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. S

    Entanglement in delayed choice quantum eraser (DCQE)

    In the delayed choice quantum eraser (DCQE), such as the walborn paper, link below: http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/quant-ph/pdf/0106/0106078v1.pdf" we try to find out the polarization/path via quarter wave plates (see diagram on page 7 of the paper) Now does not entanglement break (i.e...
  2. B

    Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser Experiment with a Black hole

    Assuming the setup of Kim, Yoon-Ho; R. Yu, S.P. Kulik, Y.H. Shih, and Marlan Scully (2000). "A Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser". Physical Review Letters 84: 1–5. arXiv:quant-ph/9903047. Bibcode 2000PhRvL..84...1K. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.1 (See...
  3. C

    Statistics, multiple choice, regression equation - 2nd question

    Statistics, multiple choice, regression equation -- 2nd question Homework Statement A regression equation was developed to predict gasoline mileage (mpg) for various car weights (pounds). The resultant equation was: Y = 35.2 - .0034 X. Which two answers can be concluded? A. The...
  4. C

    Statistics, multiple choice, correlation coefficient

    Homework Statement The correlation coefficient for each of two data sets is calculated. Set A has r = -0.75 while Set B has r = +0.55. Which set (A or B) has the stronger strength of relationship? Homework Equations I think -0.75? The Attempt at a Solution I think Set A r =...
  5. QuarkCharmer

    Is it worth waitlisting for a popular physics course with a great professor?

    I'm signing up for a physics course that is rarely offered, and I have 2 choices for professors. One is ideal, great teacher, class is waitlisted. The other is notorious for being difficult, but really knows his stuff. There are 3 people on the waitlist, and I can only register for one...
  6. L

    DLVO interaction: Choice of Hamaker constants

    For a project, I'm trying to describe the interaction energy between two particles suspended in water which contains ions. I seem to have the double layer effect worked out pretty well, but I'm having trouble with the Van der Waals contribution, or more specifically, with the choice of Hamaker...
  7. ideasrule

    The Hard Choice: Choosing Between College and Work for Struggling High Schoolers

    There was a recent thread about community college, and the fact that many students who enroll aren't ready. A few people commented that those students are better off starting work in a menial job rather than going to college, then possibly entering the same menial job. Suppose that you're...
  8. H

    Einstein's Delayed Choice Quantum Experiment

    Einstein suggested a version of the DCQE back in 1931. And here is the proof, courtesy of Google News Archives: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=muBPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kFQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3486,1697134&dq=quantum&hl=en
  9. G

    Delayed choice with photons - impossible?

    I have long been puzzled by the whole idea of delayed choice experiments with photons. In a photon's frame of reference there is no distance traveled between emission and absorption; the distance has contracted (Lorentz-Fitzgerald) to zero. More relevantly there is no time duration either...
  10. R

    Programs Can I become a physics major after starting late in my college career?

    Hello! I am new to this site as you can see but I plan on being here for a while. I am just finishing my freshman year of college, and I have 20 unites with between a 3.4-3.7 GPA. This year I did not want to declare a major because I was to scared to commit to one.. Ive known my whole life I...
  11. J

    Would EE be the right choice for me?

    I'm a 1st year college student who is strongly considering EE as my major. I am very interested in energy sources (nuclear fusion), quantum computing, and pretty much anything that might show up on science fiction movies/novels. At the moment, I am thinking about majoring in EE as an undergrad...
  12. S

    Delayed choice quantum eraser – Yoon Vs Walborn experiment/paper

    Delayed choice quantum eraser – Yoon Vs Walborn experiment/paper is it true that in the Walborn experiment we manipulate p, but in Yoon paper we do not? The below link discusses the Walborn paper: http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/...
  13. 1

    I still don't get it, changing your choice.

    I still don't get it, "changing your choice." 21 is on, you know the old situation where you're given three choices, you make your choice, then one of the incorrect options is eliminated, and the question is whether or not it benefits you to change your choice. The answer is yes, apparently...
  14. P

    3 Multiple Choice - Circuits/Waves

    Hi, I have three M.C. questions. The answers to these questions are A, D, C. I am not exactly sure why exactly those are the correct answer (I guessed for the first one and happened to be right). Homework Statement http://ploader.net/files/1ddefae5044a52afb36b512bc019aaf5.PNG Source: IB...
  15. I

    UCLA vs UC Santa Cruz for undergrad-will the choice affect grad?

    Hi, I'm trying to make a decision! I've gotten accepted into UCLA and UC Santa Cruz for astrophysics undergrad. I absolutely love Santa Cruz, and I've heard that there is more opportunity for undergrad research there, as well as smaller class sizes. However I also know that UCLA has a famous...
  16. A

    Axiom of Choice: finite sets to infinite sets

    So if we have a finite collection of disjoint non-empty sets, one can show using ZF only(with no need of AC) there is a choice function. I understand the reason for this. My confusion is when one goes to non-finite collection of sets. For example if the index set is the Natural numbers, why do...
  17. M

    Rc circuit multiple choice don't understand why this is the correct answer

    Homework Statement http://physics.ku.edu.kw/LectureNotes/TheoryCourses/PHYS102/ExamPapers/y0910-2-md2.pdf page 6 number 5 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I don't understand how they got the answers ? i applied the loop and junction rule but they only give me more...
  18. R

    Implications of Quantum Eraser, Delayed Choice, etc.

    The behavior of the particle at the slits seemingly depends on what the photon encounters after the particle has passed through the slit(s). Does this prove that: 1. Particles can go back in time and do stuff? 2. Has quantum erasers been done using electrons or molecules like buckyball...
  19. V

    Explain Axiom of Choice in Simple Terms

    Can someone pretty please explain to me the axiom of choice as unrigorously and casually as possible ;P. And then you could include a rigorous explanation if you wish, but I mean I could just go to wikipedia for that..which I already did... in fact I think I'll include the wiki explanation and...
  20. G

    Calculus Readiness Multiple Choice Test Answer Key Wrong?

    Hi, for spring break homework I had to take this "calculus readiness test" thingy and I got a score of 19/24 and I'm trying to go through the test and see which ones I got wrong. I'm however perplexed because I don't see which ones I got wrong. I guess I got five wrong but don't see which...
  21. K

    Double Major in EE/CE=smart choice?

    I'm going to be going to college in about two and a half years, and I've spent some amounts of time trying to figure out what I should major in. So far, I've come up with this: Double major in Electrical and Computer Engineering, minor in physics. I just have some questions for this, however...
  22. A

    Answering Multiple Choice Questions on Homework

    Homework Statement the capital letter option was the answer that i have chosen in my test. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 1. The areas under the hysteresis loop is proportional to a) Magnetic energy density b) Thermal energy per unit volume C) ELECTRIC...
  23. A

    Multiple choice for checking

    Homework Statement Somebody please check my multiple choice questions, I have attempted in my exam. The capital letter is the answer that I have ticked in the exam. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 1. The angular momentum of a particle under the influence of a...
  24. N

    Why are there several gauge fixing choice for gauge symmetry fields?

    Please teach me this: For gauge symmetry fields,only one of any elementary subconfiguration of the whole configuration covers the all physics of the field.So we need to cut off the redundant configuration.It seem to me,in a loose sense,there is only one way to cut off the redundancy(the gauge...
  25. R

    Multiple choice but no answers to them so can't study?

    I'm studying for a test tomorrow, I found these multiple choice questions but no answers to them. If you can help me out so I know which one is correct so I can study properly, that would be much appreciated :D 1. A 24-kg traffic light is suspended from the midpoint of a cable suspended...
  26. C

    Need Help with 11 multiple choice Problems for Review

    Topic can be Closed! EDITED: Got answers from a friend!
  27. K

    EIRP, Gain of antenna (Multiple choice Qn)

    Homework Statement The Effective Isotropic Radiated Power of an antenna is 60dBm. If the gain of the antenna is 30dB what is the input power to the antenna? (a) 3W (b) 2W (c) 4W (d) 5W Homework Equations EIRP = Power x Gain (in watts) EIRP = Power + gain (in dbm) The...
  28. T

    Chemistry: Catalysts Multiple Choice Question

    Homework Statement Which of the following are ways that catalysts can speed up reactions rates? You must check all answers that apply. A.) Increase the activation energy. B.) Decrease the energy of activation. C.) Change the path of the reaction. D.) Speedup the reaction without changing...
  29. K

    Paradox from Axiom of Choice

    I heard this interesting paradox, which I haven't been able to find anywhere online! Now, bear with me while I set it up! Suppose a professor has a countably infinite number of students. This professor secretly assigns to each student a real number in the interval [0,1], and thus ends up with...
  30. M

    Schools University abroad: worth it? (and subject choice)

    I am considering studying some form of Engineering at university next year, when I complete my IB Diploma. I am very interested in Physics and Mathematics but I find that I am more interested in an applied form of the two subjects and having just a B.S in Engineering or BEng would make me more...
  31. E

    Engineering Nuclear Engineering a bad choice?

    I've been reading around and have come to a general consensus that nuclear research and applications have and will continue to decline. I know there's the thread in the nuke forums section about if nuclear energy is "good" or not, but I want a more specific answer to the career. I'm a...
  32. B

    Momentum Multiple choice question

    A billiard ball has an initial speed of 5 m/s and it collides with another billiard ball of the same mass initially at rest. If the speeds of the two billiard balls are 3 and 4 m/s, then a) momentum was conserved but not kinetic energy b) kinetic energy was conserved but not momentum c)...
  33. J

    Is binary system the only choice for the computer?

    Hi Using the binary system for computing is a natural choice because of its two states: 0 and 1. But is this possible to use base 10, which is used in everyday matters, instead of base 2? Please remember that I'm neither a student of comp. science nor of science/math, in general. Thanks...
  34. F

    Wheeler's Delayed Choice Experiment

    Wheeler's delayed choice experiment is a thought experiment proposed by John Archibald Wheeler in 1978. Wheeler proposed a variation of the famous double-slit experiment of quantum physics, one in which the method of detection can be changed after the photon passes the double slit, so as to...
  35. D

    What classes should I take to prepare for a major in Astrophysics?

    Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum and I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice with school. I am currently a junior in high school taking 15 credits a quarter through a community college through a program in my sate called running start, I wish to acquire an Associate of Science...
  36. N

    Why the fourth case only with the Axiom of Choice?

    Hello people: IN cardinal domination, a representative set A is dominated by a representative set B iff there's a One-to-One Onto function on A onto a subset of B. This yields four logical cases as the following: Let X dom Y denote "X is dominated by Y". - X dom Y & Y dom X...
  37. T

    Schools Help Finding College for Astrophysicist: GPA & Test Scores

    Hey guys, I need some help with my colledge selection. I am still a sophomore in High School but I would like to know what would be a good colledge to attend to become a Astrophysicist. (If you do post a colledge could you also post what my GPA should be to get into the colledge and what i...
  38. S

    Photonics as specialization choice

    Hi all, I am a student in the final year of undergraduate course in Physics. Lately I learned about Photonics. I want to know whether it is a good choice to pursue my masters studies in it. I would be very much grateful if I am kindly informed. Also I would like to know about some good...
  39. J

    Choice of motors, please advise

    I know you all probably hate this sort of general question, but I'm kind of on a tight schedule so it can't hurt to ask. I am working on creating a prototype for a project which will require a rotating circular stand for an adult person to stand on which will then be capable of rotating at low...
  40. T

    Linear Algebra Multiple Choice

    Homework Statement [PLAIN]http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/9307/linvd.jpg The Attempt at a Solution Last condition = 1) ? How about the others?
  41. L

    Reposting (Delayed Choice Experiment)

    Haste made waste (I managed to get it precisely backwards, sorry. Corrected below. And please, somebody, clue me in here :confused: ... Hello, I'm uncomfortable with the usual description of this experiment and wonder if this is justified. In a nutshell, when (in the usual double-slit...
  42. L

    Is the Delayed Choice Experiment Justified?

    Hello, I'm uncomfortable with the usual description of this experiment and wonder if this is justified. In a nutshell, when (in the usual double-slit setup) detectors are placed between the barrier and the final screen -- such that an electron, say, has already passed the two-slits -- an...
  43. S

    Making the Choice: Aerospace Engineering in CA or PA

    so basically i have a choice of staying in southern california or moving to PA (pennsylvania) next year. currently a sophomore in junior college and majoring in aerospace engineering and wanting to go into that field (obviously). can anyone give any info about both schools and career...
  44. N

    Biomedical Engineering - A Good Choice?

    Hi, I have already completed a BSc in math in England, and am currently in applied math grad school, which I am not enjoying at all. I have decided I want to start afresh with engineering, and I am thinking of biomedical engineering ( second choice mechanical engineering ). I have had...
  45. F

    What Careers Combine the Health Field and Engineering Field for High School Seniors?

    I am a high school senior and i would like to know what careers combine the health field and the egineering field as well as what majors i should choose in order to get on the right path towards the career.
  46. W

    Choosing the Right Heatsink for Your Project

    Hello again I'm trying to decide on the correct heatsink for my project, but I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking at. On Digikey, each heatsink has values for Thermal Resistivity and Power Dissipation. This is the datasheet information for the MOSFET: Tj = -55 to +175 C Rds(on) = .02...
  47. bcrowell

    Choice of scaling function for Penrose diagrams

    The standard definition of coordinates on Penrose diagrams seems to be something like \tan(u\pm v)=x\pm t. This is what Wikipedia gives, and Hawking and Ellis also give a transformation involving a tangent function, although I haven't checked whether the factors of 2, etc. agree. Neither source...
  48. M

    Physics A Ph.D. in physics, a perilious career choice?

    Hi I am currently an undergrad. studying electronics and communication engineering in India. I had no intention of studying that particular subject, but I chose it since I couldn't make it into a physics undergrad. programme (not because I'm bad enough academically, but due to some technical...
  49. Ƒ

    Making Math-Based Decisions: What's Your Choice and Why?

    Which one would you choose and why? Math would probably be a good way to explain your choices.
  50. J

    Delayed Quantum Erasure Double Slit with Observer Choice Available

    In the paper "Double-Slit Quantum Eraser" by Walborn, Cunha, Padua, and Monken (see http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/Walborn.pdf and discussion of the paper at http://grad.physics.sunysb.edu/~amarch/ ), a double-slit quantum erasure experiment is performed with a delayed eraser. When the...
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