Mastering the 3D Aspect of Math & Physics

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The discussion centers on the challenge of visualizing three-dimensional concepts in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The original poster expresses a newfound interest in these subjects but acknowledges a long-standing avoidance of 3D visualization, which is crucial for mastering these fields. Participants suggest various methods to improve 3D visualization skills, including studying surroundings, practicing perspective drawing, and engaging in exercises related to calculus and geometry that involve 3D graphs. Some emphasize the importance of mastering function transformations and recommend using textbooks with practical exercises to enhance understanding. Others share personal experiences related to difficulties in visualizing 3D objects and the impact of such challenges on learning. The conversation highlights the need for concrete exercises and techniques to develop 3D thinking, while also acknowledging that some individuals may have inherent difficulties with spatial visualization.
  • #31
klimatos said:
Yoooosam, do you have 3D vision?

I was born without the ability to see in three dimensions.
Thank you for bringing that up. I was just about to mention that the only circumstance that I could think of wherein one couldn't envision 3D in his mind is if he also couldn't in real life. (That is also to what I attributed my inability to envision 4D.) I have experienced it a few times, temporarily, due to iritis from infections and a couple of flash-blindness incidents due to welding and playing with magnesium. A large percentage of my nieces/nephews-in-law (well, technically my ex-live-in-girlfriend's kin, but still my family even though she no longer is—relationships are complex in Cree culture) have gradually gone totally blind at various rates due to hereditary retinitis pigmentosa. They all still perceive their environments in 3 dimensions, but with that mapping done by other than the visual cortex. (I know that I'm convoluting tenses and singular/plural terms, and I apologize for that, but I'm just not energetic enough right now to do things properly.) Anyhow, they know what it was like to see things that way, even though they no longer can.

(I learned to judge automotive distances by relative size.)
It must drive you batshit crazy when you have a bunch of Fleetwoods and Mini Coopers and Continentals and SMART cars all in the same traffic flow. :D It'd be like having walruses and field mice attacking at the same time.
Klimatos, I would like to converse a wee bit more about shooting both pool and guns, but that would derail the thread. I'll contact you later.
 

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