Can one truly master physics or is there always more to learn?

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The discussion centers on the challenges of providing input on complex college-level physics and mathematics problems, particularly for those who primarily tutor at the high school level. Participants express a desire to contribute despite feeling underqualified, raising questions about the appropriateness of sharing opinions without full confidence in their accuracy. There is a consensus that while it’s beneficial to engage and share insights, caution is advised when uncertain about the correctness of answers. The conversation also touches on the nature of mastering physics, with the view that mastery is elusive and learning is a continuous process. Participants acknowledge the frustration of wanting to help while recognizing their limitations, and suggest prefacing uncertain responses to indicate their level of confidence. Overall, the dialogue highlights the balance between participation and the responsibility of providing accurate information in educational discussions.
RaulTheUCSCSlug
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I love tutoring physics and mathematics at the high school level. But when it comes to some of the questions here that are much more conceptual and are college level math and physics problems, I am hesitant to answer, since I might be wrong. But I still want to offer an input and try to help?

Is it wrong that I want to express my point of view in a problem even though I might not have the sufficient knowledge to solve such problem? I am not very good at physics, but that is my major. :cry::cry::cry:

Does one just get better at Physics over time? Does one ever master physics? When does one know when one has mastered a subject? :oldconfused:
 
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RaulTheUCSCSlug said:
I love tutoring physics and mathematics at the high school level. But when it comes to some of the questions here that are much more conceptual and are college level math and physics problems, I am hesitant to answer, since I might be wrong. But I still want to offer an input and try to help?

Is it wrong that I want to express my point of view in a problem even though I might not have the sufficient knowledge to solve such problem? I am not very good at physics, but that is my major. :cry::cry::cry:

Does one just get better at Physics over time? Does one ever master physics? When does one know when one has mastered a subject? :oldconfused:
It's good that you want to participate, but it's not all that great an idea to give an answer that you are not sure of since there are lots of folks here who do know what they are talking about. Like you, I wish I were one of them.

One thing you can do is, if you are pretty sure you've got it right, is to preface your answer with something like "as I understand it". I do that and when it turns out that I DON'T actually understand it, folks are reasonably polite about setting me straight :smile:
 
RaulTheUCSCSlug said:
I love tutoring physics and mathematics at the high school level. But when it comes to some of the questions here that are much more conceptual and are college level math and physics problems, I am hesitant to answer, since I might be wrong. But I still want to offer an input and try to help?

Is it wrong that I want to express my point of view in a problem even though I might not have the sufficient knowledge to solve such problem? I am not very good at physics, but that is my major. :cry::cry::cry:

Part of knowledge is knowing when to shut up :wink: So if you feel that you might be wrong or that you like the sufficient knowledge, then it is better to remain silent.

Does one just get better at Physics over time?

Yes, most definitely.

Does one ever master physics? When does one know when one has mastered a subject? :oldconfused:

I don't think somebody ever masters a subject. There is always more to learn. I still learn new point-of-views about simple calculus every time I look at it!
 
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micromass said:
Part of knowledge is knowing when to shut up :wink: So if you feel that you might be wrong or that you like the sufficient knowledge, then it is better to remain silent.
Yes, most definitely.
I don't think somebody ever masters a subject. There is always more to learn. I still learn new point-of-views about simple calculus every time I look at it!

Right, just seems so frustrating when I thought I would be able to help others out more. I do give then a heads up that the answer i give is what my intuition says. I like to reinforce what I have learned in my physics courses by trying to apply it daily. Even if I haven't mastered it.
 
phinds said:
It's good that you want to participate, but it's not all that great an idea to give an answer that you are not sure of since there are lots of folks here who do know what they are talking about. Like you, I wish I were one of them.

One thing you can do is, if you are pretty sure you've got it right, is to preface your answer with something like "as I understand it". I do that and when it turns out that I DON'T actually understand it, folks are reasonably polite about setting me straight :smile:

The amount of folks so dedicated to helping the physics community is quite impressive...
 
RaulTheUCSCSlug said:
The amount of folks so dedicated to helping the physics community is quite impressive...
Nah, we do it for the money, although I have to admit Greg hasn't paid us in a long time. Or ever.
 
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