Recent content by Niteo

Homework Statement a) Find a mechanical system that is approximately governed by \dot{x}=sin(x) b) Using your physical intuition, explain why it now becomes obvious that x*=0 is an unstable fixed point and x*=\pi is stable. Homework Equations \dot{x}=sin(x) (?) The Attempt at a Solution...

Hello all, I am still an undergraduate, but I would like to ask a really naive question. From a cosmological point of view, does the necessity for the introduction of Dark Matter and Dark Energy in order to satisfy our current models of prediction mean that our models are fundamentally...

In my experience, being torn between two things like this can be self-destructing depending on how un-interested you are with your major. I was previously in my 5th semester of my mechanical engineering degree, but I was very certain that I would be much happier studying physics (I was doing a...

Paul Erdos life style for the win! I pay my way through college with money I make from research positions and competitions, I live out of two brief cases, and I sleep on my friends floor. This summer I am going to an REU with the Princton Plasma Physics Laboratory. There is a passage from the...

What in the world are you talking about?? Hard work always pays off! I would suggest you to talk to your professors if you are having troubles. If you are as motivated as you allude to, you should have no problem getting them to help you better understand the material (typically even the worst...

I think it is very beautiful that you are so critical about the procedure here; it really brings home the point that lasers are not to be played with. I assure you that I have been warned repeatedly about the dangers of visible and non-visible lasers, and it is expected of me to discuss my...

Yes indeed, I am aware of the dangers, but I will definitely look over them more before I ever flip the switch, and we have a lot of high grade goggles :) I just need to redirect the light into a certain direction so that it illuminates a flow of particles in a wind tunnel. Thanks for the help...

Well, the lasers we are using are pretty high power, and I want to learn more than what's in my university physics book. You sure there's not a popular "optics for dummies" that all the experimentalist tote around?

Hello all, I need to design an experimental apparatus that involves manipulating the path of a laser. Thus far I only know the bare basics about optics and I have never attempted optical apparatus design, does anyone know a book that is a really good reference for experimental applications of...

Hey all, I am currently a sophomore in Physics with a Math minor. For this upcoming semester I will be taking 13 credits towards my major/minor: Physics III (mostly waves and optics), Mathematical Methods for Physicists I, Introductory Modern Physics (special relativity and quantum theory...