Science Culture

Inside the Scientific Box: History and Challenges Today

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1 Comment
In Memoriam In Memory of Dr. Thomas J. LeCompte (1964-2025), Detector Designer and Champion of Education and Science. Prologue Defining "the box" Someone…
Carl Sagan

Popular Science Communication: Bridging Science & Public

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19 Comments
Abstract Famous Science Communicators There is so much to say about the many endeavors by professional scientists to explain to us the world. The list…
teaching physics

A Lesson In Teaching Physics: You Can’t Give It Away

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A central principle of Physics Forums regarding homework help is not to provide solutions on demand but to guide students along a path to the answer. The…
math classifications

Mathematics Fields & Applications: A Structured Guide

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Introduction I often read questions about our classification scheme that we use on physicsforums.com to sort posts by science fields and subjects, what…
blackboard

10 Math Things We All Learnt Wrong At School

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10 Comments
Some of these could even lead to heavy debates within the scientific community, so maybe I should say: from my point of view. So before you get excited…
Learn the Math

I Know the Math Says so, but Is It Really True?

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104 Comments
I'm sure anyone who has hung out long enough here on Physics Forums has encountered threads that go something like this (I'll use an example based on threads…
block universe time illusion

Does the Block Universe of Physics Mean Time is an Illusion?

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29 Comments
I have written many Insights (and coauthored an entire book) explaining how the puzzles, problems, and paradoxes of modern physics can be attributed to…
mechanical conservation of energy

Why Bother Teaching Mechanical Energy Conservation?

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7 Comments
Note: It is assumed that the reader has read part I and part II of the series. Earlier partsIs Mechanical Energy Conservation Free of Ambiguity? …
Physics Olympiad Corrections

ASOE Physics Past Exams: Yearly Issues & Corrections

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3 Comments
ASOE Physics — Review of Past Exam Issues ref: http://asi.edu.au/programs/past-exams/physics-olympiad-past-exams/Classification of issues: [1*]…
artificial intelligence

AI and Learning: How It Impact Our Future

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PF Advisors: How AI Will Affect STEM — Part 3We asked our PF Advisors, "How do you see the rise in AI affecting STEM in the lab, classroom, industry,…
artificial intelligence

How AI Is Changing STEM Labs, Classrooms & Industry

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We asked our PF Advisors: “How do you see the rise in A.I. affecting STEM in the lab, classroom, industry, or in everyday society?” We received so…
artificial intelligence

How the Rise of AI Is Transforming STEM: Labs to Classrooms

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1 Comment
We asked our Physics Forums (PF) Advisors: "How do you see the rise of AI affecting STEM in the lab, classroom, industry, and everyday society?" We received…
jrmichler engineer interview

Interview with Engineer jrmichler

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Today we get to know a little more about Engineering Mentor jrmichler! Tell us a bit about your education and academic years Two years college (UW-Madison)…
Science Authority

How Non-Scientists Should Evaluate Scientific Claims

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66 Comments
How should non-scientists evaluate scientists' public claims? In a previous article, I discussed why scientists (among others) are rarely interested…
mary Somerville

Mary Somerville: Scottish Polymath & RAS Honorary Member

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Mary Somerville & Caroline Herschel: Google DoodleGoogle Doodle: Mary Somerville and Caroline Herschel The Google Doodle for 2 February 2020 celebrated…
grab bag science quiz

Grab Bag Science Quiz and Trivia

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16 Comments
Time to test your science knowledge with a fun 10 question quiz with random questions across all sciences. Difficulty is easy to medium. As always, post…
Kuhnian Revolution

Modern Physics Understood as an Unrecognized Kuhnian Revolution

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16 Comments
People often claim on Physics Forums and in the foundations community proper that quantum mechanics is "incomplete." Indeed, Lee Smolin recently wrote…
what if physics questions

How to Ask ‘What If’ Physics Questions: Avoiding Pitfalls

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5 Comments
Overview of "What If" Questions We receive many "what if" questions here on Physics Forums. This article explores three common types and offers suggestions…
What are significant figures

Significant Figures: Rounding Rules & Examples for Science

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Definition / Summary Significant figures (commonly called "sig figs") are the digits in a number that are considered when rounding a value to reflect…
writing proofs

How to Write a Math Proof and Their Structure

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1 Comment
Proofs in mathematics are what mathematics is all about. They are subject to entire books, created entire theories like Fermat's last theorem, are hard…
20 year tech predictions

Revolutionary Technologies and Discoveries in 20 Years

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10 Comments
Experts weigh in: Most revolutionary technologies and discoveries in the next 20 years We asked our Physics Forums science advisors, "What technology…
create a universe story

How to Create a Universe: Instructions for an Apprentice God

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11 Comments
Preface (-: ##~~~## A fantasy to be read at leisure time ##~~~## :-)Background & Links Written October 7, 1999 to relax from the strains of…
science major advice

Aiming High and Managing Distractions as Keys to Success for Science Majors

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2 Comments
Overview Over the years, I've noticed some distinct trends among the physics and chemistry majors I've mentored and worked with. Those with GPAs in…
against quantum interpretations

Against “interpretation”

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195 Comments
Against interpretations in QM I am against "interpretations" of Quantum Mechanics (QM) in a sense in which John Bell [1] was against measurement in QM…
abacus introduction

Suanpan & Soroban: History, Design, and Usage Guide

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7 Comments
Introduction Overview Abacuses are commonly seen in ancient civilizations around the world as a convenient tool for simple calculations. In this article…
Interview with Michio Kaku

Michio Kaku Interview — Peak Oil, String Theory & Space

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Don't forget to read Part 1 of this interview. Peak Oil and Future Energy Sources Professor Kaku, what do you think of "peak oil"? How serious is it,…
Michio Kaku Interview

Michio Kaku Interview — Physics, String Theory & Future

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We are happy to present this archived interview with Dr. Michio Kaku, conducted in 2004. Michio Kaku is an American theoretical physicist, futurist, and…
inventions

Inventions and Inventors Quiz and Trivia

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26 Comments
Time to test your inventions, inventors and patent knowledge. As always there is no prize, so try without Google. Post your score in the comment thread.…
engineer anorlunda

Interview with Engineer Mentor anorlunda

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2 Comments
Tell us about your school years? Part of my story is sad but common. I was a poor student. I didn’t pay attention, and I never did homework even once;…
bhobba physics interview

Interview with Physics Mentor bhobba

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2 Comments
Give us an executive summary on bhobba I was born in Toowong Brisbane Australia 17/11/1955, and was raised in suburbs around Toowong - Toowong itself,…
physics blogs

What Are Your Favorite Science or Math Blogs?

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7 Comments
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us what their favorite science or math blog is (other than PF Insights).We also have a physics blog list here.Here…
whosaidwhat

Match the Scientist with the Story Quiz

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15 Comments
Among the most famous people are often geniuses. It's hard to tell whether this is the reason for the many anecdotes which are told about them, or whether…
information definition

How to Better Define Information in Physics

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11 Comments
Introduction When I ask questions about the conservation of information I frequently get the reply, “It depends on what you mean by information.”  …
Niels_Tuning2

Interview: Niels Tuning — LHCb Run Coordinator at CERN

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2 Comments
Physics Forums is pleased to introduce Niels Tuning. He's a physicist working as the Run Coordinator for the LHCb experiment at CERN. Apart from the questions…

What Academic Advice Would You Tell Your 18 Year Old Self?

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27 Comments
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us what academic advice would you tell your 18 year old self. Here are their responses… PF Advisors' Academic AdviceThanks…
advisor_textbooks

What’s Your Most Memorable Textbook?

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13 Comments
We asked our PF Advisors to tell us their most memorable or influential textbook and why. Here are their responses... PF Advisors' Favorite TextbooksThanks…
bizarro univerise

Lessons From the Bizzaro Universe

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23 Comments
The terms Bizarro and Bizarro World originated in Superman comics, where strangely imperfect versions of Superman, other action characters, and even Earth…
adam_becker

Adam Becker — What Is Real? Quantum Foundations Explained

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134 Comments
Adam Becker is an astrophysicist and science writer whose first book, What Is Real?: The Unfinished Quest for the Meaning of Quantum Physics, has just…
classicalphysics

Addressing the “Classical Physics Is Wrong” Fallacy

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186 Comments
Introduction One of the common questions or comments we get on PF is the claim that classical physics or classical mechanics (i.e. Newton's laws, etc.)…
cliffordjohnson

Clifford V. Johnson: The Dialogues & Science Outreach

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7 Comments
Clifford V. Johnson is a professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at USC. He says, "I mainly work on (super)string theory, gravity, gauge theory…

Name the Science Book Author Quiz

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24 Comments
Let's see how well you know your science book authors. Some are classic, some modern! Don't forget to post your score in the comment thread linked at the…
drak

Interview with a Mentor: Drakkith

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7 Comments
Give us an early bio on yourself Well, I was born and raised near Dallas, Texas as the only boy of 4 children. I grew up with 3 sisters, though I had…
debatetips

3 Tips for Calmer, Civil Debate and Better Conversations

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20 Comments
Introduction Civil discussion and debate are critical to Physics Forums. But it is also important in everyday life. When arguments get overheated, people…
textbook

The Birth of a Physics Textbook: An Author’s Journey

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73 Comments
 It is said that you should accomplish three things in life:Plant a tree. Have a child. Write a book.Out of the three, I have…
workethic

Why Work Ethic Is a Key to Success for Science Majors

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25 Comments
Student Success and Key Factors After earning a 4.0 GPA in his first semester as a Physics major at an esteemed state university, our son (and homeschool…
arnold

Arnold Neumaier Interview: QFT Foundations & Thermal

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39 Comments
Please give us a brief background on yourself Over 40 years ago, I studied mathematics, physics and computer science in Freiburg and Berlin (Germany).…
unitsworkforyou

How to Make Units of Measurement Work for You

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13 Comments
How do we use units? You may see one of these speed limit signs, nearly every day. Even though neither of them displays units, drivers know they are implied.…
10mathtips

Exam Tips & Test Strategies: Practical Study Techniques

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25 Comments
Managing Exam Stress Exam situations are always situations of stress. It comes with our endeavor to be as good as possible and our fear of failure. Some…
jimbiology

From Biology to Sysadmin: Career Insights & Advice

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17 Comments
Interview: From Biology to Programming, Sysadmin, and Life in New Mexico What got you interested in biology? I was an amateur naturalist as a kid. I…
name_the_scientist

Name the Scientist Quiz and Trivia

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27 Comments
Time to test your scientist photo recognition skills! As always please post your score in the comment thread at the end.Ready for your next quiz?…
pamelagay

Pamela Gay Interview — Astronomy, Citizen Science & Outreach

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2 Comments
Please give us a bit of background into your educational and professional life. I'm a public school kid through and through. After going to the local…
undergradresearch

Finding Niches for Publishable Undergraduate Research

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6 Comments
What 'Publishable' Means Undergraduate interest in research is a good thing; it's even better if they aspire to publish their work for review and consideration…
coldquestioning

How to Ask Questions Effectively and Avoid Cold Questions

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70 Comments
Common Questions We Receive We frequently get questions such as these:"What is energy?""What are Cooper Pairs?""What is conservation of momentum?"etc...etc. Why…
physicslab

Revamping Undergraduate Introductory Physics Laboratory

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19 Comments
Introduction This is a compilation of my blog entry on this singular "project" to change the way we conduct the introductory physics laboratory in most…
frasercain2

Q&A With Universe Today’s Astronomer Fraser Cain

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4 Comments
Video Q&A: Fraser Cain (Universe Today) Special thanks to Universe Today founder Fraser Cain for this fascinating video Q&A. All questions were…
sabine1

Sabine Hossenfelder: Dark Matter, Gravity & LIGO Interview

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18 Comments
We are pleased to introduce Sabine Hossenfelder. Sabine is a theoretical physicist at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies. She also authors…
learned

Learning to Learn: Key Skill for Aspiring Physicists

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9 Comments
Context: The Question I Get Asked I mentioned in an earlier Insight what I think are the most important things you can learn by being on Physics Forums.…
scavengerhunt2

PF Insight Scavenger Hunt 2

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4 Comments
We have an amazing count of over 320 Insights published at Physics Forums. Now we test to see how much you remember from some of them. If you need a hint…
experimenthistory

Ancient Experiments: Elijah, Psammetichus, Early Science

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11 Comments
Overview In this Insight, I'm going to talk about two of the first science experiments in recorded history. One was allegedly performed by the Prophet…
boatramps

Real Research in Unexpected Places; Boat Ramps

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4 Comments
Read part 1 -Backyards, Barns, Bayous Air Force Academy appointment When I was offered a job at the Air Force Academy, it seemed like an opportunity to…
nasa

NASA Quiz and Trivia: Test Your NASA Knowledge

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26 Comments
Since the mid 20th century NASA has been a force in aerospace research and programs. Let's find out just how much you know about it's history, programs…
jimhardy

Jim Hardy: Nuclear Engineer — Energy Insights & Hobbies

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9 Comments
Give us a little background on Jim Hardy Born and raised in Miami, Florida, to parents with roots in Springfield, Missouri. So at heart I'm a small‑town…
highercategorytheory

Why Higher Category Theory in Physics?

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30 Comments
 This here is my personal story. For an alternative introduction see my talk: Higher Structures in Mathematics and Physics.Initially,…
steven

Interview with Physics Mentor: Stevendaryl

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5 Comments
Give us a brief history on stevendaryl I was born and raised in the American South, mostly living in Georgia. It's a Southern tradition, for some reason,…
fakenews

Spotting Fake Science News: Wendelstein 7‑X & Media

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107 Comments
Fake News, Data, and the Need to Check Sources During and even after the recent US election campaign, numerous reports of fake or misleading news were…
fishresearch

Real Research in Unexpected Places: Backyards, Barns, Bayous

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2 Comments
Challenging the Myth of Institutional Labs 21st-century science labors under the myth that good experimental science requires expensive lab facilities…
stephenhawkings

Stephen Hawking Quiz: Think You Know Stephen Hawking?

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22 Comments
Stephen Hawking has been a giant in the science world for decades. He has been a accessible figure with his willingness to reach out to the public in various…
whystudyphysics

Why Study Physics? A Bit Goes a Long Way!

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6 Comments
Why Study Physics? If you don’t plan to become a scientist or an engineer, is there a good reason to study physics?  I say, “Yes,” because knowing…
davidhestenes

David Hestenes on Geometric Algebra: Applications & Learning

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14 Comments
For those who don't know the great David Hestenes, he is the inventor of the geometric algebra formalism of physics. Here we go!1) What is the…

Interview with Science Advisor DrChinese

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6 Comments
We are pleased to share with you an interview with PF Science Advisor and one of our founding members: DrChineseWho is DrChinese and share some early…
govandteachers

Fixing Scientific Integrity: Teachers, Editors, and Data

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46 Comments
Introduction The article, "Governmental policy is wrecking science," makes some interesting points but is fundamentally in error, because government…
davidgriffths

David J. Griffiths Interview: Teaching Quantum Mechanics

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35 Comments
We are pleased to introduce David J. Griffiths, one of the most successful physics textbook authors. Odds are if you studied physics in college, you've…
spacetimecon

Struggles with the Continuum: Spacetime Conclusion

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4 Comments
 We've been looking at how the continuum nature of spacetime poses problems for our favorite theories of physics --- problems with infinities.…
namethephoto

Name the Science Photo Quiz

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16 Comments
Summer is almost over, but the fun doesn't have to stop! Take a look at the photos below and see if you can identify them.  Post your score in the comment…
quantumhard

Why Quantum Mechanics Feels Difficult — Mathematical Bridge

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253 Comments
[CONTENT] QM's formalism Overview of the formalism Strangely enough, quantum mechanics (QM)'s formalism isn't any more difficult than other areas of…
introphysics

So I Am Your Intro Physics Instructor

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14 Comments
I posted this elsewhere (on my blog), and someone mentioned that maybe it might also be useful here on PF. So I'm reproducing the entire entry here in…
nugatory

Interview with a Physics Mentor: Nugatory

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5 Comments
Give us a little background on yourself? I was born in Washington DC, grew up in Texas, bachelor's in physics from Harvard in 1978 but found a career…
selfstudy

Why Self-Studying Math Often Fails: 5 Common Pitfalls

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49 Comments
My experience helping self-studiers For several years I have helped students who were self-studying mathematics. I did this free, without compensation,…
seancarroll

Sean Carroll Interview: Cosmology, Books & Insights

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10 Comments
We are pleased to introduce Sean Carroll. Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist at Caltech specializing in cosmology and quantum mechanics. He has a…
physicsathome

High School Physics: Courses, Resources, and Prep Guide

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2 Comments
Why High School Physics Matters A year-long high school Physics course is important preparation for all college majors in science, engineering, and medicine…
themoon

Moon Quiz: Test Yourself on the Moon

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36 Comments
For ages it has been Earth's little sister. Find out just how much you know about the Moon and our relationship with it. Please post your score in the…
mathjax

Peter Krautzberger on MathJax — Accessibility & Future

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3 Comments
We are pleased to introduce Peter Krautzberger. Peter is a manager for MathJax, the technology behind the display of equations on Physics Forums. "The…
logicp2

Scientific Inference: Do We Really Need Induction?

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14 Comments
  Part 2. "We don't need no stinkin' induction" -- Sir Karl Popper The traditional scientific method supposedly employs induction both in the…
antigravity

Roger Babson & the Gravity Research Foundation History

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13 Comments
Roger Babson and His War on Gravity In the early 20th century, an eccentric businessman named Roger Babson declared gravity to be mankind's greatest…
mathresources

Top High School College-Prep Math Options & Resources

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13 Comments
The popularity of homeschooling and failures of the public schools often present the need for parents to teach or supplement college preparatory math courses…
logic1

Hume and the Problem of Induction in Science Explained

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39 Comments
Click for Full SeriesPart 1: Logical induction ain’t logical Part 2: We don’t need no stinkin’ induction Part 3: Balancing Predictive Success…
drclaude

Interview with Chemical Physicist: DrClaude

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5 Comments
DrClaude is a mentor at Physics Forums!What brought you to Sweden from Canada? Life, the Universe, and Everything. While in Canada, I was offered the…
peterdonis

PeterDonis Interview – Physics Mentor on Science & Tech

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8 Comments
PeterDonis is a Physics Mentor at Physics Forums. About PeterDonis I have been interested in science since childhood. I hold two degrees in Nuclear Engineering…
mathiq

Can You Succeed in Mathematics? Common Concerns Answered

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22 Comments
Introduction We often see threads from new members asking whether they are cut out for mathematics, physics, engineering, or other technical fields.…
personaltheories1

Why Won’t You Look at My New Theory?

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290 Comments
In any forum where science is discussed, there will always be people who have a great new personal theory and can't understand why no one else is interested…
highschoolmath

College-Level Math Options for High School Students

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21 Comments
This insight is written for high school students who don't feel very challenged by their high school courses or who want a taste of what university mathematics…
scienceprojects

Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects & Mentoring

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1 Comment
Abstract Over the past few years, the author and his wife have served as teachers, qualified scientists, mentors, and/or parents on dozens of science projects…
carlo

Carlo Rovelli Interview: Insights on Physics & Life

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6 Comments
Please give us a bit of background on your life and professional experience Life: Born and educated in Italy; I then spent 10 years in the United States…
scavengerhunt

PF Insights Scavenger Hunt

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9 Comments
Have you been keeping up with reading each PF Insight? Let's find out! Every question's answer can be found in a PF Insight. Hint links are included if…
johnbaezp2

John Baez Interview — Math, Climate & the Anthropocene

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13 Comments
Read part 1 of this interview. Tell us about your experience with past projects like "This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics". I was hired by U.C.…
johnbaezp1

John Baez Interview — Mathematical Physicist & Networks

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20 Comments
We are proud to introduce you to Mathematical Physicist and PF member John Baez! Give us some background on yourself I'm interested in all kinds of mathematics…
garrettlisi

Garrett Lisi: E8 Theory, Surfing & Physics Interview

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4 Comments
We are pleased to introduce Theoretical Physicist and Physics Forums member Garrett Lisi, an experimental surfer who developed a distinctive approach to…
berkeman

Interview with an Electrical Engineer: Berkeman

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18 Comments
Can you give us a brief history of berkeman? I grew up in a military family (my dad was an Army colonel), so we moved all over the place when I was a…
chemist

Interview with a Chemist: Borek

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37 Comments
Give us a brief history of Borek Note: text below is of a negative pedagogical value, don't read it if you are younger than 20, attending school or still…
zapperz

Interview with a Physicist: ZapperZ

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22 Comments
This is a new Interview category for Insights. While I line up some great new interviews I’ll be migrating some previous mentor interviews. ZapperZ…