Recent content by PhysicallyAbel

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    Can I succeed as a physicist without natural ability in math?

    To micromass, I'm just now diving into vectors and two and three dimensional motion. I went back to reteach myself Calculus and it's been a lengthy process. I enjoy doing it in my spare time though. I'm only on Chapter 3 in an undergrad textbook, so I know next to nothing. When I said I wanted...
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    Can I succeed as a physicist without natural ability in math?

    I'm having serious problems deciding on a path for my education. Recently I've self-studied physics and considered a physics major, but I'm having problems staying motivated and interested in it. The math is also becoming a problem. I'm not sure that I would survive 4 years of it. The main...
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    Projectile Motion: Where Did I Go Wrong?

    Hard to believe I would get confused with something so simple. You are awesome, and I appreciate you helping me understand!
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    Projectile Motion: Where Did I Go Wrong?

    I understand what you are saying. I've only studied one-dimensional motion and (believe it or not) I haven't learned about vectors or two-dimensional motion at all. Would this problem then require more than just knowledge of one dimensional motion?
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    Projectile Motion: Where Did I Go Wrong?

    This is what I'm not understanding. If the initial velocity is actually 0 m/s, then why would the equation state it is 7.0 m/s.
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    Projectile Motion: Where Did I Go Wrong?

    We are using the positive x-axis for the direction of time. They got +2 seconds, I'm getting +2.8 seconds. Does that clear it up? I'm kind of confused so I apologize if I'm not making sense.
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    Projectile Motion: Where Did I Go Wrong?

    They solved for time first, as I did, using the equation for position. X=VoT+1/2AT^2. Their equation is: -20=0t+1/2(-9.8)t^2. When they solved for t they got t=2 seconds. This is where I am confused because the equation states initial velocity is 7.0m/s, yet they use 0. That's where I need help.
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    Projectile Motion: Where Did I Go Wrong?

    Homework Statement A projectile is fired horizontally from a height of 20 meters above the ground, with an initial velocity of 7.0 m/s. How far does the projectile travel horizontally before it reaches the ground? Homework Equations X=VoT+1/2AT^2 The Attempt at a Solution I solved for time...
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    One-Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration

    Homework Statement A rock is released from rest from the top of a very high cliff, and accelerates downward at g. Approximately how far does the rock travel in the first 7 seconds of its free-fall? (Assume no air friction.) Homework Equations X=Xo+VoT+1/2AT^2 The Attempt at a Solution I...
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    How many equations for kinematics?

    This is a small question about the actual number of kinematic equations. I've seen many websites derive 4 different equations, but some only use 3. The 4th equation that I have yet to see be put to use is xfinal=xinitial+1/2(vinitial+vfinal)(time) Could someone explain why some do not mention...
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    Motivation for research and careers in physics

    I've been struggling to find my own motivation for studying and researching physics, so I wanted to pose this question to anyone willing to answer. What is your motivation/drive/ambition to study physics? What do you hope to accomplish with a career in physics? And finally, was there a moment...
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    Learning math/physics with a learning disability.

    Though I've never been officially diagnosed (I avoid doctors at all costs), I've always had problems concentrating and retaining new information. My brain is always working overtime and it makes it difficult to sit down and study a subject. I often have to reread a sentence or equation 10 times...
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    Schools Math major + physics minor for grad school

    Do you know how successful their graduate studies have been without the physics major?
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    Schools Math major + physics minor for grad school

    I really appreciate the advice you are giving me, and it has certainly forced me to rethink my position. In regards to your question, could you elaborate on the double major? If I transfer to another school from a math major into a physics major, I would've thought that I would only be getting...
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    Programs Not enough intelligence for physics major

    Typical high school mathematics (algebra 1 and 2, trigonometry, geometry, precalc). My last semester I took Honors Calculus, which is why I was surprised that I struggled so much with one dimensional motion as I know how to do derivatives. Though I took algebra 1 in middle school, and I...
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