How do famous physicists create their formulas?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process by which famous physicists create their formulas, exploring the initial steps, influences, and methodologies involved. Participants touch on theoretical and historical aspects of formula development.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how constants are connected to proportionalities in formula creation and requests a step-by-step example.
  • Another participant suggests that specificity is needed, citing Newton's formulation of ##F=ma## as an example.
  • It is proposed that the process begins with observation and insight rather than just proportionalities and constants.
  • A humorous comment suggests an absurd method involving mystical elements for formula creation.
  • One participant states that formulas are either fitted to empirical observations or derived from fundamental facts, which are then tested against observations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the initial steps of formula creation, with no consensus on a singular method or approach. Multiple competing perspectives remain regarding the influences and processes involved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of constants and proportionalities in physics are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the specific methodologies used by physicists in creating formulas.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the historical and conceptual development of scientific formulas, as well as those curious about the creative processes of physicists.

timespeed
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So how does one create a formula. I've seen that it starts with proportionalities and constants, but how does one connect a constant to a proportionality? Can you provide a step by step example?
 
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I think you need to be a little more specific. Like, how did Newton come up with the formula ##F=ma##? Still, I don't see what you are trying to get at here.
 
It starts with observation and insight, not proportionality and constants.
 
 
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they look into a cristalball and then they smoke ganja and pray to Manon. And then the formula just shows up in their dream in bright hot magenta (new times roman font).
 
Famous or no, either one fits a formula to experimental observations (called empyrical formulae), or they are derived from more fundamental facts/assertions, where they are then subsequently tested against observation.

Claude.
 
thank you cwatters
 

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