Is Physics Right for Me If I Find the Basics Boring?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the participant's feelings of boredom with the foundational topics in physics and whether this indicates a lack of interest in the field as a whole. The conversation touches on the relationship between basic physics concepts and more advanced topics like string theory, exploring the initial challenges faced by newcomers to the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses excitement about advanced topics like string theory but finds the basics of physics uninteresting and questions if this means physics isn't for them.
  • Another participant suggests that one must start with the basics before progressing to more complex topics, implying that foundational knowledge is essential.
  • A different participant mentions that it may take several years of study before engaging with advanced topics like string theory, indicating a long-term commitment to learning physics.
  • One participant argues that the perception of physics as boring may stem from a misunderstanding of what physics encompasses, emphasizing that foundational topics are crucial for understanding the universe.
  • This participant also notes that string theory is a small part of physics and that a physics degree involves a broader range of topics that may not align with the participant's initial interests.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the initial boredom with basic physics topics is a common experience or indicative of a lack of fit for the field. There is no consensus on how to reconcile interest in advanced topics with the necessity of mastering foundational concepts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the potential disconnect between popular science perceptions of physics and the actual curriculum, as well as the varying motivations for studying physics among participants.

divexo
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Hi,

I've just thought of how interesting parts of physics sounds, such as elements of string theory (the broad idea, not indepth about differing dimensions - imagining the tenth dimension, probably a really noob book around here haha) among other time/space topics, and would love to know how some of the new research like 'spacetime cloak' work - so freakn cool.
Never really done any physics before, so decided to start reading about the basics so i can explore the interesting topics later, but i find motion and most of the basics i came across quite boring (fundamentals of physics extended book, flicked through the topics in the first half, and didn't seem to find any appealing to read over), and not too keen on going over them.

Does this mean i won't like physics then, considering all the initial topics seem so dry..? Not for me? Or is this initial bump happen for all..?

Thanksssss

Divexo
 
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You have to get your feet wet before you jump off the board into the deep end. If you haven't done any physics before you need to start at the beginning.
 
You've got about 5 or 6 years of physics to get through before you can start really chipping away at string theory. Good luck!
 
divexo said:
Does this mean i won't like physics then, considering all the initial topics seem so dry..? Not for me? Or is this initial bump happen for all..?

It means that 'physics' probably isn't what you think it is - string theory certainly isn't what you think it is, either. You might have a general understanding of popular science concepts, but won't have a clue about the actual physics and what it's describing.

If you want to study physics so you can look at string theory and such flamboyant topics, you'll probably just be disappointed. It isn't an 'initial bump for all' in that I chose to study physics because I like understanding how things work. Physics is a sort-of general knowledge degree where you'll find out, piece by piece, how our universe works. This includes things like mechanics, thermodynamics and optics - the topics that you have probably found to be boring. String theory is a tiny area of a tiny part of physics - so the goal of a physics degree doesn't lead up to the exotic topics you'll read in popular science books.
 

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