What is General: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations' air forces, space forces, or marines.In some usages the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colonel.The term general is used in two ways: as the generic title for all grades of general officer and as a specific rank.
It originates in the 16th century, as a shortening of captain general, which rank was taken from Middle French capitaine général.
The adjective general had been affixed to officer designations since the late medieval period to indicate relative superiority or an extended jurisdiction.
Today, the title of general is known in some countries as a four-star rank. However, different countries use different systems of stars or other insignia for senior ranks. It has a NATO rank scale code of OF-9 and is the highest rank currently in use in a number of armies, air forces, and marine organizations.

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  1. I

    Find a general formula for the MLE for p

    An experiment consists of giving a sequences of patients a risky treatment until two have died, and then recording N, the number who survived. If p is the proportion killed by the treatment, then the distribution of N is: P(N=n)=((n+1)(1-p)^n)p^2 Find a general formula for the MLE for...
  2. V

    General parameterisation of the geodesic equation

    Hello all, In Carroll's on page 109 it is pointed out that for derivation of the geodesic equation, 3.44, a "hidden" assumption is that we have used an affine parameter. Some few lines below we see that "any other parametrization" could be used, called alpha, but in that case the general...
  3. B

    Differential Geometry for General Relativity and Yang-Mills Theories

    I have been teaching myself QFT and General Relativity. The mathematics of those fields is daunting, and I find that what I have come across is very difficult to master. Of course it will take work, but can someone recommend a good text for self-leaning differential geometry with application...
  4. D

    Engineering Analyzing AC Circuits: Finding Current and Thevenin Impedance

    Here I have a problem I am dealing with. I answered the question and have it shown on the picture but I would like a double check on it as I think I am getting wrong values. The circuit is shown at the top of the page. If you can't see the values are 10 ohms for the resistor, 3.2 mF for the...
  5. K

    Is there a general equation for convection of a fin's side surface

    I'm wondering with the circular fin, with uniform cross section area with given length and diameter. both ends are attached to surfaces. is there a general equation to find the heat rate by convection of the fin side surface. I tried to relate all the conditions and ended up with a equation that...
  6. B

    MHB Find the general solution of The ff. D.E

    Find the general solution of The ff. D.E 1.$\displaystyle (2xy-y^2+y)dx+(3x^2-4xy+3x)dy=0$ 2. $\displaystyle (x^2+y^2+1)dx+x(x-2y)dy=0$ i tried both of them using $\displaystyle \frac{\dfrac{\partial M}{\partial y}-\dfrac{\partial N}{\partial x}}{N}$ and $\displaystyle...
  7. V

    History of building of general relativity

    Hello! Could you, please, name some(if any exists) good reviews about building the general relativity? In all details: with attempts of building the vector theory of gravitation by Poincare; with long Einstein's efforts of building the scalar version; with prediction some of the effects, like...
  8. mesa

    Do we have a general solution infinite series for the gamma function?

    Does anyone know if we currently have an infinite series summation general solution for the gamma function such as, $$\frac{1}{\Gamma(k)}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} f(n,k)$$ or, $${\Gamma(k)}=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} f(n,k)$$?
  9. S

    Is Specializing in Theoretical Physics Worth the Risk at Age 32?

    I started university two years ago, aged 30. I'm now 32 and have achieved minors in math and physics. I really want to focus now on theoretical/mathematical physics (I'm particularly interested in particle physics and cosmology) but I'm concerned that, given my age and the nature the field, it...
  10. S

    A general methodical way to solve all first degree first order

    Is there a single, general, solution guaranteeing method that can be applied to any first degree first order differential equations? I know there are a lot of techniques or should I say categorizations for solving these types of equations, like linear, homogeneous, Bernoulli equations...
  11. B

    Guidelines for a general OLED interface

    I recently bought a Tiva launchpad and have been playing around with it for the last couple of weeks. I wanted to interface an OLED module to it and was wondering what the options for this was? There is a booster pack available but this is now sold out, so I suppose that I have to create my own...
  12. M

    General polynomial transformation (transformation matrices).

    Homework Statement A polynomial of degree two or less can be written on the form p(x) = a0 + a1x + a2x2. In standard basis {1, x, x2} the coordinates becomes p(x) = a0 + a1x + a2x2 equivalent to ##[p(x)]_s=\begin{pmatrix}a0\\ a1\\ a2 \end{pmatrix}##. Part a) If we replace x with...
  13. E

    General Solution / Differential Equation

    Homework Statement Find the general solution x(t) to the following differential equation: dx/dt = 2t/5xHomework Equations dx/dt = 2t/5x The Attempt at a Solution My solution is: ∫5xdx = ∫2tdt (5/2)x^2 = t^2 + C x^2 = (2/5)(t^2 + C) x = +-√[(2/5)(t^2 + C)] However, when I put the problem in...
  14. C

    Expressing general rotation in terms of tensors

    Homework Statement A general rotation through angle ##a## about the axis ##\underline{n}##, where ##\underline{n}^2 = 1## is given by $$R(a,\underline{n}) = \exp(-ia\underline{n} \cdot \underline{T}),$$ where ##(T_k)_{ij} = -i\epsilon_{ijk}##. By expanding the exponential as a power series in...
  15. G

    Coordinates in general relativity

    Hello fellow PF go-ers I am having trouble with coordinates in curved space time lately, allow me to demonstrate my issue. Take the metric of flat space in spherical coordinates for example, a diagonal metric with values 1,r^2 and r^2sinΘ. It appears to me that only when we know that the Θ and...
  16. W

    General Quantization of Motion in Circular Orbits

    For this question, I have to obtain a general quantization of motion in circular orbits by combining the equations (Where U(r) is potential energy): (mv2)/r= |(dU(r))/dr| With the angular momentum quantization of: mvr= nℏ Then use this to calculate the spectrum for circular motion in a...
  17. C

    Chemistry A *great* general chemistry book for self study -

    In this post i want to discuss good chemistry textbooks vs. bad chemistry textbooks and I'd like some help finding a good General chemistry textbook for university - Undergraduate level. What Is a good introductory chemistry textbook? So i finally found a book in organic chemistry which...
  18. U

    Find the general solution of the differential equation

    Homework Statement The equation: \frac{dx}{dt}=\frac{t^2+1}{x+2}. Where the initial value is: x(0) = -2. Homework Equations I believe you have to use the method of seperations of variables. The Attempt at a Solution So I multiplied both sides with x+2. Then I integrated...
  19. shounakbhatta

    General relativity without Differential geometry

    Hello, I am learning General Relativity through some books like 'Gravity' by Hartle and through some other textbooks. All those books, do not speak of general relativity from the context of differential geometry. I have a fair amount of knowledge of calculus as well as set theory. My...
  20. D

    Study buddies for 'A First Course in General Relativity' by B. Schutz

    Hi, I decided to learn about relativity with this book, and I'm looking for people who would like to read it with me and discuss :thumbs:. Since I'm a little busy at the moment the pace will be quite slow, let's say about a chapter each two weeks (or more later for more advanced chapters)...
  21. Fantini

    MHB Exploring MOOCs: A Scientist's Perspective on Coursera and Online Education

    Hello all. :) I've recently enrolled in coursera courses and I must say I'm loving it! Hence, I decided to ask if any of you ever tried one MOOC (massive open online course) before? I think it's an interesting take on education. Professors (in general) seem more motivated to present the course...
  22. M

    Where to Start Learning General Relativity: A Guide for Beginners

    Hello, Can anyone help guide me in order to stabilize my General Relativity background. Little do I know about GR, I know the very simple basics! I feel that I need to start from the first beginning. ANy recommendations? How to start learning this on my own? Do I need to watch videos or read...
  23. carllacan

    General velocity Lorentz transformation

    Homework Statement A particle's movement is described by \vec{r} in the inertial system IS. Find the velocity of the particle \vec{\dot{r'}} in the system IS', which is moving with arbitrary velocity v from IS. Both inertial systems are arbitrary.Homework Equations For the position vector the...
  24. K

    MHB Finding a positive definite matrix to satisfy the general equation of an ellipse

    I am trying to find a matrix A such that $(1)$ can be written as $v^TAv=1$ where $v=(x, y)^T$. $(1)$: $$\left(\frac{x}{a_1}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{y}{a_2}\right)^2 - 2\left(\frac{xy}{a_1a_2}\right)\cos(\delta)=\sin^2(\delta)$$ $$a_1, a_2, \sin(\delta)\neq 0.$$ I am positive that $\cos(\delta)$...
  25. R

    General Relativity Energy Problem

    Homework Statement An observer falls radially inward toward a black hole of mass M, which is equal to 3 solar masses, starting with zero kinetic energy at infinity. How much time is measured by this observer as he travels between radii r1 = 6GM/c2 and the event horizon? Homework Equations...
  26. N

    Incorporation of special relativity into general relativity

    I am writing a paper about SR and GR. I have the following: Special relativity deals with inertial reference frames and flat space. General relativity deals with accelerating reference frames and curved space. Inertial reference frames are only an approximation that applies in a region...
  27. N

    Sign conventions in general relativity

    Hi guys... I was wondering if anyone have a sort of a summary of sign conventions in general relativity books. By convention I mean the definition of Riemann tensor, Ricci tensor and signs of stress-energy tensor and signs of einstein field equations for a given sign of metric tensor... I heard...
  28. A

    General Question about Undetermined Coefficients

    Hello, I had a question about the method of undetermined coefficients for solving ODE's. I understand it is only useful for certain non-homogeneous functions, and those dictate specific guesses, but what if I had a sum or product of two valid functions, is the guess simply a sum or product of...
  29. N

    Answer check-derive a general formula for horizontal displacement

    Homework Statement Derive a general formula for the horizontal distance covered by a projectile launched horizontally at speed vi from height, h. The Attempt at a Solution vyf = vyi -gt t = vyf/g x = vxi .t = vi cosΘ (t = vyf/g) = [vi^2 sinΘcosΘ]/g
  30. L

    How much preparation for the general GRE?

    I'm a current junior considering applying to graduate school next year (I'm tossing up between applying for certain applied physics programs and going into finance). I was wondering how much preparation people found necessary to take the general GRE. I'm not sure whether it would be better to...
  31. H

    Temperature of CMBR compared to galaxies in general

    I'm curious about how the temperature of the CMBR compares to the light and temperature of galaxies in general. Basically, I'm wondering how 'hot' are galaxies and how do they contribute to the CMBR readings. Does the temperature of galaxies compare on some scale? Do we have to account for...
  32. P

    Tensors and General Relativity

    Hello all, I will preface this post with an apology for not putting it in the math/science learning materials section. This would have been the best place to post my question, but for some reason I can't post there. My question is the following: what depth of understanding must I have of...
  33. J

    General tendency of a homogeneous floating balloon in a wind current

    Homework Statement Any floating homogeneous balloon in a planar uniform wind current will always "tend" to present to the wind flow a section of maximal drag. 2. The attempt at a solution I have three possible solutions to this "problem": 1- Speed gradient justification: When an object...
  34. D

    Unraveling Dirac's General Relativity Equation

    There's an equation from Dirac's book on General Relativity that I don't get at all. It isn't derived; instead it's treated as almost self-evident, when it isn't. Dirac begins by defining ##p^\mu## to be the "mass 4-current" of a continuous distribution of matter (matter in this case really...
  35. T

    Rate of Ammonia Prod. in N2+3H2 Reaction

    Homework Statement This is not a homework question, rather, I am just trying to clarify a concept and example in my textbook. Ammonia is produced by the reaction of Nitrogen (N2) with hydrogen (H2) as shown in this equation. N2 + 3 H2 --> 2 NH3 The rate of ammonia production is 5.0 x 10-6...
  36. S

    A General Question about Inertia

    Homework Statement My textbook says that I = (1/3)ML^2 for a slender uniform rod, and I = (1/2)MR^2 for a uniform solid cylinder. So let's say that there is cylinder that is a thin disk with M = 5kg, and R = 7m. And let's say that a thin rod also is 5kg and has a length of 7m. Why don't...
  37. stevmg

    Quick & Short Question on General Relativity

    A satellite orbiting the globe at some 300 miles at 18000 mph. Does the clock on the GPS tick slower or faster than the same clock on Earth? 1) the clock is distant to Earth and is under less gravitational pull, resulting in time slowing down less than the Earth clock, therefore ticks faster -...
  38. I_am_learning

    Area of a general n-sided polygon

    Finding the area of an irregular polygon with n side is quite easy when we are given the length of all of the n sides and the length of (n-3) specific diagonals. This way, we get (n-2) triangles whose areas can be calculated using Heron's formula and then added up. But what if the length of...
  39. Greg Bernhardt

    New Surgeon General report on smoking

    Nothing surprising, but worth repeating. 480k Americans die each year from smoking related illness. Stop smoking...
  40. J

    General Solution for 2nd Order PDE: Is it Possible?

    Hellow everybody! A simple question: exist a general formulation, a solution general, for a PDE of order 2 like: ## au_{xx}(x,y)+2bu_{xy}(x,y)+cu_{yy}(x,y)+du_x(x,y)+eu_y(x,y)+fu(x,y)=g(x,y) ## ? The maple is able to calculate the solution, however, is a *monstrous* solution!
  41. S

    Why no general solution to quintic equations?

    It seems odd to me that we have no general solution to quintic equations yet. Is it possible that it exist any general solutions to equations of the fifth degree (and higher) that just haven't been discovered yet? Or are we certain that it doesn't exist?
  42. S

    Finding general solution to Euler equation via variation of parameters

    Homework Statement The problem is attached as TheProblemAndSolution.png, and everything is typewritten, so it should be easily legible (but you will likely need to zoom into read the text since the image's height is significantly larger than its width). Homework Equations Differential...
  43. C

    Determine domain for a trig ratio and the general solution of angle me

    Problem statement Given sin theta (sqrt 3)/2 Determine the domain for the following solution https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/655052) determine each general solution using the angle measure specified. Revelant equations Attempt at solution1What is the reasoning behind that? For...
  44. B

    General solution of trig functions

    Hello, Homework Statement find the general solution to cos3θ = sin2θ Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know that sinθ = cos(π/2 - θ) but I am unsure of how to apply this when I have sin2θ. Do I say that sin2θ = cos2(π/2 - θ)? I think not because when I do...
  45. J

    General homogeneous shrinking core problem

    Hi Guys, First post here. I'm just wondering if anyone could lend a helping hand in the following derivation. It is taken from Ishida AIChE J 14 (1968) 311 (also very similar to that derived by Ausman Chem Eng Sci 17 (1962) 323) and concerns the derivation of the general non-catalytic shrinking...
  46. feyn

    Is our current math even suited for general relativity ?

    i have a question, that nobody seems to be able to answer : is math actually suited for reality ? Basically the idea is that reality seems to be granular, for example we have planks time. Usually the difference is so small, that is doesn't matter, but if you bring things like infinity into the...
  47. George Jones

    New Book: Special Relativity in General Frames by Gourgoulhon

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/3642372759/?tag=pfamazon01-20 http://www.springer.com/physics/theoretical,+mathematical+%26+computational+physics/book/978-3-642-37275-9 I have just ordered (actually, my wife did, but she has yet to realize this :biggrin:) this new, comprehensive, advanced book on...
  48. G

    What Defines the Nth Prime Number in Mathematics?

    Dear Forum, Does every sequence have a general term? What is the definition of the general term of a sequence? Best wishes
  49. QuantumCurt

    Recommendations for General Chemistry text

    Hey everyone, I was hoping someone could point me towards a good General Chemistry textbook. I just finished General Chemistry I last semester, and I'm taking part II next semester. We didn't have a required text for the class (nor did we even really need one), but I want to get a good...
  50. R

    How hard is the ACS General Chemistry 1 Exam?

    Hi. Tomorrow I am taking the ACS General Chem 1 exam as a final. It's supposed to be 40 questions but I heard it is incredibly difficult. I currently have a 95% in my class and need to get at least 24 out of 40 to get an A for the semester. The problem is that my class was so easy (we got to use...
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