Because Physics is better than your major

  • Thread starter Thread starter Pengwuino
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Major Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the appeal of physics as a field of study, particularly in relation to experimental work and the excitement of engaging with advanced technology. Participants share their experiences and opinions on the value of physics compared to other disciplines, including engineering and biology, while also exploring the nature of experiments involving materials like tin foil and duct tape.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enthusiasm for physics, highlighting the thrill of working with large experiments and the unique opportunities it provides, such as interacting with Nobel Prize winners.
  • Others question the use of materials like tin foil in experiments, with some humorously suggesting its role in creating "tin foil hats."
  • There are claims that experiments in mathematics can be conducted with less resource expenditure compared to physics experiments, leading to a debate about the value of different fields.
  • Participants discuss the engineering efforts behind experimental setups, acknowledging the collaboration between physicists and engineers.
  • Some participants note that many tools used in biology originated from physics, suggesting a shared technological heritage.
  • One participant provides a technical explanation regarding the use of aluminum foil in vacuum systems to enhance heating during experiments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the superiority of physics versus other fields, particularly mathematics and biology. There is no consensus on which discipline is "better," and the discussion remains open-ended with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the nature of experiments and the roles of different disciplines, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes humor and informal language, reflecting a casual exchange of ideas rather than a formal debate.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the interplay between physics, engineering, and biology, as well as those curious about experimental methodologies in various scientific fields.

  • #31
DoggerDan said:
Are fish and squid typical Italian foods?

They're certainly typical Davian foods...:!)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
DoggerDan said:
Are fish and squid typical Italian foods?

I just can't picture penguins chowing down on a pizza and a pasta! Mama mia!
 
  • #33
chiro said:
I just can't picture penguins chowing down on a pizza and a pasta! Mama mia!
Anchovy pizza and krill pasta.
 
  • #34
I thought you were a math guy Peng Peng
 
  • #35
HeLiXe said:
I thought you were a math guy Peng Peng

Sigh... learn your algebra!
 
  • #36
Pengwuino said:
So sometimes people ask "why physics?" and I tell them about all that BS about learning how the world works, doing stuff that challenges me and interests me...

but this is the actual answer:

15x4hub.jpg


X-ray laser experiment designed to be awesome

23k6cn6.jpg


ZOMG WHAT IS THAT?!?

fe3wba.jpg


More awesome. AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT DOES.

o6bi38.jpg


Okay this is more badass when they're actually here doing experiments

2z4l9pe.jpg


SLAC Main Control Center, and the people working there act like they don't have a sweet *** job.

349ck0o.jpg


Oh and to top it all off, dinner with a Nobel Prize winner.

SO WHERE WAS I?

Oh, right, I was at the Stanford Linear Accelerator National Lab for the APS CA/NV section meeting. They gave us a tour of the accelerator facility and here are my crappy photos. For cereal, though, what other areas (I know this isn't just a physicist's job) gets to play with awesome, massive experiments like this? Hell, I gave a talk, so the room was paid for by the APS! Then, oh, right, freaken Nobel Prize winner. How many people in other majors get to say stuff like that?

So, in conclusion, Physics is just better than whatever you're studying. I'm hyper right now.

DISCUSS!

I took that tour once. Steven Chu had just won his Nobel Prize and was the guest speaker.

Cool place!

Why Physics? Do they offer other degrees as well?
 
  • #37
Pengwuino said:
Sigh... learn your algebra!

You see! You even act like a math guy:-p
...well come to think of it, math guys are less stuck up about their mathness :biggrin:
 
  • #38
The more I look at these photos the more the evidence pops up into my eyes. This is a time travel machine. Pictures 4 and 5 clearly show they are having some fun either watching the universe at time 0 s or 10^200 years forward. Don't be surprised if their next paper will refute the Big Crunch theory.
 
  • #39
russ_watters said:
I do air conditioning because its cool. :cool:

*giggles*

I can always default to: I get paid to talk about sex.
 
  • #40
Pengwuino said:
So, in conclusion, Physics is just better than whatever you're studying. I'm hyper right now.
Nah... engineers get to play with (and wreck) some big boys toys as well as physicists.

A pity about the stilted commentary on the video, but the nail-biting was genuine enough. Been there, done that...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #41
fluidistic said:
The more I look at these photos the more the evidence pops up into my eyes. This is a time travel machine. Pictures 4 and 5 clearly show they are having some fun either watching the universe at time 0 s or 10^200 years forward. Don't be surprised if their next paper will refute the Big Crunch theory.

Hmm, I was thinking it was a parallel universe generator.
 

Similar threads

Programs Studying Physics Courses at 50 years old
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
10K
Self Learning Math/Physics
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
3K
Programs Should I double major in Applied Math and Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Should I Switch Majors or Schools to Secure a Better Future?
  • · Replies 125 ·
5
Replies
125
Views
10K
Programs Should I major in physics or engineering?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Programs Best Engineering Major for Undergrad?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Is a Physics Major the Right Path for Me?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Major in Mathematics and Physics
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Choosing the Best Major for My Passion: Astro/Physics, Computer Science, or AI?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Programs Physics major - Is a minor in Computer Science worth it?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
11K