Physics equations with the mathematical constant Phi?

AI Thread Summary
Phi, the golden ratio, is often associated with exponential growth and appears in biological contexts, such as the Fibonacci sequence and natural patterns like sunflower florets. However, its direct role in fundamental physics phenomena is less clear compared to Pi. Some discussions suggest that while Phi may not be involved in exponential growth itself, it can replace certain numerical values in mathematical expressions. The conversation highlights the intersection of mathematics and nature, emphasizing Phi's aesthetic and structural significance. Overall, the exploration of Phi in physics remains a topic of interest but lacks definitive applications in fundamental physics equations.
ole cram
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
TL;DR Summary
Does the math constant Phi (Φ = 1.618) or its inverse appear in "fundamental" physics formulae?
I know Phi appears often when modelling exponential growth and, probably because of that, also in Biology/Ecology. But does it appear spontaneously in the mathematical description of some fundamental physics phenomenon at all? (As does Pi, the ubiquitous irrational number)
Hope I'm posting on the right forum. Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ole cram said:
I know Phi appears often when modelling exponential growth and, probably because of that, also in Biology/Ecology.
As far as I recall, phi doesn't play a role in exponential growth, but it does play a role in such things as the Fibonacci sequence and the spiral arrangement of the scales on pine cones, the florets on a sunflower, and other examples - https://awkwardbotany.com/2019/12/25/pine-cones-and-the-fibonacci-sequence/.
 
Any time the number 5 comes up you can replace it by (2Φ-1)2.
 
Reply
  • Like
  • Haha
Likes nasu, fresh_42, Mondayman and 1 other person
Moderator's note: An unacceptable reference has been deleted.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes Vanadium 50, weirdoguy and renormalize

Thread 'Need help on understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Thread 'The Physics of unloading sand from a barge'

I think it's easist first to watch a short vidio clip I find these videos very relaxing to watch .. I got to thinking is this being done in the most efficient way? The sand has to be suspended in the water to move it to the outlet ... The faster the water , the more turbulance and the sand stays suspended, so it seems to me the rule of thumb is the hose be aimed towards the outlet at all times .. Many times the workers hit the sand directly which will greatly reduce the water...
View full post »

Similar threads

A Mathematical Connection between Cosmic Expansion and Exponential Growth
Replies
24
Views
1K
I Mathematical disagreement with inverse square law?
Replies
33
Views
2K
B The values of the fundamental constants
Replies
12
Views
2K
Is mathematics invented or discovered?
Replies
2
Views
97
Programs What subject is better for an aspiring experimental physicist?
Replies
19
Views
4K
A The physical constants: relationship to mathematics?
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Three questions regarding QG theories
Replies
12
Views
3K
B New hypothesis of continuous wave function collapse
Replies
5
Views
3K
A Comment on Nicolas Gisin "Intuitionistic Mathematics"?
Replies
1
Views
2K
A Finding a suitable form factor for a given set of conditions
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top