How much time it takes to know all physics concepts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of learning all physics concepts, particularly in the context of pursuing advanced studies and research in fields such as advanced physics, astronomy, space science, and cosmology. Participants explore the challenges of mastering a vast subject area and the implications of specialization.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn all physics concepts necessary for research after completing their engineering degree.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of learning "all physics concepts," suggesting that specialization is necessary due to the vastness of the field.
  • Some participants agree that it is impossible to know all concepts and emphasize the importance of focusing on specific areas relevant to one's research interests.
  • A participant suggests that the original poster may be more interested in understanding how long it takes to build a solid foundation for research rather than learning every concept.
  • Concerns are raised about the challenges of self-study without mentorship, highlighting the importance of guidance in mastering complex subjects.
  • One participant humorously encourages the original poster to start discovering new concepts, implying that the pursuit of knowledge is ongoing and dynamic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is not feasible to learn all physics concepts and that specialization is necessary. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to achieving a foundational understanding for research or the time required to do so.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the scope of physics knowledge and the challenges of self-directed learning, particularly in the absence of mentorship.

VinayS
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I have completed my engineering by now. I have decided to continue my further studies in Mathematics and to be aware of all physics concepts required for research. How can I study all physics concepts from home and what time would it take for me ?
 
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Research in what field?
 
Nobody can learn "all physics concepts". Once you get past a certain point, you have to specialize, because there's too much for one person to know.
 
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Drakkith said:
Research in what field?
Research in advanced physics, astronomy, space science and cosmology
 
Khashishi said:
Nobody can learn "all physics concepts". Once you get past a certain point, you have to specialize, because there's too much for one person to know.
Yes that's right. Its not possible to know all concepts.
But i want to be aware of physics concepts needed for higher studies and research.
 
It is impossible. There's simply too much to know. If you've been trained as an engineer, then go be an engineer. If you want to be an astrophysicist, then go back to school to become an astrophysicist.
 
Rakesh Mittal, I'm not sure you're asking the question that you actually want an answer to. I suspect what you're really trying to ask is how much time is it going to take you to build a foundation strong enough that you can do research in these areas. Obviously a lot of that is going to depend on how much you are comfortable now, what other demands there are on your time, and how quickly you learn things.

Typically people start getting to the point where they can start doing mentored research about a year or so into their graduate studies. That's after having done a 4 year degree of full time study as an undergraduate. And even then, the research is very focussed in one area, and it requires a large degree of input from a supervisor who conducts independent research in the field.

Studying on your own, without mentorship is very difficult, because you don't have much by way of feedback to know if you're understanding things properly or not. That's not so say it's impossible, but if you're really serious about mastering physics to the point where you can do research in these areas, you should seriously consider graduate studies.
 
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It's pretty difficult to learn all Physics concepts because not only are there so many but there are probably just as many, or more, which we don't know about yet. Since you're such an eager beaver, start discovering a few of your own. There's a statue in Stockholm waiting for you if you do...
 

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