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| To become a physicist? |
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| Heinsbergrelatz |
 Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 9:23 pm Post subject: To become a physicist? |
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Forum Masters Degree
Joined: 01 Aug 2009
Posts: 598
Location: Singapore
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Hey guys, currently i am 16 years old, and am studying the IGCSE and at the same time A-level maths(this is by myself at home). i really am interested in physics and mathematics, especially in the area of calculus for maths e.g. multi-variable calculus-line algebra, Vector Calculus etc... for physics i am interested in the area of particle physics and quantum mechanics, like the fields of such physicists e.g Steven Weinberg. i know this might be too much, but the Topological studies carried out by Edward Witten on cohomology, String theory also seems to interest me alot.
how do you think, my actions now will help me achieve or pursue my goal of becoming one of the interests i mentioned?? im trying really hard now, but i want to hear from the rest of the world to hear diversified answers and opinions. Thanks  |
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| inow |
| Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 7:59 am Post subject: |
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Forum Professor
Joined: 04 Oct 2009
Posts: 1795
Location: Austin, TX
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Any time that you find something which interests you, and you then take that interest and use it to study hard and learn more, you are most certainly doing the right thing. I would suggest you keep doing what you are doing, but with one caveat. Try to find someone who is well educated in this material who can help you with any questions you may have, and more importantly who can check your work and ensure that you are not making mistakes. If you make a mistake early on, and you don't realize you've made that mistake, you might have a hard time correcting it later if you keep practicing and repeating that same mistake.
Otherwise, my thoughts are that you are doing the right thing. You are motivated, curious, and enthusiastic... and you're not letting it go to waste. Good job, man.
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| cypress |
| Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:35 am Post subject: |
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Banned (Trolling)
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
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Location: New Orleans
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If QM and particle physics seems interesting you should look at introductory chemistry now as well. Chemistry, calculus and physics are the first group of technical subjects you will face. For QM, a solid grounding in advanced calculus and probability will help a lot and they can be difficult but that will come a little later. Then of course the real abstract physical chemistry follows. I personally think the most difficult aspect of QM and particle physics is that the entire subject is so abstract. If understanding comes to you by direct interaction, (seeing, touching, visualizing) then abstract subjects might be difficult. If you are comfortable working on topics that cannot easily be visualized in three dimensional space, then you are set.
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| Heinsbergrelatz |
| Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:36 am Post subject: |
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Forum Masters Degree
Joined: 01 Aug 2009
Posts: 598
Location: Singapore
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| Quote: |
| Otherwise, my thoughts are that you are doing the right thing. You are motivated, curious, and enthusiastic... and you're not letting it go to waste. Good job, man. |
My math professor at school really helps me out alot in particular, so i think i have that figured out. Anyways to hear an encouraging feedback like that really helps, thanks alot
| Quote: |
| a solid grounding in advanced calculus and probability will help a lot and they can be difficult but that will come a little later. Then of course the real abstract physical chemistry follows. I personally think the most difficult aspect of QM and particle physics is that the entire subject is so abstract. If understanding comes to you by direct interaction, (seeing, touching, visualizing) then abstract subjects might be difficult. If you are comfortable working on topics that cannot easily be visualized in three dimensional space, then you are set. |
im more of a direct like you mentioned, though at times i can solve questions that need an indirect thinking such as thinking outside the textbook etc... Im actually comfortable with my level of understanding of mathematics so far, nothing has gotten me in to any trouble, but sometimes one or two questions pop out that bugs me. i know i have alot of learning to do in the field of mathematics and physics, so im constantly doing my work in maths everyday. i hope it will get me somewhere. by the way thank you for your feedback ~ |
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