Need reliable resources on basic astronomy and quantum physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking reliable resources for basic astronomy and quantum physics, with participants sharing their experiences and recommendations. The scope includes foundational theories, mathematical prerequisites, and the challenges of understanding complex concepts without a strong mathematical background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with relying on Wikipedia and seeks reliable resources for understanding basic astronomy and quantum physics.
  • Several participants recommend textbooks as a reliable source of information.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of having a background in algebra and mechanics before advancing to calculus for a better understanding of theories.
  • Another participant, a high school freshman, indicates a desire to grasp basic theories before delving into equations as their mathematics skills improve.
  • One participant mentions the need for online resources due to financial constraints related to library fees.
  • There is a discussion about the relationship between mathematics and theories, with some arguing that understanding theories requires a solid grasp of the underlying mathematics.
  • A participant shares their approach to learning, stating they first learn the theory, then the complex math, and aim to develop their own theories based on mathematical foundations.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that one can understand concepts without understanding advanced equations, suggesting that true comprehension requires both.
  • Some participants acknowledge the difficulty of conducting research without a solid foundation in calculus and other advanced mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of textbooks and foundational mathematics for understanding physics. However, there is disagreement regarding whether one can grasp concepts without fully understanding the associated equations, leading to an unresolved debate on this point.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of mathematical background and readiness to engage with complex theories, which may influence their perspectives on the resources needed for understanding physics.

CrackerMcGinger
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I've been relying on Wikipedia and some other questionable sources for a basic understanding of these studies, and i don't think I should rely fully on these sources. If anyone can point me to a place that is reliable I would greatly appreciate it.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Textbooks.
 
CrackerMcGinger said:
I've been relying on Wikipedia and some other questionable sources for a basic understanding of these studies, and i don't think I should rely fully on these sources. If anyone can point me to a place that is reliable I would greatly appreciate it.
What is your starting point? What is one's background/experience in mathematics and physics?

The basics would be algebra and mechanics (statics and dynamics), and eventually one needs calculus.
 
Since I'm a freshman in high school, I'm pretty much looking for the basic theories and I'd sort out the equations later once I advance in mathematics.
 
Also, I'm looking for reliable sites. I can go to the library anytime I want to but I have to pay late fees. So I'm just looking for sites right now until I get enough money to pay my late fees.
 
CrackerMcGinger said:
Since I'm a freshman in high school, I'm pretty much looking for the basic theories and I'd sort out the equations later once I advance in mathematics.
The theories are mathematics. You'll never understand (or even come up) with any theory without the mathematics.
A long text about whatever is not a theory. Theories have to predict measurements, which means they have to provide a way to calculate the results of experiments.
 
mfb said:
The theories are mathematics. You'll never understand (or even come up) with any theory without the mathematics.
A long text about whatever is not a theory. Theories have to predict measurements, which means they have to provide a way to calculate the results of experiments.

The way I advance in understanding is this, once I learn the theory, I go to learn the complex math behind it, once I do that, I can figure out a theory with a similar basis to such mathematics, kinda like my alternate space time theory. Just to be clear, my alternate space time theory has nothing to do with another universe. But I'm getting off track. The thing is, I just need sources to understand theories I come across. I'm already talking to my sister about helping me with calculus and advanced mathematics, I will take some time, but meanwhile, I want sources so I can continue my research on multiple areas of physics. Does that even make sense?
 
CrackerMcGinger said:
I want sources so I can continue my research on multiple areas of physics.
Textbooks, see above.
 
  • #10
CrackerMcGinger said:
The way I advance in understanding is this, once I learn the theory, I go to learn the complex math behind it, once I do that, I can figure out a theory with a similar basis to such mathematics, kinda like my alternate space time theory. Just to be clear, my alternate space time theory has nothing to do with another universe. But I'm getting off track. The thing is, I just need sources to understand theories I come across. I'm already talking to my sister about helping me with calculus and advanced mathematics, I will take some time, but meanwhile, I want sources so I can continue my research on multiple areas of physics. Does that even make sense?

Look man if you haven't learned high school calculus (among other things) yet it's impossible to do any research. It's kind of like trying to write an english poem without knowing any english.
 
  • #11
HomogenousCow said:
Look man if you haven't learned high school calculus (among other things) yet it's impossible to do any research. It's kind of like trying to write an english poem without knowing any english.
That is not entirely true. True, I will not understand the advanced equations but I do understand the concepts. What I do with the parts I don't understand is file them into a category and work towards a point in which I understand it. All I need are theories not completely composed of equations. But I completely agree with what you're saying. I have just found a way to adapt until I get to that point.
 
  • #12
If you're not understanding the advanced equations then you're not understanding the concepts. Sorry.
 
  • #13
I stuck a fork in it, this thread is done.
 

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