Physics Definition and 985 Threads

  1. T

    B Thinking about a calendar epoch based on the field of physics

    I was thinking about an idea of a calendar epoch based on the field of physics, and its thinking about which event should be used as the epoch so I have this idea and just wondering what you guys might think about it I initially landed upon two ideas, one pretty ancient and the other kinda...
  2. Graham87

    Condensed Matter Physics - Fermi velocity, etc.

    I have made solutions a-d, but my fermi velocity seems too big.
  3. strangerep

    I Jansky: When Physics Majors Should Expect It

    At what point during study for a reputable physics degree should one normally encounter the "Jansky"? I.e., at what point is it reasonable for a lecturer (or textbook writer!) to assume the existence and meaning of "Jansky" as basic prior knowledge?
  4. Jan Berkhout

    Calculate the best angle for maximum light dispersion through a medium

    I first thought that the angle would have to be maximum when it is closest to the critical angle for total internal reflection. From my lectures the equation for the critical angle is ##\theta _1>\ sin ^{-1} \left( \frac {n_2} {n_1} \right),## so as ##n_2 = 1##, we have ##\theta _1=\sin...
  5. CPW

    My favorite physics problem not is not an end-of-chapter problem

    In physics pedagogy, the routine is to introduce new material in lectures and then practice the material in end-of-chapter problems. This problem, shown below, familiar to many of us on PF, is my favorite. One must get to intermediate mechanics class in undergraduate physics studies to finally...
  6. Frostyscie

    Programs Which physics concentration should I declare for my degree?

    Hello. I am a non-traditional undergrad, currently conducting materials and electrochemistry research (optics, photonics, semiconductors, energy storage). Before going to college (post-secondary), I had extensive experience in bioinformatics and biomolecular research. Although it is not yet the...
  7. X

    B Multimode optical fiber, physics beginner help :D

    Hello ! I have a problem understanding how light works in multimode optical fiber. What do I mean in single-mode optical fiber there is single light which contains information. In multimode there can be multiple lights with multiple information. Like here 1st picture contains multiple...
  8. L

    Mathematical equations to ask questions about physics- Who teaches this skill?

    I'm a retired Engineer. I want to learn methods to formulate equations to ask questions of physics phenomenon. What school teaches this and by whom? Can anyone point me there?
  9. R

    I New Nobel Aspect contradicts himself on action at a distance bel

    Alain Aspect got a Noble Physics prize for experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities and pioneering quantum information science. According to this article https://phys.org/news/2022-10-quantum-entanglement-spooky-science-physics.html Aspect is quoted as...
  10. Duplex

    B Will Quantum Entanglement Lead to a 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics?

    Quantum entanglement...
  11. malawi_glenn

    Superdeterminism and the Mermin Device: A New Perspective on Bell's Inequality

    https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2022/popular-information/ Using groundbreaking experiments, Alain Aspect, John Clauser and Anton Zeilinger have demonstrated the potential to investigate and control particles that are in entangled states. What happens to one particle in an entangled...
  12. CPW

    Musing on which element discussed most in physics class

    My child is learning the periodic table for science class, memorizing elements 1 - 20. Middle school. While I assisted, I mused on the elements and on which are discussed most in physics classes. Here is my ranking of the top three: 1. Z=1 2. Z=2 3. Z=92 Do you agree?
  13. robphy

    Nobel Prize in Physics (nominees 1901-1970)

    Interesting... "Physics Nobel nominees, 1901–70" https://physicstoday.scitation.org/do/10.1063/PT.6.4.20220929a/full/ is an update extended to 1970 of "Physics Nobel nominees, 1901–66" (2017) https://physicstoday.scitation.org/do/10.1063/PT.6.4.20170925a/full/ related...
  14. N

    How do I calculate physics formulas containing derivatives and real numbers?

    Hi, I'm trying to calculate my own physics problem but didn't get it something. When I'm trying to calculate the impulse of the object when it's hit by F=10N force in the smallest possible time, then should I write: dP/dt = Fnet => dP = Fnet*dt ? Another question: In general, if I calculate...
  15. Superlieutenant1

    Physics of Blood Pressure and Blood Energy

    Hello I am a physiology student who is curious about the physics underyling blood flow and pressure. I have taken physics classes however at the elementary level the focus is on ideal fluids in systems with no friction. I would appreciate any answers or if you could point me in the right...
  16. D

    A Energy hypersurface in a phase space (statistical physics)

    what is the reason for that the energy hypersurfaces in a phase space, which belong to systems with constant energy are closed? ( see picture )
  17. S

    Predictions for the 2022 Physics Nobel Prize

    Summary: Predictions for the 2022 Physics Nobel Prize As the Nobel week is coming closer, what are your predictions for this year Nobel Prize in physics?
  18. A

    I Required Strength of a Strap connecting 2 Rolls

    Hello, I am trying to figure the strength (in lbs) of a strap needed to attach 2 Rolls together without breaking. Each wheel has a weight of 1000lbs and a diameter of 30in. If there is required information missing, let me know.
  19. beethovenscroissant

    Admissions Climbing my way to a Physics PhD 10 years after a Philosophy BA

    Hi all! It's been a decade since I graduated with a bachelor's in philosophy. I went to an ivy planning double major with physics, but I ultimately dropped the latter after my introductory courses and graduated with a poor GPA (2.7). To save you the sob story, I basically had no ability to cope...
  20. L

    Looking for Nuclear Physics Research Problems

    Homework Statement:: nuclear/atomic physics research problem Relevant Equations:: research problem please Hi all Anyone who can help me to get a research problems based on advanced nuclear physics please... Thank you all
  21. Quantour

    Admissions BS Physics to Ph.D. in Computer Science

    I am currently a final-year undergraduate student whose primary major is Physics. I double major in Computer Science, and my grade is currently near-top in my department from a prestigious university (non-US, top in my country). My research experience during undergrad has primarily been about...
  22. L

    B This rocket physics problem seems unrealistic

    Ok, so here is what i am trying to do. Find apogee of a model rocket i built using a C motor, then i need to calculate terminal velocity, but something is not adding up, i get a really really high apogee, almost a mile. STAGE 1: I have a c6-7 rocket motor which provides 10N-s of impulse, and...
  23. BadgerBadger92

    Intro Physics Best Physics, Algebra, and Trigonometry Textbooks (Modern)

    I am looking for good textbooks in physics, algebra, and trigonometry textbooks that are up to date and a good read. I heard that Feynman’s Lectures was really good. Is it still up to date enough? Any opinions?
  24. Saalz

    Engineering Applying Physics to Vehicle Dynamics: Do Wheel Number Matter?

    I was modeling the dynamics of a vehicle for a project, and started doubting about the way of applying physics in this particular case. The thing is, I know the torque in the wheels from the torque the electric motor I designed do provide, multiplied by the gearbox ratio. I also know the...
  25. casparov

    I Physics of paper absorbing Water -- Doesn't this decrease Entropy?

    Summary: doesn't this decrease entropy ? Cellulose is known for its hydrophilic quality, which can be explained from the polarity of its hydroxyl groups. We all know water can overcome the force of gravity through a piece of paper you put in the water. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is a...
  26. Azerack

    Admissions Safety School Programs for a Physics PhD

    Hi, this is my first time using the Physics Forums so please let me know if this question belongs somewhere else. I'm a senior undergraduate at a mid-size institution in the United States seeking to purse a PhD in High Energy Theoretical physics or Quantum Information/Computing. I'm aware these...
  27. warhammer

    Question on Emission Spectra/Spectral Series | Atomic Physics

    (I need help with the 2nd part as I can answer the theory part properly). For E=4 eV we can find the wavelength of emitted photon. E= 4 eV = 6.4087e-19 J Using E= hc/λ we get λ=310 nm (approx) My doubt is that this should fall in the Balmer Series but we know that the lowest wavelength value...
  28. Y

    Friction problem in HS physics -- Mass moving on an inclined plane

    This is a homework problem of my grand daughter. The question is to find out the conditions of an object M on a slope with angle shown and applied force "F". I find there are 3 conditions, sliding up, sliding down and not moving. This is my work. I just want to get comments on my work: At the...
  29. yucheng

    Is there any physics to this 'punch'?

    Where the fingers (extended) go first, then only the knuckles. Is it supposed to be more effective? I believe it will break your fingers instead. An example
  30. Demystifier

    I Nature Physics on quantum foundations

    The editors of high impact journal Nature Physics explain why the field of quantum foundations is important for physics. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-022-01766-x
  31. Spiffyline153

    I Uncovering the Secrets of Water Slide Physics

    I'm a researcher hoping to look at some papers on the technical aspect of water physics on a water slide. Does anyone have resources or pointers for me? Essentially, I'm trying to find the optimal amount of water needed to propel a passenger down a standard straight water slide, but I don't know...
  32. MarkTheQuark

    What are the biggest recent advances in physics?

    My girlfriend is in her undergraduate biology course, and one of her professors said the following sentence: "Physicists are jealous of Biologists, as their field has been stagnant for years, with no new things to discover." I know this isn't true. I even got to argue with her about how this is...
  33. M

    What are the most important secrets of physics today?

    Hello. I wonder about the most important secrets of physics today. Once it was the "secrets of atom". Countries were in a race to be the first to do "atomic bomb." For that reason, America started the Manhattan Project. Similary, do you know names of the most important developments of physics...
  34. P

    What Drives My Passion for Physics and Chemistry?

  35. F

    B Positive Definite Cartan Matrices in Quantum Physics

    As I was looking for an example for a metric tensor that isn't among the usual suspects, I observed that the Cartan matrix I wanted to use is positive definite (I assume all are), but not symmetric. Are the symmetry breaks in quantum physics related to this fact?
  36. TGV320

    Classical Looking for introductory level physics textbook

    Hello, I am currently preparing to learn the 8.01 course "Physics I" via the MIT OCW and I am trying to find an adequate textbook for that purpose. In the three courses that I have found, the first two use: Young, H. D., and R. A. Freedman. University Physics. which is quite expensive in my...
  37. M

    Working electrical engineer transitioning to physics?

    Hi everyone, I'm new here but I've come across PF many times as viewer while searching for clarifications and exercise solutions. I think this should be the right place to ask for advice. My background: 30-ish years old, got my BSc and MS in Electrical Engineering in 2017. The courses were...
  38. KayT256

    B What does "1 diopter of astigmatism" mean?

    The measurement for astigmatism is diopter. But what does 1 diopter of astigmatism mean? Thanks a lot if you help me figure this out!
  39. P

    Education articles about Astronomy helping learning Math and Physics

    Is there any specialize articles that talk about how Astronomy can help learning Math and Physics? In particular, how observational astronomy can help in the learning process of Math and Physics.
  40. lee6853

    MCNP and simple nuclear physics

    Hi guys! I'm a master's student majoring in nuclear engineering in graduate school. I have a few questions while doing research, so I'm writing this here. My research is simple. We conduct neutron analysis to convert a research reactor using highly enriched uranium into a low enriched uranium...
  41. P

    Is undergraduate modern physics hard?

    How hard is it compared to undergraduate thermodynamics? Is it harder or easier?
  42. DennisN

    Physics experiments that changed the world (video)

    If you enjoy both physics/science and history like me, you may enjoy this video from the Royal Institution. It's about groundbreaking experiments (no theoretical physics); X-rays, particles etc. I'm only 45 minutes in so I haven't seen the entire video yet, but I wanted to share it...
  43. F

    Career Direction after rough end to Physics degree

    I recently graduated last year with a BS in Physics. To say that it was rough would be an understatement. I started off my degree very well, getting nearly all A's and A-'s. My performance would decline for various reasons, though mostly due to mental health which spiraled and became a bad...
  44. Manuel Cardoso

    Calculus book for 14 year old physics enthusiast

    Hello, I'm trying to learn calculus, what books would you recommend? For a beginner.
  45. Y

    Wanting to get an Online Bachelor's Degree in Physics

    Can I get an online bachelor in physics because I live in a country with law education rank in natural sciences
  46. Glenstr

    Lake Hydrology Physics: Observing Shoreline Changes

    I live on a lake, and have for almost 3 decades now. Every year I watch shoreline changes, from year to year and shorter timespans, sometimes just days. The lake is large in surface area at 236 km2 (91 sq mi), but with an average depth of only 28' probably relatively small in volume for its...
  47. A

    Programs Advice for majoring in theoretical physics

    I am going into my senior year of hs next year and I am meditating on what I should major in. I have a keen interest in physics but also a love of math. The field in physics I would like to major in is theoretical physics/astrophysics, and the pure maths I am interested in are diff, algebraic...
  48. H

    A Is there a lost information paradox for quantum physics?

    Hi Pfs, When Stephen Hawking proposed the idea of black hole information it appeared that information could be lost. it was a problem in GR which is a dererminitic theory. Knowing initial data and Hamiltonian tells you what was and will be. It is not the case in quantum physics. things evolve...
  49. Swamp Thing

    JavaScript Physics engine with "angular stiffness" at joints

    I have been experimenting with a minimal "toy" physics engine for JavaScript, called verlet.js but now I want to switch to a more versatile and feature rich engine. One feature I would like to use is the ability to assign a reference angle to a pair of segments (i.e. links, i.e. distance...
  50. TGV320

    Studying Should I first study the math or math and physics at the same time?

    Hi everyone, After completing high school, I will enroll this fall at a 3 year technical school in China studying industrial robotics, but I still plan on getting into an undergrad physics program at a later time. (Some colleges can allow a transfer to their undergrad program after technical...
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