Recent content by SublimeGD

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    Are Carbon-Oxygen Double Bonds More Stable Than Single Bonds?

    2 quick ochem questions... 1. Why is a carbon oxygen double bond more thermodynamically stable than a carbon oxygen single bond? 2. Can -OH be a leaving group in basic conditions, it would seem strange to protinate it in basic conditions? Thanks!
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    How is Sulfur Involved in 3 Pi Bonds in Sulfur Trioxide?

    I'm just curious about how the sulfer's molecular orbitals would be described in sulfer trioxide. I can see that the molecule is trigonal planar, but how is it involved in 3 pi bonds? Also I'm sure that a d orbital or two is involved... but can't sp3d, sp3d2 orbitals only do sigma bonds? Thanks.
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    What Happens to My Wave-Like Nature When Driving at Half the Speed of Light?

    Say I was to somehow get in a car and drive at half the speed of light or so... my wave-like nature would show up right? What do you think this would look like from my perspective? from an observers perspective? What does it even mean to acquire a wavelength. What kind of wave do I become...
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    Wow, this thread has far exceeded my expectations. Everyone keep up the good work.
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    :rolleyes: Just a layman with a graduate degree in theoretical physics... :rolleyes: I just want a "conceptual" explanation. If that is not possible, can someone please just say its not possible? For example, if I asked for a layman's explanation of general relativity I would expect...
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    No, the question is still there. Can someone please provide a quick dumbed down conceptual summary of the contents of the Lisi paper?
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    I suggested that "analogy" to illustrate my frustration with trying to get a dumbed down explanation of the contents and implications of the Lisi paper. I am aware that theoretical physics is a different beast all together, and requires a different approach to gain even a grain of...
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    Exactly. Its like if I asked in an optometry forum for a layman's explanation of how the eye worked, then got redirected to wiki articles on cell biology and biochemistry. Maybe your right, and there just is no possible layman's explanation for this type of topic. In regards to my question...
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    Thanks! I was hoping that Feynman quote would motivate someone to give the time of day to a lowly undergraduate like me. I didn't mean to give the impression that I am entirely unversed in physics... although that is probably true from the mathematical sense (undergraduate introductory physics...
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    from http://chronicle.com/jobs/v45/i47/4547ctlyst.htm Richard Feynman, the late Nobel Laureate in physics, was once asked by a Caltech faculty member to explain why spin one-half particles obey Fermi Dirac statistics. Rising to the challenge, he said, "I'll prepare a freshman lecture on it."...
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    What is E8 Theory and How Does It Relate to String Theory?

    I don't have much of a math/physics background, undergraduate physics and calculus is where I stopped... yet I find theoretical physics extremely interesting. The recent online hype about the "E8 theory" only really discusses the fact that Lisi likes to surf and doesn't wear a pocket protector...
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    Engineering: Intelligence and Skill Required?

    Have any of you actually taken an IQ test? I think everyone should google IQ tests and read a little about it. It seems like everyone is spouting off comparing IQ tests to SAT tests and other standardized tests... apples and oranges. There is some b.s. to the IQ test, but it has some merit...
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