Physics forum topic categories

[whoohm]

I'm trying to understand the topic categories on the forum main page. Under physics there are: Classical Physics, Quantum Physics, Beyond STDM, Other Physics, Atomic and Condensed Matter, Relativity, High Energy, Nuclear Particle Physics. Then there is another section for Astronomy and Cosmology. It is not always clear to me where topics belong.

It seem like there needs to also be individual sections for Statistical Thermodynamics, Optics (or AMO) and Electrodynamics. All of these topic areas are pillars of physics and can include modern and classical physics elements. For example, a discussion on lasers or quantum electronics could include a semi-classical approach that uses both the Schrödinger equation and Maxwell's equations. Does this belong in Quantum, Atomic or Classical? How is everyone determining where to post a topic given the current list that only matches a subset of the typical physics university curriculum topic areas?

 

[Nugatory]

We add new sections when it becomes clear that there is enough demand to sustain the new section, and benefit to separating it out. For example, the Quantum Interpretations and Foundations section and the DIY Projects sections are both fairly new additions.

There is a balancing act here. Too few sections annoys people by lumping unrelated topics together, and too many sections leads to fragmentation of the community and suppresses cross-fertilization of disciplines.

Generally if you're not sure where a thread should go, you can just make what seems to you like the most reasonable choice, or ask any of the mentors by PM if you're not comfortable with any choice. If we think it belongs somewhere else we can move it with a few mouseclicks.

(But please please be respectful of the distinction between the technical forums and the homework forums.)