Summary of the fundamental equations/laws

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying fundamental equations and laws of physics for a T-shirt design. Participants explore various equations from classical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and field theories, seeking to compile a comprehensive list of significant principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists several fundamental equations including Newton's laws, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, Maxwell's equations, laws of thermodynamics, Schrödinger's equation, and Einstein's field equations.
  • Another participant suggests including Dirac's equation, Navier-Stokes equations, the ideal gas law, and Stefan-Boltzmann law, questioning the significance of the latter two.
  • A subsequent reply agrees on the importance of Dirac's equation and Navier-Stokes but argues that the ideal gas law and Stefan-Boltzmann law are derivable and thus less fundamental.
  • Emmy Noether's theorem is proposed as a fundamental concept related to symmetries in physics, emphasizing its significance in understanding nature.
  • One participant expresses agreement with the importance of Noether's theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on which equations are considered fundamental, with some suggesting additional equations while others challenge the significance of certain laws. No consensus is reached on a definitive list of fundamental equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the derivability of certain laws, indicating that their classification as fundamental may depend on definitions and context. The size of the T-shirt is also mentioned, though it does not pertain to the scientific content.

JoePhysics
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Hey, all!

So, a friend of mine recently bought a shirt with a bunch of random, nonsensical formulas on them and it kind of seemed odd to me. So I had an idea for a T-shirt design with proper formulas... The basic, fundamental equations and laws of physics as we know them now.

So far I have Newton's laws, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, Maxwell's equations, the laws of thermodynamics, Schrödinger's equation and Einstein's field equations for general relativity.

What else am I missing? What are the most general principles or equation(s) in QFT/QED?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Dirac's equation. Navier-Stokes for fluid flow? Is the ideal gas law too trivial? Stefan-Boltzmann? (What size is this tee-shirt?)
 
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John Park said:
Dirac's equation. Navier-Stokes for fluid flow? Is the ideal gas law too trivial? Stefan-Boltzmann? (What size is this tee-shirt?)
Oh, Dirac's equation may be a good idea! Navier-Stokes is indeed important but not fundamental in the sense that it's conservation of linear momentum for a continuous medium coupled with the constitutive equation for a Newtonian and incompressible fluid; same for ideal gas law, it can be derived, and Stefan-Boltzmann can be derived from integrating Planck's law.

And I guess this is a normal-sized T-shirt? I don't know, maybe large size? :oldbiggrin:
 
How about Emmy Noether's theorem: A statement about symmetries of differential equation is the most fundamental subject I can think about, because it carries the way we try to understand nature: by symmetries and dynamics.
 
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fresh_42 said:
How about Emmy Noether's theorem: A statement about symmetries of differential equation is the most fundamental subject I can think about, because it carries the way we try to understand nature: by symmetries and dynamics.
That is a very good point!
 

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