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theName()
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How do physicists do this?
HallsofIvy said:The most systematic way is this:
Do lots and lots of experiments on the specific subject you are interested in. For example Gallileo roled a lot of balls down inclined planes, measuring their speeds a different points.
Try to find some "property" that does not change or changes in some simple way. Gallileo found that the velocity of the balls changed, approximately, as the time, leading to the conclusion that v= at and so a, the "acceleration" was constant. He also conjectured that acceleration of falling balls would be constant (he used inclined planes because the velocity of falling balls was too difficult to measure a number of times), then did modified experiments on falling balls to confirm that acceleration was constant.
Other experiments with collisions between balls moving on a flat plane showed that while velocities and angles could change in complicated ways, certain combinations of those remained constant, leading to the concepts of "momentum" and "kinetic energy".
HallsofIvy said:The most systematic way is this:
Do lots and lots of experiments on the specific subject you are interested in. For example Gallileo roled a lot of balls down inclined planes, measuring their speeds a different points.
Try to find some "property" that does not change or changes in some simple way. Gallileo found that the velocity of the balls changed, approximately, as the time, leading to the conclusion that v= at and so a, the "acceleration" was constant. He also conjectured that acceleration of falling balls would be constant (he used inclined planes because the velocity of falling balls was too difficult to measure a number of times), then did modified experiments on falling balls to confirm that acceleration was constant.
Other experiments with collisions between balls moving on a flat plane showed that while velocities and angles could change in complicated ways, certain combinations of those remained constant, leading to the concepts of "momentum" and "kinetic energy".
theName() said:Are there systematic methods to finding laws of nature? How do physicists do this?
the experience can suggest us useful mathematical concepts but in any case can we deduce them from it. The experience remains of course the only criterion which validates the utility of a mathematical concept for physics…but in some sense I consider true the fact that pure reason is able to grasp Reality, the dream of the Ancients.”
My view may be expressed by saying that every discovery contains 'an irrational element', or 'a creative intuition', in Bergson's sense. In a similar way Einstein speaks that "there is no logical path... to these laws. They can only be reached by intuition, based upon something like intellectual love".
But in one point the present opinions of most philosophers and scientists seem to agree, that the inductive procedure is not, so to speak, a mechanical procedure prescribed by fixed rules. If for instance a report of of observational result is given...there is no set of fixed rules which would lead automatically to the best hypothesis or even a good one. It is a matter of ingenuity and luck for the scientist to hit upon a suitable hypothesis...I am completely in agreement that an inductive machine, which when fed with observational reports would always furnish a suitable hypothesis, is not possible...
The term "systematic methods" refers to a set of organized and rigorous procedures that are used to investigate and understand the natural world. These methods involve developing hypotheses, conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results in a logical and structured manner.
Scientists use systematic methods to discover and understand the laws of nature by following a step-by-step approach. This involves making observations, formulating testable hypotheses, designing experiments, and analyzing data to determine patterns and relationships. Through this process, scientists can uncover fundamental laws that govern the behavior of the natural world.
Some examples of systematic methods used by scientists include the scientific method, which involves making observations, asking questions, and testing hypotheses; controlled experiments, where variables are manipulated and controlled to determine causation; and statistical analysis, which helps to identify patterns and relationships in data.
The use of systematic methods allows scientists to approach their research in an organized and structured manner, which helps to reduce bias and increase the reliability of their findings. It also allows for the replication of experiments and the verification of results, leading to more accurate and trustworthy conclusions.
While systematic methods are an essential tool for scientific research, they do have some limitations. For example, the complexity of natural systems and the presence of confounding variables can make it challenging to isolate and understand specific laws. Additionally, some phenomena may be difficult to study in a controlled environment, making it challenging to apply systematic methods effectively.