Why combination and permutation is useless in physics

If so, it would be best to do your own research and come up with your own understanding of the topic. However, in summary, the discussion revolves around the usefulness of combination and permutation in physics. While undergraduate math courses related to physics focus on algebra, complex numbers, and calculus, discrete math and combination and permutation are not typically studied. This raises the question of whether these concepts are useless in physics, and there are arguments for and against their usefulness. Some argue that permutation is necessary for differential forms, which are used in physics, while others argue that these concepts are not directly applicable to physics and therefore not essential to study.
  • #1
tze liu
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discuss whether combination and permutation in math are useless in physics
the undergraduate math courses related to physics always contain algebra,complex number and calculus.

however we don't need to study discrete math /combination and permutation in those courses

that means those stuffs are useless in physics ?if so, why they are useless in physics?
 
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  • #2
Stat mech and the Gibbs paradox.
 
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  • #3
You need permutations for differential forms, which are used in physics.
 
  • #4
tze liu said:
discuss whether combination and permutation in math are useless in physics
the undergraduate math courses related to physics always contain algebra,complex number and calculus.

however we don't need to study discrete math /combination and permutation in those courses

that means those stuffs are useless in physics ?if so, why they are useless in physics?
Is this for a schoolwork/homework question?
 

1. Why can't we use combination and permutation in physics?

Combination and permutation are mathematical concepts that deal with counting and arranging objects. In physics, we are dealing with the behavior and interactions of physical objects, not just their numbers or arrangements. Therefore, these concepts are not applicable in the same way as they are in purely mathematical problems.

2. Can't we use combination and permutation to calculate probabilities in physics?

While combination and permutation can be used to calculate probabilities in some cases, they are not the only methods available and may not always be the most accurate or relevant in a physics context. Probability in physics often involves more complex and dynamic systems, making these mathematical concepts less useful.

3. Why do we learn combination and permutation if they are not applicable in physics?

Learning combination and permutation is still valuable in building a strong foundation in mathematics, which is essential in many fields including physics. These concepts also have applications in other areas of physics, such as statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics.

4. Can combination and permutation be useful in any other areas of physics?

Yes, combination and permutation can be useful in certain areas of physics, such as statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. In these fields, they are used to analyze the behavior of systems with large numbers of particles and to calculate probabilities of certain outcomes.

5. Are there any situations in physics where combination and permutation are applicable?

As mentioned before, combination and permutation can be useful in statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics. They can also be used in classical mechanics to calculate the number of possible arrangements or states of a system. However, in most other areas of physics, such as electromagnetism and thermodynamics, these concepts are not applicable.

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