...
  45. D

    Multiple choice questions on work and impulse.

    On a level practice range, a 46 g golf ball is struck by a golf club and leaves teh ground witha speed of 72 m/s at an angle 40 degrees above the horizontal. how much work was done by the golf club on the golf ball? a. 32 J b. 120 J c. 230 J d. 520 J e. 3300 J It's just...
  46. E

    Axiom of Choice to prove two propositions

    Hi everyone, we recently covered some implications of the AC and are now to prove the followings statements with the help of the AC or one of its equivalent: (1) Every uncountable set has a subset of cardinality \aleph_1 (the least initial ordinal not less or equal than \aleph_0, the latter...
  47. E

    Axiom of Choice to prove two propositions.

    Hi everyone, we recently covered some implications of the AC and are now to prove the followings statements with the help of the AC or one of its equivalent: (1) Every uncountable set has a subset of cardinality \aleph_1 (the least initial ordinal not less or equal than \aleph_0, the latter...
  48. W

    Multiple choice velocity/acceleration

    a strobe photograph of a car moving along a straight road shows the interval between each successive image to be diminishing. If the direction of motion of the car is taken as positive, which of the following are negative? a. the speed of the car b. the average velocity of the car c. the...
  49. L

    Proof of Axiom of Choice equivalent.

    I'm trying to prove that the axiom of choice is equivalent to the following statement: For any set X and any function f:X\to X, there exists a function g:X\to X such that f\circ g\circ f=f. I was able to prove that the AoC implies this, but I'm having a harder time going the other...
  50. M

    Which will be the best Choice Within Ten Years?

    Which will be the best Choice Within Ten Years?? Right now, I'm sudying in ninth grade, but I get too worried about what to study and which field I want to work in. Mabey I'm getting a bit too crazy about this, but I think it will be good to make up my mind beforehand. I've shortlisted five...
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