What is Confused: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In medicine, confusion is the quality or state of being bewildered or unclear. The term "acute mental confusion" is often used interchangeably with delirium in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and the Medical Subject Headings publications to describe the pathology. These refer to the loss of orientation, or the ability to place oneself correctly in the world by time, location and personal identity. Mental confusion is sometimes accompanied by disordered consciousness (the loss of linear thinking) and memory loss (the inability to correctly recall previous events or learn new material). The term is from Latin: confusĭo, -ōnis, from confundere: "to pour together", "to mingle together", "to confuse".

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  1. J

    Confused about thin-lens equation

    As you probably know, the thin-lens equation is given by: 1/s + 1/s' = 1/f where s = distance from object to lens, s' = distance from lens to image and f = focal length of lens Now, in a particular question, I needed to find s' given that s = f. From the equation, that means s' would become...
  2. K

    Confused about seeming recursivity of time dilation between two moving bodies

    I only just started learning about special relativity in my physics class, and I have been running into a problem that none of my teachers have satisfactorily explained. Objects X and Y are moving relative to one another at some significant fraction of the speed of light, where ɣ is the...
  3. P

    I'm a bit confused about rotation and reflection matrices

    Homework Statement I have a final coming up and I am a bit fuzzy on how to create a matrix that represents a rotation or reflection about a certain plane (in R3). Say we are given a rotation/reflection about either a plane or a line through two points T(v)=Av and we are told to find A. Do we...
  4. xaratustra

    Confused about autocorrelation and PSD

    I am confused a bit :confused:. I read in a paper that the following property holds, but can't find where it comes from. \mathsf{E}\left[X(\omega)X^*(\omega')\right]=2\pi\delta(\omega-\omega')S_{XX}(\omega) it says that the expected value of the Fourier transformed signal is proportional...
  5. K

    I am interested in science,but am majorly confused

    Hey. New here. I am a 12th science student, from India. I LOVE science. I have been dreaming of becoming a physicist since class 6. So obsessed with it..i even dreamt of Einstein once! :tongue2: But its not a crazy obsession..i know what all sacrifices i'll have to make for it. Financial...
  6. E

    Fixing Wire Problem in Nim Game Design

    Ok; so basically, I am creating the game of Nim through gate chips (AND/OR/NOT), switches, and yea all the basics. I have pretty much completed designing and physically building the game but I have been having issues with one portion of the design -not the logic of the design.I have a regular...
  7. L

    Confused about how inductors work and produce a back EMF?

    Homework Statement A coil with zero resistance has its ends labeled a and b. The potential at a is higher than at b. Explain why the two following statements are consistent/correct with the situation. a) The current is increasing and is directed from a to b. b) The current is decreasing...
  8. C

    Confused - simple differentiation with simplification

    Homework Statement differentiate the following y= x(x+2)(x+3) Homework Equations dy/dx The Attempt at a Solution The answer I'm given is dy/dx = 2x+5 Would this not be for (x+2)(x+3) = x2 +5x +6 dy/dx = 2x +5 +0 My problem is the x at the beginning of the brackets. Please...
  9. T

    Confused about radial/transverse and normal/tangential

    Homework Statement Here is the problem with half the solution: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/64325990/HW%20Pictures/Capture.PNG What I don't understand is why the speed = 30ft/s is in the transverse direction (vθ). Shouldn't the speed of the car be in the tangential direction (vt)?
  10. N

    Confused with the Archimedes' Principle

    Archimedes' Principle states: "Any object, wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object." If this is true, why then, when you take a bowling ball and submerge it in water, and take a rubber ball of the same size and...
  11. K

    Confused on what should be negative when finding with half angle identities

    Homework Statement The question is to find sin 2x, cos 2x, tan 2x from the given information: sin x = -\frac{3}{5}, x in Quadrant III Homework Equations Half Angle Identities cos2x = cos^{2}x - sin^{2}x sin2x = 2sinxcosx tan2x = \frac{2tanx}{2-tan^{2}x} The Attempt at a...
  12. L

    Very confused: why is the path difference in double slit interference dsinθ?

    Homework Statement The more I think about path difference, the more confused I get. First of all, HOW DO PEOPLE know that the path difference is dsinθ? Why do we draw a line coming from the first ray that is PERPENDICULAR to the second ray when determining path difference? Please see...
  13. T

    Confused about system of linear differential equations?

    Homework Statement So in my notes it says that the general solution to a system of linear equations: x1'(t) = a11x1(t) + a12x2(t) x2'(t) = a21x1(t) + a22x2(t) is: x(t) = c1eλ1tv1 + c2eλ2tv2 What I don't understand is how you go from the system of equations to the general solution, the notes...
  14. B

    Schools In process of earning a B.S. in Mathematics but confused about grad school?

    I will be entering my third year of undergrad this fall in the process of earning my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. My current stats for school such as GPA is 3.74 (no research experience, already taking upper-level undergrad mathematics courses, maybe a few grad courses). However, I am...
  15. 1

    Why Is Friction Opposite to Wheel Acceleration in Rolling Motion?

    Homework Statement In the figure, a constant horizontal force Fa magnitude 10 is applied to a wheel of mass 10 kg and radius .4 m. The wheel rolls smoothly on the horizontal surface, and the acceleration of the center of mass has magnitude .6 m/s^2. Find frictional force on wheel...
  16. M

    Initial Value Problem. I'm really confused just need some help

    Homework Statement Solve the following Initial Value problem for x(t) and give the value of x(1) Homework Equations (dx/dt)-xt=-t , x(0)=2 The Attempt at a Solution (dx/dt)-xt = -t (dx/dt) = xt-t (dx/dt) = t(x-1) (1/(x-1)) (dx/dt) = t (1/(x-1)) dx = t dt Then I integrate...
  17. X

    Circuit problem: Confused about results

    I am just starting to really get interesting in making circuits and I was doing a few experiments. One of my circuits I wanted to make was using a potentiometer to control the brightness of an LED. I also wanted to incorporate a transistor. So I made the following circuit. (Bear with me, I...
  18. T

    Tangential and radial coordinate problem. Confused about the FBD.

    Homework Statement Here is a picture of the problem with the free body diagram: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/64325990/HW%20Pictures/problem101.PNG I am confused about why the free body diagram has the force vector in the direction of the aθ. When I did it I thought the force that the rod...
  19. P

    General Relativity: Gravitational-Red Shift Confused with Doppler Effect?

    From the special relativity theory , for explaining the red-shifting of a photon, that has been red-shifted, is the following: point O: origin point of emitted photo, in Galaxy GlxO point R: receiving point of photon, in Galaxy GlxR GlxO, O ---------->----------------R, GlxR Suppose...
  20. G

    Max/Min in Calc III- Confused about relation between equations logic?

    So, I technically got this problem correct (our professor gave us the answers but not the total solution). My question is more of a logic one- an answer that I'll need to apply this concept to problems on the exam. I included it at the bottom of the post, after I explained the problem Find...
  21. J

    Confused about the pressure formula

    Hi, I've come across two different formulae for pressure: p = p0 + rho*g*h (p0 = initial pressure) OR p = rho*g*d My question is, why does one of the formulae includes the initial pressure (initial pressure is often the atmospheric pressure = 1.013*10^5 Pa) in the formula whereas...
  22. F

    Confused about unit step function wrt laplace transforms

    Homework Statement y'' + 4y' + 2y = u_pi(t) + u_2pi(t) y(0) = 0 and y'(0) = 0.Homework Equations the step function equation: u_c(t) = u(t-c) --> (laplace) --> e^-cs/sThe Attempt at a Solution i am having major probs with getting my head around step function probs wrt laplace transforms. What...
  23. J

    Confused about using rounding off numbers in physics

    Hi, Let's say that a question is separated into two parts in which the latter part requires using the answer from the first part. Now, do I use that rounded off answer in the latter part or do I continue to use the exact number on my calculator for the latter part? Many thanks.
  24. J

    Understanding the Concept of Relativity: Unraveling the Confusion

    I have been learning about relativity, on my own, just checked how it worked, what the main idea was, I understand the concept now, but there is a thing that I can't work out.Say you would take a spaceship from Earth to the nearest galaxy, in 95% lightspeed, Earth sees you as traveling faster...
  25. A

    A Confused New Undergraduate Aerospace Engineer need some advice

    Hi everyone, I am a new Undergraduate, enrolled in the Aerospace engineering program at the University Of Balamand in Lebanon. In my country (Lebanon), jobs in this field of Engineering are almost destitute ! Aerospace engineering is in my Veins, It is Everything I've always dreamed of being...
  26. S

    Induction proof (solution included but still confused).

    Homework Statement The problem (and its solution) is attached as Problem.jpg. Homework Equations Base case, induction hypothesis, and induction step. The Attempt at a Solution I see that the base case is correct and I also see how everything under "Proof:" is done algebraically. As...
  27. I

    Short problem, but why is this the answer? Confused

    Short problem, but why is this the answer? Confused :( Suppose \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n converges. Determine the convergence of \sum_{n=1}^\infty a_n+4 The answer is "divergent," but I don't see why that's necessarily true. I would assume we wouldn't know whether a_n + 4 is convergent/divergent.
  28. W

    Understanding Quarks, Anti-Quarks, and Gluons: A Confused WilliamJ's Inquiry

    I have been learning some stuff off of youtube, but I did not get a full enough understanding of how quarks have colors, and anti-quarks have anti-colors and how the gluons have to be colors and anti-colors and how it all works. Some of it doesn't make any sense. The first question is about a...
  29. B

    Understanding Discrete Math: A Guide for the Confused

    I read the definition of discrete math and i read the definition of discrete. i just can't seem to figure out what discrete math is, can you guys show what it means?
  30. T

    Physics Lab Experiment- Confused on what we are measuring

    In my physics class for an assessment we designed our own lab. In our lab we had plastic cups and cut small holes in the bottom ranging from 0.3 cm to 1.3 cm diameters. We then measured the amount of time it took for different volumes of water, detergent, syrup and rubbing alcohol. I...
  31. 9

    Find points of inflection from f''(x) = 12x + 18? A bit confused

    Homework Statement In my book it specifically asks to "find the points of inflection" of f (x) = 2x^3 + 9x^2 - 24x - 10. Homework Equations f (x) = 2x^3 + 9x^2 - 24x - 10 f'(x) = 6x^2 + 18x - 24 f''(x) = 12x + 18. The Attempt at a Solution What I don't get is why it asks for pointS...
  32. V

    Confused with the answer<> seems correct buttht's wrong wrong?

    confused with the answer<> seems correct buttht's wrong wrong?? question is sqrt(x+1)-sqrt(x-1)=sqrt(4x-1) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (1) squaring both sides (x+1)+(x-1)-2*sqrt(x2-1)=4x-1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (2) solving and rearranging...
  33. B

    I'm confused about the consistency of partial derivatives

    If you have a function f(x,y)=xy where y is a function of x, say y=x^2 then the partial derivative of f with respect to x is \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=y However, if you substitute in y and express f as f(x)=x^3 then the partial derivative is \frac{\partial...
  34. J

    Confused about gibbs free energy

    Wikipedia says : In thermodynamics, the Gibbs free energy (IUPAC recommended name: Gibbs energy or Gibbs function; also known as free enthalpy[1] to distinguish it from Helmholtz free energy) is a thermodynamic potential that measures the "useful" or process-initiating work obtainable from a...
  35. S

    Confused by proof of Lorentz properties from invariance of interval

    I've seen a few short proofs that if that some transformation \Lambda preserves the spacetime interval, then \Lambda^\top g \Lambda = g where g is the spacetime metric. They have all relied on an argument using some simple algebra to show that (\Lambda^\top g \Lambda) x \cdot x = g x...
  36. M

    How do I properly convert from km/h to m/s?

    Homework Statement I am confusing myself when converting from km/h to m/s I understand that if you have 100km/h you take 100 * 1000 / 3600 = 27.78m/s But where i get confused is if you have 1km and you want meters you *1000 but if you have 1hr and you want seconds you also have to *3600...
  37. A

    Surface integral or Divergence Theorem confused?

    Homework Statement Find the Volume ∫∫ xy DA where R is the region bounded by by the line y=x-1 and the parabola y^2=2x+6. Homework Equations ∫∫ xy dx dy The Attempt at a Solution first i found the intersection of the above equations . which is (5,4) to (-1,-2) . then i...
  38. R

    Help! Should I Take Back My Ex After His Marriage?

    i am confused i need help! i and my boyfriend broke up after one and a half years of relationship. the reason for the break up he gave was he was getting married with another person and he hates it and he wanted me to be in his life atleast as a friend. he became all depressed and dramatic. not...
  39. N

    Confused on how to do a simple discrete math problem

    Homework Statement Use the equivalence p\rightarrow(r \rightarrow s) \equiv p\wedge r\rightarrow s to rewrite the following problem before the proof. Homework Equations [p\rightarrow (q\rightarrow r)]\wedge (p\rightarrow q) \tautologicallyimplies (p\rightarrow r) The Attempt at a...
  40. R

    What Is Vo in a Power Source Diagram Circuit?

    Circuit help Homework Statement I have a book problem that show this pic (see attachment) The problem wants me to calculate Vo and the end point of the graph and midpoint but I am not sure what Vo is. Homework Equations Vo=Va-Vb The Attempt at a Solution I think Vo is the total...
  41. R

    How to Apply Lagrange Equation, Really Confused

    Homework Statement I am having trouble understanding how to apply Lagrange's equation. I will present a simplified version of one of my homework problems. Imagine an inverted pendulum, consisting of a bar attached at a hinge at point A. At point A is a torsional spring with spring...
  42. S

    Why Does Using Negative R in Trigonometric Equations Affect My Solution?

    Homework Statement 3cos(x)+4sin(x)=5 Solve for X. Homework Equations acos(x)+bsin(x)=c f(x)=Rsin(x+θ) The Attempt at a Solution Rsin(x+θ)=5 Rsin(x)cos(θ)+Rcos(x)sin(θ)=5 Rcos(θ)=4 Rsin(θ)= 3 R^2*cos^2(θ)+R^2*sin^2(θ)=R^2=3^2+4^2=25 R=+/-2 5sin(x+θ)=5...
  43. Z

    Confused about Duality in Projective Geometry

    So I'm studying projective geometry and I'm confused about duality. In particular, I'm confused about drawing dual pictures. If you look at Menelaus's Theorem and Ceva's Theorem, they are supposedly dual diagrams. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menelaus'_theorem...
  44. M

    Should I Drop Biology and Pursue Math and Physics Instead?

    Hi folks, I'm currently a freshman at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in the science program studying Biology at the moment. However, I have recently began getting the crap kicked out of me in Biology by a 4th year Bio prof who has come down to 1st year apparently to sort people out, and...
  45. X

    Confused about the wording of this probability problem

    Homework Statement From a drawer that contains 10 pair of gloves, six gloves are selected randomly. Let X be the number of pairs of gloves obtained. Find the probability mass function.I honestly do not know what they mean in this problem. What am I looking for probability wise? Am I looking...
  46. T

    Confused on creating a normalized histogram (on excel)

    I have all the information I need, but I just need a bit of help on getting my data on a normalized histogram in excel. First, if I'm not mistaking, a normalized histogram is just a normal histogram where it is roughly symmetrical about the curves centerline, is that correct? I have a list...
  47. G

    Simple maximization question very confused :s

    Hey everybody! My question is: Find the value of x that maximizes the following function and the maximum value (a is constant): f(x) = x^2 subject to 0 ≤ x ≤ a. It is supposed to be solved without calculus and I'm terrible confused! how would i go about solving this? wen i plot the curve...
  48. T

    Can a 3x3 Upper Triangular Matrix Be Symmetric?

    Homework Statement Give an example of the matrix: 3x3 upper triangular symmetric matrix Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know what an upper triangular matrix and what a symmetric matrix looks like. But what happens when they put it together? Is the symmetry in the...
  49. BWV

    How Does Zee Derive the Double Factorial in QFT's Gaussian Integral?

    reading Zee's QFT Theory in a Nutshell and on p 13 on the explanation of the Gaussian integral he loses me going from (9) to (10) by jumping from a relatively straightforward derivation of \int e^{-1/2ax^2}dx by then saying "acting on this with -2(d/da) to get <x^{2n}> ={\int...
  50. G

    Schools Nearly free Graduate School - I'm Confused

    Some of my TA are like 23 year old people who are graduate students. One of them said that when they applied for graduate school he had a hard time getting in because they were looking for foreign students but he got in. He said they gave him money just for like going to graduate school or...
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