Physics vs Math: Comparing Difficulties

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The discussion centers around the comparative difficulty of mathematics and physics, with participants sharing their experiences and perspectives. Many express a belief that math, particularly areas like Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra, is easier than physics, attributing this to the structured nature of math versus the intuitive and often vague concepts in physics. Some participants note that their enjoyment of physics makes it feel easier, despite the time-consuming nature of physics homework. The conversation highlights the importance of teaching methods, with some feeling that poor explanations in physics classes hinder their understanding and intuition. There is also a recognition that both disciplines require different types of thinking; math often demands a structured approach, while physics relies on intuition and real-world applications. Participants share anecdotes and humor to illustrate their points, emphasizing the subjective nature of difficulty in both fields. The thread concludes with a consensus that while both subjects are challenging, individual preferences and teaching quality significantly influence perceptions of ease or difficulty.
  • #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).
 
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  • #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.
 

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