Recent content by octol

  1. O

    Different matrices for the same linear operator

    Is this really correct? I thought it was the other way around? *confused* i.e that the matrix to change the basis from B to E is the matrix where the columns are given by the vectors of B?
  2. O

    Different matrices for the same linear operator

    How do you check this explicitly then i the above case? Sorry I'm a bit lost here.
  3. O

    Different matrices for the same linear operator

    Consider the linear operator T on \mathcal{C}^2 with the matrix \bmatrix 2 && -3\\3 && 2 \endbmatrix in the standard basis. With the basis vectors \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \bmatrix i \\ 1 \endbmatrix, \quad \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \bmatrix -i \\ 1 \endbmatrix this operator can be written \bmatrix 2+3i...
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    Undergrad Don't understand this simple vector space problem

    yes I understand that the null space of ST i zero, and that null(T) is a subspace of null(ST), but how can we say that null(S) is a subspace of null(ST) ? I must be doing some kind of faulty thinking :(
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    Undergrad Don't understand this simple vector space problem

    Don't understand this reasoning with respect to linear operators. Let S and T be linear operators on the finite dimensional vector space V. Then assuming the composition ST is invertible, we get \text{null} \; S \subset \text{null} \; ST Why is that? I thought hard about it but I simply...
  6. O

    Graduate What motivated Einstein to develop GR?

    I always thought it was to find a relativistically correct theory of gravitation. But I might be very wrong...
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    Programs What can I do with a BSc. Degree in Physics

    My guess: engineering jobs that are a bit more theoretically demanding, or graduate school.
  8. O

    Glass Ceiling in Science and Engineering

    Yes I know that here in Sweden there are twice the amount of women in higher education compared to men. It's probably the same situation in most western countries.
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    What Are the Essential Classic Physics Textbooks?

    A few more are: Shankar Sakurai (modern, not advanded) Kittel (solid state, thermal physics) Feynman lectures Peskin & schroeder Zee Zwiebach MTW, gravitation Weinberg, the quantum theory of fields
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    Schools Graduate School (Masters in Math) Question

    At least in my case, the general trend was the important thing. I had pretty bad grades the first year but by the last year I had top marks only, this made it very easy to get into a top graduate school (in Sweden). Also, grades in relevant subjects seems more important than average grade, at...
  11. O

    Which Quantum Mechanics Book Should I Choose for My Upper Undergrad Class?

    yes, although only parts of Bransden.
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    Which Quantum Mechanics Book Should I Choose for My Upper Undergrad Class?

    I vote for Shankar then. For me it is by far the best text on QM. Easy to read yet more advanced than the standard introductory texts such as Griffiths. If you work through Shankar and understand it all I say you get a very good understanding of QM, including an introduction to path integrals...
  13. O

    Which Quantum Mechanics Book Should I Choose for My Upper Undergrad Class?

    Isn't Sakurai "Modern Quantum Mechanics" more for a grad course in QM? I think it even states that in the introduction...but I could be wrong
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    Which Quantum Mechanics Book Should I Choose for My Upper Undergrad Class?

    Bransden is very good IMO.
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    Programs Note-taking in undergrad degrees

    I never ever use my notes either. I take notes mainly to stay away (and alert) during classes. And besides, why look up stuff in your notes when the lecturer usually follows a book anyway (hence you can find more detailed info in the book). This of course only applies to undergrad courses (for me)