I'm 16 and need/want a life in Physics.

[An Open Mind]

Hello everyone, I recently found this site PhysicsForums and hope I can find some help from it. I've written a 6600 word essay on everything I learn from the Universe using youtube. I did it just for my own knowledge, how and why things work the way they do. I'm in grade 11 and almost going into grade 12 and I have not had any spark with any other subject. Except my class Science 21. Learning about atoms and different types of elements, planets, stars, collinising planets and soo much more. In my spare time I write pages and pages of my thoughts and ideas on how black "holes" work and what happens in the singularity. And many more crazy theory's I have running around up there. I have never been good at math because I didn't care for life; because I was fooled into religion when I was young. Since I found science I have escaped all of that and seek the truth on why and how the universe exsists. Theoritical Physics sounds like the Job for me. I enjoy learning math and am trying to catch up on my algebra. I love the thought of writting long equations and my mission is to figure out atleast one of most asked questions.

So the question I'm trying to ask is; To achieve my goals, what are the requirments for a Theoritcal Phyisist? - Thanks for reading you guys.

 

[Evo]

The physics science forum is for discussion of actual physics.

 

[micromass]

OK, I hate to break it to you, but watching youtube videos is not doing science. I don't want to discourage you, but rather I'm trying to set you to the right path. Stop watching youtube, and actually study things.

Study things like calculus and physics and work through a lot of problems. That's the ONLY way you're ever going to be a scientist. It takes a lot of work, but perhaps it'll be worth it.

 

[FlexGunship]

In my spare time I write pages and pages of my thoughts and ideas on how black "holes" work and what happens in the singularity.

I enjoy learning math and am trying to catch up on my algebra.

I sense a problem...

 

[Astronuc]

Hello everyone, I recently found this site PhysicsForums and hope I can find some help from it. I've written a 6600 word essay on everything I learn from the Universe using youtube. I did it just for my own knowledge, how and why things work the way they do. I'm in grade 11 and almost going into grade 12 and I have not had any spark with any other subject. Except my class Science 21. Learning about atoms and different types of elements, planets, stars, collinising planets and soo much more. In my spare time I write pages and pages of my thoughts and ideas on how black "holes" work and what happens in the singularity. And many more crazy theory's I have running around up there. I have never been good at math because I didn't care for life; because I was fooled into religion when I was young. Since I found science I have escaped all of that and seek the truth on why and how the universe exsists. Theoritical Physics sounds like the Job for me. I enjoy learning math and am trying to catch up on my algebra. I love the thought of writting long equations and my mission is to figure out atleast one of most asked questions.

So the question I'm trying to ask is; To achieve my goals, what are the requirments for a Theoritcal Phyisist? - Thanks for reading you guys.

Avoid youtube, learn to spell properly, particularly the word 'theoretical', and become proficient at advanced mathematics.

 

[FlexGunship]

Avoid youtube

Well... surely there's no reason to rush to such drastic measures. To the OP, an Open Mind, in the absence of any clear course of action always seek to learn more.

 

[DaveC426913]

Thanks, the first helpful comment. I will start researching calculus as soon as I get home. Thank you :).

AOM: it is helpful to provide context when you wish to respond to someone else's post. Use the quote button at the right of that post.

To respond to several posts, as you did above, use the Multi Quote feature. (Select Multi Quote for several threads, then select Quote on anyone to start)As for learning, Youtube may help you get interested, but what you really want to do is pick up books and read. They'll have higher quality than Youtube.

 

[An Open Mind]

AOM: it is helpful to provide context when you wish to respond to someone else's post. Use the quote button at the right of that post.

To respond to several posts, as you did above, use the Multi Quote feature. (Select Multi Quote for several threads, then select Quote on anyone to start)


As for learning, Youtube may help you get interested, but what you really want to do is pick up books and read. They'll have higher quality than Youtube.

Thanks mate I'm new at this I'll start using quotes. I actually was reading some of the asked questions on the forums and I saw you write something funny but I didn't know how to reply ;p Thanks for giving me some advice. Are there any books that you can recommend? - My generation uses computers and tech for there research so I havn't read a lot in my life. I'll give it ago though. I'm not sure if this is physics but I've been doing the basics of space like how planets/stars form and what elements they contain. I've moved onto Redshift and Arc secs which I'm slowly understanding, are there any good books on that?- Everything I read or learn I write in a microsoft powerpoint which I got roughly 6600 words in so far :D.

 

[An Open Mind]

Avoid youtube, learn to spell properly, particularly the word 'theoretical', and become proficient at advanced mathematics.

Ok thanks for the feedback. However youtube got me interested in physics and I'm not a mindless zombie believing everything I see and hear. There are some serious channels on youtube that make very good videos. One I use most is called SpaceRip.

 

[DaveC426913]

Are there any books that you can recommend?

There are others who could answer this better than I. The books I read are considered "pop-sci" in these parts.

 

[twofish-quant]

In my spare time I write pages and pages of my thoughts and ideas on how black "holes" work and what happens in the singularity.

Calm down a bit. One thing that you need to prepare yourself for is finding out that most of your ideas just won't work or have been thought of before.

I have never been good at math because I didn't care for life

You need to get good at math.

because I was fooled into religion when I was young. Since I found science I have escaped all of that and seek the truth on why and how the universe exsists.

Ummmmm... No. Science doesn't answer why. It answers what and how. If you try to use science as a substitute for religion you'll find yourself sorely disappointed.

Theoritical Physics sounds like the Job for me. I enjoy learning math and am trying to catch up on my algebra. I love the thought of writting long equations and my mission is to figure out atleast one of most asked questions.

Keep learning math since it will be useful. Get some experience as an undergraduate for what real science is like, and you'll find it to be a lot of grunt work. Don't close off your options. There are few theoretical physicists in the world in large part because most people end up disliking *doing* theoretical physics once they find out what it involves.

There's a big difference between watching people run a marathon and doing a marathon yourself.

 

[An Open Mind]

I sense a problem...

Tell me your concerns? I've only just learn't the basics of space give me a break I'm not as smart as you. I don't know what I wrote wrong in that paragraph.

 

[DaveC426913]

Tell me your concerns? I've only just learn't the basics of space give me a break I'm not as smart as you. I don't know what I wrote wrong in that paragraph.

People were concerned that you have been writing "your own ideas". You later correct this in post 8 by saying what you are writing is "what you have learned".

 

[romsofia]

To those who say "stop watching youtube", I would DISAGREE *gasp*. Youtube has so many videos, that he can learn calculus on it (I don't like the way khan teaches).

You said you want to learn some calculus, you should watch patrickJMT (he has helped when i needed to review something). I would suggest starting here on your calculus journey: and just learn from there.

Good luck.

 

[An Open Mind]

Calm down a bit. One thing that you need to prepare yourself for is finding out that most of your ideas just won't work or have been thought of before.



You need to get good at math.



Ummmmm... No. Science doesn't answer why. It answers what and how. If you try to use science as a substitute for religion you'll find yourself sorely disappointed.



Keep learning math since it will be useful. Get some experience as an undergraduate for what real science is like, and you'll find it to be a lot of grunt work. Don't close off your options. There are few theoretical physicists in the world in large part because most people end up disliking *doing* theoretical physics once they find out what it involves.

There's a big difference between watching people run a marathon and doing a marathon yourself.

Thank you so much, I was agreeing with you on everything you wrote except..I think my theory's do have a chance..you have not heard them yet ^.^. Anything could be possible after all it is a phenomenon?

 

[An Open Mind]

To those who say "stop watching youtube", I would DISAGREE *gasp*. Youtube has so many videos, that he can learn calculus on it (I don't like the way khan teaches).

You said you want to learn some calculus, you should watch patrickJMT (he has helped when i needed to review something). I would suggest starting here on your calculus journey: and just learn from there.

Good luck.

Thanks mate!

 

[DaveC426913]

To those who say "stop watching youtube", I would DISAGREE *gasp*. Youtube has so many videos, that he can learn calculus on it (I don't like the way khan teaches).

It's probably hard to go wrong learning calculus from an unverified source. But I'd draw the line there. The trouble is that, aside from the maths, science is a breeding ground for junk.

An well-known example is "What the Bleep Do We Know" which looks like its all about science, but it's all junk. Youtube has a very high incidence of junk because it's a self-publish format. There's no one to vet it. Books OTOH, in general must go through an editing process by a third party.

 

[An Open Mind]

There are others who could answer this better than I. The books I read are considered "pop-sci" in these parts.

Thank you I'll try and get a hold of that one aswell.

 

[micromass]

Try to get hold of the Feynman lectures. You'll love it.

 

[romsofia]

It's probably hard to go wrong learning calculus from an unverified source. But I'd draw the line there. The trouble is that, aside from the maths, science is a breeding ground for junk.

An well-known example is "What the Bleep Do We Know" which looks like its all about science, but it's all junk. Youtube has a very high incidence of junk because it's a self-publish format. There's no one to vet it. Books OTOH, in general must go through an editing process by a third party.

Well, I can't argue with that. Good point.

 

[An Open Mind]

It's probably hard to go wrong learning calculus from an unverified source. But I'd draw the line there. The trouble is that, aside from the maths, science is a breeding ground for junk.

An well-known example is "What the Bleep Do We Know" which looks like its all about science, but it's all junk. Youtube has a very high incidence of junk because it's a self-publish format. There's no one to vet it. Books OTOH, in general must go through an editing process by a third party.

I only use one called SpaceRip - They are somehow assosiated with NASA so I trust them. Yes I know I spelt assosiated wrong.

 

[An Open Mind]

- Calculus
Feynman lectures
Practical Analysis in One Variable" by Estep

Ok these all sound great - Sorry for this post I'm trying to keep things together and organised.

 

[micromass]

And use this for calculus: "Practical Analysis in One Variable" by Estep. It's a book suitable for high-schoolers.

 

[DaveC426913]

There are others who could answer this better than I. The books I read are considered "pop-sci" in these parts.

Thank you I'll try and get a hold of that one aswell.

What? I didn't list any!

 

[An Open Mind]

And use this for calculus: "Practical Analysis in One Variable" by Estep. It's a book suitable for high-schoolers.

Thanks once again. Before I jump into this pile of knowledge, what exactly is calculus? The only math I know is my times tables and a bit of algebra haha. I feel ready for any type of math though. I will not give up until I nail it and understand it.

 

[An Open Mind]

What? I didn't list any!

Oh I thought you said a book called "pop-sci" Haha I just read it again and I realized I had read it wrong sorry. By the way, when you are saying you RED something do you just write read anyway?

 

[DaveC426913]

Oh I thought you said a book called "pop-sci" Haha I just read it again and I realized I had read it wrong sorry. By the way, when you are saying you RED something do you just write read anyway?

Red is a colour. Yesterday I read a book. (It is pronounced "red" but spelled "read".)

 

[An Open Mind]

Anyone? What's calculus? An please give an example of it :) - Got to go to class I'll be back in 2 hours.

 

[romsofia]

Anyone? What's calculus? An please give an example of it :) - Got to go to class I'll be back in 2 hours.

Calculus is the study of change. If you know a little bit of algebra, here's a problem that would be hard and long to solve using algebra. Find the area under the function {x^{2}+x} between 0 and 5.

Using calculus we are able to use an operator called an integral which finds the area under functions. That's one example of calculus.

 

[DaveC426913]

I was going to cite an example of simple distance and speed of a moving vehicle. If you have one you can use calculus to determine the other. Though that's a pretty trivial case.

 

[An Open Mind]

Calculus is the study of change. If you know a little bit of algebra, here's a problem that would be hard and long to solve using algebra. Find the area under the function {x^{2}+x} between 0 and 5.

Using calculus we are able to use an operator called an integral which finds the area under functions. That's one example of calculus.

Straight up, WHAT! I'll try and understand it though, so the x is the digit you are trying to find? Wait omg there's 2 x's wait then..what does the 2 mean uh I'm going to be here for days.

Ok Hm..the little 2 is the thing that is inportant I'm guessing..wait urgh could you please explain it a little more, like what those digits mean?

 

[An Open Mind]

I was going to cite an example of simple distance and speed of a moving vehicle. If you have one you can use calculus to determine the other. Though that's a pretty trivial case.

It's so hard to understand something as simple as that um so, moving vehicle, if you have one you can use calculus to determine the other. What does that mean there's not enough info for me :/

 

[elfmotat]

It's so hard to understand something as simple as that um so, moving vehicle, if you have one you can use calculus to determine the other. What does that mean there's not enough info for me :/

Say there's a vehicle that whose velocity is given by (assume we're using SI units):

v = t^2

This means that if I give you a time then you can tell me how fast the car is moving. For example, I can ask "how fast is the car moving when t=3 seconds?" You say "the velocity is 3²= 9 meters per second."

Easy enough, but what if I asked you how far the car travels between t=1 second and t=4 seconds? That's a problem that requires calculus.

 

[Bourbaki1123]

- Calculus
Feynman lectures
Practical Analysis in One Variable" by Estep

Ok these all sound great - Sorry for this post I'm trying to keep things together and organised.

KHAN ACADEMY! For real, go here: http://www.khanacademy.org/#browse"
Learn mathematics, do problems, learn physics, do problems, build your knowledge base and your ideas will only improve.

The Khan academy can definitely give you a boost as far as the rudiments of lower level undergraduate physics/mathematics that you will need to know to become a physicist. I'm a huge fan of Khan Academy, it's a fantastic learning resource and I suggest it to everyone who wants to learn some science on their own.

 

[An Open Mind]

Say there's a vehicle that whose velocity is given by (assume we're using SI units):

v = t^2

This means that if I give you a time then you can tell me how fast the car is moving. For example, I can ask "how fast is the car moving when t=3 seconds?" You say "the velocity is 3²= 9 meters per second."

Easy enough, but what if I asked you how far the car travels between t=1 second and t=4 seconds? That's a problem that requires calculus.

Sounds easy enough but first I have no know what a SI unit is and what t means. I'm feeling dumber and dumber

 

[elfmotat]

Sounds easy enough but first I have no know what a SI unit is and what t means. I'm feeling dumber and dumber

SI units are just standard physics units - length is measured in meters, time is measured in seconds, etc.

t is just a point in time.

 

[An Open Mind]

KHAN ACADEMY! For real, go here: http://www.khanacademy.org/#browse"
Learn mathematics, do problems, learn physics, do problems, build your knowledge base and your ideas will only improve.

The Khan academy can definitely give you a boost as far as the rudiments of lower level undergraduate physics/mathematics that you will need to know to become a physicist. I'm a huge fan of Khan Academy, it's a fantastic learning resource and I suggest it to everyone who wants to learn some science on their own.

It feels like that has been copy and pasted..But just incase you havn't. I'm in grade 11 wasting my time, getting to grade 12 wasting my time. Then the plan is to go to university where the real science starts to happen? I go to Metropolitain South Institute of TAFE they don't teach any type of physics just a horrible subject called science 21 which the kids in there are just vile. Swear walk out where ever they want.. I feel like I'm the only one in this school that actually wants to learn something. I will read up on this Khan Academy though thank you for posting.

 

[An Open Mind]

SI units are just standard physics units - length is measured in meters, time is measured in seconds, etc.

t is just a point in time.

How much/what is a standard physics unit? I no what AU means though..if that helps me understand at all. Ugh this is embarresing for me I don't know any of this. Thank you all for being patient with me.

 

[Pengwuino]

It feels like that has been copy and pasted..But just incase you havn't. I'm in grade 11 wasting my time, getting to grade 12 wasting my time. Then the plan is to go to university where the real science starts to happen? I go to Metropolitain South Institute of TAFE they don't teach any type of physics just a horrible subject called science 21 which the kids in there are just vile. Swear walk out where ever they want.. I feel like I'm the only one in this school that actually wants to learn something. I will read up on this Khan Academy though thank you for posting.

Yes, go to Khan Academy because at this point, your mathematical knowledge is abysmal.

Go through the "Developmental math" sections first, then probably pre-algebra, then the algebra sections and then geometry and trigonometry. This will probably take many months and maybe a couple of years to really get through but it's a good start. Then you will need pre-calculus and calculus.

You REALLY should know all of this before you even really leave high school (maybe not so much calculus) and are serious about pursuing physics.

Plan on visiting a library and checking out some math books as well over the course of the next couple of years.

 

[An Open Mind]

Yes, go to Khan Academy because at this point, your mathematical knowledge is abysmal.

Go through the "Developmental math" sections first, then probably pre-algebra, then the algebra sections and then geometry and trigonometry. This will probably take many months and maybe a couple of years to really get through but it's a good start. Then you will need pre-calculus and calculus.

You REALLY should know all of this before you even really leave high school (maybe not so much calculus) and are serious about pursuing physics.

Plan on visiting a library and checking out some math books as well over the course of the next couple of years.

Thank you! As soon as I get home I'll get write on that thanks so much. You've given me a big boost.

 

[Bourbaki1123]

It feels like that has been copy and pasted..But just incase you havn't. I'm in grade 11 wasting my time, getting to grade 12 wasting my time. Then the plan is to go to university where the real science starts to happen? I go to Metropolitain South Institute of TAFE they don't teach any type of physics just a horrible subject called science 21 which the kids in there are just vile. Swear walk out where ever they want.. I feel like I'm the only one in this school that actually wants to learn something. I will read up on this Khan Academy though thank you for posting.

No, it isn't cut and pasted, I'm just a huge fan of the edu-punk movement and this is a huge step in the right direction as far as educating the public goes. It isn't a school, it's a non-profit run by Salman Khan who does these great expository videos that you can watch for free, significantly better than any other attempt at video lectures that I have seen. The explanations are clear, the material is presented on a virtual blackboard, and you can go at your own pace because it's video.

I've never found a resource at well set up as it is for learning math and science up through the intermediate undergraduate level.

ETA: Unfortunately some of the site's functions are down right now, but you can still watch videos and see exercises worked out.

 

[An Open Mind]

No, it isn't cut and pasted, I'm just a huge fan of the edu-punk movement and this is a huge step in the right direction as far as educating the public goes. It isn't a school, it's a non-profit run by Salman Khan who does these great expository videos that you can watch for free, significantly better than any other attempt at video lectures that I have seen. The explanations are clear, the material is presented on a virtual blackboard, and you can go at your own pace because it's video.

I've never found a resource at well set up as it is for learning math and science up through the intermediate undergraduate level.

ETA: Unfortunately some of the site's functions are down right now, but you can still watch videos and see exercises worked out.

Alright thanks mate! Sorry I came in a little rough on my reply aswell. I'm lovin this forum!

 

[Bourbaki1123]

Alright thanks mate! Sorry I came in a little rough on my reply aswell. I'm lovin this forum!

Hey, no problem. Just remember; public schools aren't there to educate you, they're there to keep you out of the way of busy adults and give you very basic training. It's up to you to take education into your own hands, you live in a time when this can be done effectively if you think about it strategically and know where to look and what to look for.

Here are some articles from Paul Graham you might find helpful, being stuck in high school for a couple of more years:

http://www.paulgraham.com/hs.html"

http://www.paulgraham.com/lies.html"

 

[inknit]

First off, you don't "need" a life in physics. I can see that you want one, but studying physics won't be anything like watching science channel documentaries. And your math skills at the point are abysmal. Can you at least solve this equation?

5x + 3 + 2x = 31

 

[FlexGunship]

Can you at least solve this equation?

5x + 3 + 2x = 31

x = 4*|sin((3*pi)/2)|

 

[Bourbaki1123]

Wait a minute. You're in grade 11 and don't know what x variables are? Wtf... How? Weren't you supposed to be exposed to that stuff by grade 9?

Your english is subpar too. You live in an english speaking country. Where are you originally from? Are you indian, chinese? white? black?

He's clearly somewhat behind where he should be if he wants to do science or math, so why bother posting if you aren't going to send him some links to resources? No need to exclaim your incredulity and make him feel worse about it.

 

[Angry Citizen]

If I were you, I'd buy an algebra book, a trig book, a calculus book, and an intro physics book (calculus based). Read them in that order. If you get stuck, come to PF or to a teacher of yours. If you'd like book recommendations, well... any algebra or trig book will do. I recommend Stewart's Essential Calculus for the calculus book, and either Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday and Resnick or Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Serway for your intro to physics text. Enjoy the next couple years working through them.

 

[xdrgnh]

If you want a chance of going into physics this is what you need to do. You have to for now stop watching popular science videos and stop thinking about quantum mechanics and dark holes. You need to build up your math skills if you want any chance. Physics isn't talking about pretty pictures of dark holes and nebula's using words. The language of physics is math and if you can't do math, no amount of words is going to mean anything. So what I suggest is that you first learn all of your basic algebra, solving equations, inequalities ect, then learn your basic trig functions, sin, cos, tan, sec, cos, cot and there inverses. Also learn there graphs and the trig identities basically study trig very well so that you are comfortable with it. Once you did that find a calc 1 syllabus online from a reputable university and self study that stuff till you start your 1st year in college as a physics major. If you can do that then you will have the tools you need to do physics.

 

[WannabeNewton]

Once you did that find a calc 1 syllabus online from a reputable university and self study that stuff till you start your 1st year in college as a physics major.

Why wait until college? You can blow through the necessary algebra and trig very, very quickly and once you finish the calculus and linear algebra playlist from Khan Academy you can learn freshman level physics (or AP Physics with calculus level) at a rather fast pace too since the curriculum for it doesn't go deep into classical mechanics. Only after that will you need to devote a lot of time in learning real analysis, rigorous linear algebra, differential geometry, tensor calculus, topology etc. to get to the theoretical (and, in my opinion, the interesting) branches of physics.

 

[xdrgnh]

Did you read the whole thread, in you look into the context of the thread you would see why your scenario of him speeding by algebra, trig and calculus isn't likely.