Recent content by mal4mac

  1. M

    Studying Can a background in applied math prepare me for a PhD in physics?

    Wouldn't it be possible to to do a PhD in Applied Math and find a physics professor who wants some equations solved? With a degree in applied math, mostly A's, you don't need to impress anyone by taking physics exams on your own, in your spare time... in fact, that's likely to appear "too much"...
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    Studying GCSE Best Websites/Subscriptions?

    I doubt anyone has gone through all the sites comparing them. Do you really need to use sites like this? I got straight As in GCSE physics, chemistry and biology without using anything other than school textbooks. If you don't have a good textbook, then check out Amazon reviews.
  3. M

    Computing graduates deemed unemployable

    The hard and interesting part of computer science, as analog says, is design. So the important parts of the course are things like "design patterns" and "object orientation". These are probably best learned in a language like Smalltalk, which ('cause the "real world" is crazy!) is not much used...
  4. M

    How are you supposed to "Study" physics?

    Th original problem statement says nothing about tension in the rope! Can't we just assume the rope transmits all the force F?
  5. M

    Improve Your Math Skills: Tips for Boosting Your Intelligence and Confidence

    What was your problem with the rope question? It seemed obvious, even to rusty old me, to do simple algebra: x - longer length y - shorter lengths x = 5y x + 2y = 140 Obviously 7y = 140 y = 20 x = 100 So you mixed up the longest and the shortest piece. Are you expecting just to instantly...
  6. M

    Engineering Little concern about choosing the practical major between astronomy and engineering

    Are you Canadian? If so then your nationality may be a problem - I vaguely recall that the only(?) British astronaut had to get US citizenship before NASA would take him.
  7. M

    How are you supposed to "Study" physics?

    Isn't that just the force F in the left horizontal direction? (The only other force on block is the force of gravity downward: Mg)
  8. M

    How are you supposed to "Study" physics?

    Neither do I. Isn't it the same force?
  9. M

    How are you supposed to "Study" physics?

    Do you understand the problem now? I couldn't tell from your description if you were happy with it now, or not. Put your working down *step by step* and we might see where you are going wrong. Here's my step by step reasoning, which may be wrong - I'm rusty on this stuff! M - mass block m -...
  10. M

    Help me to solve the equation from Thermodynamics

    You need to say what all those variables represent, and what equation(s) you have from which you wish to derive this one. What is the actual full question you are trying to answer?
  11. M

    Help Others in Higher Level Math & Statistics: What's the Best Action?

    Go with your instincts to help them out with hints, and lengthy tutoring (if necessary.) Make the world a better place, not a dog eat dog hell! Note, just giving them the answer is not helping anyone. You need them to get to the answer themselves, in their own way, even if it means sitting down...
  12. M

    Dependent upon solution manuals and rant about school

    If you just spoon feed students the answers, will they ever struggle to work out anything by themselves? Will they gain real understanding or just kid themselves they understand the "online answer"? If you get totally stuck on a problem, then you can go and see your tutor or professor. If they...
  13. M

    How hard is it to become a professor

    This stress on teaching is a bit worrying; to make professor you should want to do research. If you want to teach, why not teach school?
  14. M

    What are the best high-energy physics establishments?

    There are 3000 physicists from all around the world who spend some time at CERN, and some time back at their home universities. So it might be worth exploring possibilities at Universities with heavy involvement at CERN. Read "Smashing Physics" by Jon Butterworth - he's a professor at UCL, so...
  15. M

    Physics What Do You Need to Know About Becoming an Experimental Physicist?

    Try reading "Smashing Physics" by Jon Butterworth.
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