Recently, I want to write something about data in physics

In summary, this article discusses a machine learning program that was used to extract equations of motion for a compound mechanical pendulum. After being successful with this application, the program was tried on cellular data. However, due to the lack of a theoretical explanation for the results, the biologists were not able to publish them.
  • #1
Pring
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Nowadays, the machine learning of computer science is hot. It is based on data, and drove by data. Thus, a question is naturally coming out: the data in physics, and the models of data. I think it is a really empirical way to know how physicists do the same thing as the computer scientists. So could you give some examples about the data in physics or give the links?
 
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  • #2
Good. Is thee anything we can help you with? A question, perhaps ?

Did you notice your post got an 'advanced' tag, meaning PhD level ?
 
  • #3
Pring said:
Nowadays, the machine learning of computer science is hot. It is based on data, and drove by data. Thus, a question is naturally coming out: the data in physics, and the models of data. I think it is a really empirical way to know how physicists do the same thing as the computer scientists.
Are you investigating the question, whether the current physics (mathematical formulas) will be once replaced by neutral networks, which predict the outcome of experiments?
 
  • #4
A.T. said:
Are you investigating the question, whether the current physics (mathematical formulas) will be once replaced by neutral networks, which predict the outcome of experiments?
That's a horror idea! I just think of the key idea 'from data to model' in physics instead of investigating it.
 
  • #5
There is a fundamental weakness in using machine learning methods in science. Once we discover something we need to be able to explain it but that might not be possible.

Cornell has a program that extracted the equations of motion for a compound mechanical pendulum using lots of data with no knowledge of physics. It worked so they tried it on some cellular data and discovered some behavior in cells never before quantified as an equation. However the biologists said they couldn't publish because they didn't have a theory to explain the result.

https://www.wired.com/2009/04/Newtonai/
 
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  • #6
jedishrfu said:

If you follow that link deep enough, you discover it spawned a company, which was then bought by an agricultural seed company, which uses it to evaluate hybrid seeds to market to farmers! You may even be eating the results in your next meal.

So it appears there was a use for the program after-all!
 

1. What is the importance of data in physics?

Data is crucial in physics as it provides evidence and supports theories and hypotheses. It allows scientists to make accurate predictions and draw conclusions about the physical world.

2. How is data collected in physics?

Data in physics can be collected through various methods such as experiments, observations, and simulations. Instruments and tools are also used to gather precise measurements and observations.

3. What type of data is commonly used in physics?

In physics, both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) data are commonly used. Quantitative data is used for calculations and statistical analysis, while qualitative data is used to describe and explain phenomena.

4. How is data analyzed in physics?

Data in physics is analyzed through mathematical and statistical methods. This includes plotting graphs, calculating averages and standard deviations, and using equations and models to interpret the data.

5. What are some challenges in working with data in physics?

One of the main challenges in working with data in physics is ensuring its accuracy and reliability. Other challenges include dealing with a large amount of data, selecting appropriate analysis methods, and interpreting the data accurately to draw meaningful conclusions.

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