Physics vs Math: Comparing Difficulties

  • Thread starter Thread starter sutupidmath
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative difficulties of mathematics and physics, exploring personal experiences and perceptions of each discipline. Participants share their thoughts on the challenges they face in both fields, including aspects of study, intuition, and teaching quality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants find mathematics easier than physics, citing a lack of the necessary mindset for physics despite spending more time on math.
  • Others argue that enjoyment of physics makes it seem easier, even though both subjects are challenging.
  • One participant notes that success in mathematics often requires a structured mind, while physics benefits from intuition, suggesting a difference in how each discipline is approached.
  • A participant expresses frustration with physics, feeling that they excel in pure mathematics but struggle with physics problems.
  • Some participants highlight the vagueness in definitions used by physicists compared to the rigor in mathematics, leading to confusion.
  • Humorous anecdotes are shared to illustrate perceptions of mathematicians and physicists, with some participants asserting that physics is easier due to its real-life applications.
  • One participant mentions that physics homework takes significantly more time than math, despite finding both subjects equally challenging.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for pure mathematics and rigor over applied mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether mathematics or physics is more difficult, with multiple competing views remaining throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary widely, and the discussion reflects differing opinions on the importance of intuition versus structure in both fields. There are also references to personal teaching experiences that may not be representative of broader trends.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the comparative challenges of mathematics and physics, including students and educators in STEM fields.

  • #31
owlpride said:
Why not? What prevents me from stopping at a point and then start walking into a different direction?

My roommate wants to know if you were joking. He has a crap sense of humor. Were you? Or did you seriously ask why you can't turn a corner without decelerating?
(that's the key to the problem, he's not slowing down as he turns the corner).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
physics is better.
 
  • #33
owlpride said:
Why not? What prevents me from stopping instantaneously at a point and then start walking into a different direction at the same speed as before?

The fact that you don't want to rip your body apart by trying.
 
  • #34
My roommate wants to know if you were joking. He has a crap sense of humor. Were you? Or did you seriously ask why you can't turn a corner without keeping the same velocity?
Is your roommate about to show me how I would walk along a circular path with constant velocity?
 
  • #35
I think the idea that heresy is trying to very subtly and condescendingly imply is that you need a deceleration. The only way for you to be going a certain speed and then to stop instantaneously is if an infinite force is applied to you, hence the ripping apart of your body. But if you measure your distance in steps, You can stop instantaneously because your measurement of distance is discrete. and then you can start at the same speed once again for the same reason.
 

Similar threads

Programs Area to choose for my Master's thesis: theoretical physics/mathematical physics?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Is it possible to switch from physics to maths after undergrad?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
8K
Self Learning Math/Physics
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
3K
Other Math Help for Physics Undergrad: Advice Needed
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Courses Maths or Physics: Which Degree is Right for Me?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
6K
I want to study physics and related maths, but I am confused....
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Other Need advice regarding choosing my master's research project in theoretical physics and applied maths
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs Help me decide: physics or chemistry?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
9K
Looking to start a new career in physics, need some advice
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K