The Power of Quantum Field Theory: Tips for Studying at 15

[Moayd Shagaf]

I'm 15 years old boy, and I have pure interest in physics , and I really love to study things like Quantum Field Theory, but my dad won't let me! so how I deal with him?

 

[berkeman]

If you are doing great in all of your classes at school, he should probably be okay with you doing extra studying. How are you doing in school? Does your school have a Physics Club?

 

[Moayd Shagaf]

will I'm good in my school , he said to me this is an adult things , and you waste your time! but I have an excellent grades in Math and Physics , actually I have the best grade in physics in the entire school!

 

[berkeman]

Is there something else he wants you to study instead? As long as you are comfortable learning more math and physics, you can start to learn more advanced subjects early. Have you studied Calculus yet? At what level?

 

[Gigaz]

I'm 15 years old boy, and I have pure interest in physics , and I really love to study things like Quantum Field Theory, but my dad won't let me! so how I deal with him?

Your dad is right ;) Quantum field theory is typically taught at a university to students who had about 5 semesters of advanced mathematics. Your ambition is honorable. Ask your dad to explain special relativity or something.

 

[Moayd Shagaf]

Is there something else he wants you to study instead? As long as you are comfortable learning more math and physics, you can start to learn more advanced subjects early. Have you studied Calculus yet? At what level?

Well, we will learn calculus next year! but actually I already Learned It to my self! I also learn other things learn complex analysis,PDEs

 

[Moayd Shagaf]

Do you think It will be good if I have a physicists friends?

 

[berkeman]

Do you think It will be good if I have a physicists friends?

Of course, that is why I asked if your school has a Physics Club. Or a Math Club? If not, consider talking to your teachers to see if they can help you start one...

 

[Moayd Shagaf]

Of course, that is why I asked if your school has a Physics Club. Or a Math Club? If not, consider talking to your teachers to see if they can help you start one...

Yes It actually have, Thanks Guys I'll i think it surely be work

 

[fresh_42]

Well, we will learn calculus next year! but actually I already Learned It to my self! I also learn other things learn complex analysis,PDEs

Don't get stopped by answers using "later", "at university" or similar nonsense. I remember when I was in my late high school years and I asked my math teacher what a gradient is, because I've read it in a book about particle physics which I borrowed from the library, he answered that it is something learned at the university and too difficult to explain. I became (and still am) angry about this answer, the moment I realized what it is and that it had been quite easy for him to explain to me. Maybe he had forgotten it himself, but then he should have said so. It isn't shameful something not to know, but to hide behind excuses is. So don't get stopped. Most things aren't that difficult, once you understood the ideas and concepts behind. The main barrier is to get used to the different ways of thinking. To understand QFT you certainly need to understand some fundamentals in mathematics first: linear algebra, calculus and function theory. So one of the hurdles are the mathematical tools, which are needed because it is the language the physical knowledge is written in. But the sky is the limit! It can be learnt, and if you have questions, you'll always be welcome to turn to PF and ask.

 

[jtbell]

To understand QFT you certainly need to understand some fundamentals in mathematics first: linear algebra, calculus and function theory.

There are also physics prerequisites, e.g. "ordinary" quantum mechanics; special theory of relativity using four-vectors; and electromagnetism as formulated in a relativistic way using four-vector notation.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Don't get stopped by answers using "later", "at university" or similar nonsense.

While I agree with this, there is also the other side of the coin: self-taught people who end up getting only a very superficial knowledge, usually because they try and whip through the material. Our younger members seem particularly susceptible to this.