Looking for a fan physics lecture topic for mathematicians

[edoarad]

hello,

I am supposed to give a short (20-30 mins) lecture to some very smart 2nd year math majors, and i thought about finding an interesting physics topic.
my first idea was special relativity, or more specificly deriving E=MC^2 from einsteins assumptions about light's behevior, but in the end it was mostly equation solving..

does anyone have any suggestions?

thanks,
Edo

 

[Schreiberdk]

You could talk about string theory :) Just watch the program, The Elegant Universe, link:



And you will know all about string theory (but only in a conceptual way, not in a mathematical way) :)

edit: I know it aint mathematical, but it will show some fancy physics :)

 

[mathman]

You could present some axioms of quantum theory and derive the levels of the electron in a hydrogen atom.

 

[Andy Resnick]

hello,

I am supposed to give a short (20-30 mins) lecture to some very smart 2nd year math majors, and i thought about finding an interesting physics topic.
my first idea was special relativity, or more specificly deriving E=MC^2 from einsteins assumptions about light's behevior, but in the end it was mostly equation solving..

does anyone have any suggestions?

thanks,
Edo

The shape of thin fluid films are solutions to Plateau's problem. Lots of excellent math there.