Someone said they solved Newtonian physics with string theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the claim that someone solved Newtonian physics using string theory, questioning the validity and feasibility of such an approach in a high school context. Participants explore the implications of using advanced theoretical frameworks in basic physics problems, as well as the educational standards in schools.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether it is possible to solve Newtonian physics problems using string theory, suggesting that it may not be appropriate or necessary.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster (OP) may have meant that string theory encompasses Newtonian physics rather than directly solving it.
  • One participant argues that using string theory in a high school test could be seen as disrespectful to the curriculum and the reader, as classical physics should be used when applicable.
  • Another participant expresses doubt that a high school student would possess the knowledge required to use string theory credibly in a test situation.
  • Concerns are raised about the educational implications of using advanced theories in basic physics education, with some suggesting that doing so could indicate a lack of understanding of the course material.
  • There is a mention of a specific incident where a student received an F for attempting to apply string theory, which raises questions about grading practices and educational standards.
  • One participant humorously critiques the educational system in Australia, implying that teachers may lack understanding of advanced physics concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the appropriateness of using string theory to solve Newtonian physics problems. There are competing views on the validity of such an approach and its implications for education.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of opinions on the intersection of advanced theoretical physics and high school education, highlighting uncertainties about the expectations and knowledge of students in such contexts.

shredder666
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someone said they solved Newtonian physics with string theory
Is that possible? in a test situation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How does one solve Newtonian physics?
 
And who said they did it?
 
By "solved", the OP may mean "encompasses". Any GUT certainly should.
 
well I was in a discussion about the state of education in developed countries, one person said, to sum it all up, australian schools suck because
1. they're overly religious
2. too strict (and I do mean strict)
3. he was given F in a high school physics test because he used string theory to solve Newtonian...
Now when I heard that I just wanted to know 1. if that's possible and 2. why would someone do something like that

given the nature of high school school courses, his question was probably like...

whats the force acting on an object if ... bla bla bla...
 
When a problem can be solved with classical physics, you use classical physics. Otherwise, you're either wasting time, disrespecting the reader, showing off or having fun. In general, the most concise the better. Obviously, string theory isn't part of any high school curriculum.
 
To solve a problem in Newtonian mechanics with string theory, you would have to show that string theory predicts spin-2 particles and that they make stuff move as described by general relativity, then explain how general relativity is related to special relativity, then explain how Galilean spacetime is related to the spacetime of special relativity, then explain how Newton's theory is just a specific way to introduce matter into Galilean spacetime, and then, finally, use F=ma to solve the problem. Seems like a long way to go when he could have started with F=ma. It's more than likely that he just made up some BS answer that had the word "string" in it, and then tried to blame his failure on the school.
 
I have very strong doubts that anybody attending a high school test would have enough knowledge of string theory to be credible in using it to solve a concrete problem. That being said, if the argument was general enough to skip the calculation, I would probably have given F even to a valid proof : the student would not have provided proof that he understood the course material, which is what the test is about. That is my feeling anyway, to really judge one should provide the details of the course, the test, and the answer.
 
shredder666 said:
3. he was given F in a high school physics test because he used string theory to solve Newtonian...
Next time, if you could title the OP with this it would save us a lot of time in just not bothering to respond at all (even sarcastically &&|| patronizingly)
 
  • #10
shredder666 said:
3. he was given F in a high school physics test because he used string theory to solve Newtonian...



Them illiterate Australian high-school teachers that don't know simple stuff like GUT and ST!

On second reading, it seems his statement had more to do with the physics of cocaine/marijuana than with string theory.
 
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