(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); So, long time no see to anyone who remembers me. I had another thread like this, but it's well over 60 days old now so I'm not allowed to bump it.

If you want to know anything about, relativity, quantum mechanics, etc., you can ask me here.

Hey elfomat! Long time! I remember you, you used to have these question threads opened in the past, and they were quiet puzzling to say the least. Welcome back...? If you were gone anyways. lol

I've avoided physics so far in my college career. Although it is extremely interesting, I know I'd struggle in class trying to keep up with the work demands. I would like to learn about it, but in a less stressful and demanding atmosphere. One at which I'm not getting graded on. If you could explain quantum's in laments terms, that'd be cool.

how does one simpliy simply ask what did you just ask me to ask you to answer and reply?

Oh shit it's elfmotat, haven't seen you here in a while. What've you been up to?
I'm doing AS level physics at the moment, along with maths, chem, and biology. Will swing by pretty soon and ask a few questions.

Sup man, I'm highly interested in Physics and am currently studying it as an A level.

Here are a few questions:

1. Is the future Nuclear? ( Will nuclear energy solve the energy crisis?)
2. What do you think we should mostly use particle accelerators for (what research)?
3. In your opinion do opposite university exist?

Haha just a few to get your mind going:L

I've read numerous of your posts before, and I can't deny that I REALLY enjoyed them. Being a Mathematics geek, if I can call myself that, it was so interesting to read yours. I do mathematics as well, even though I'm more into Decision/Computer Engineering over Mechanics/Physics at the moment, as I plan on learning advanced Mechanics next year, then decide which one I'll take in higher years of University.

Anyways, Just came in here to pop and say, yes I definitely remember you, easily the smartest person I've seen on the internet. Good luck!

Hi 420,

Quantum mechanics is actually very simple in terms of formalism (but it's certainly not intuitive). Basically, every particle has an associated wavefunction (don't worry about the name, names aren't important). It's just a function of position and time, f(x,t) (usually it is given the symbol "Ψ" instead of "f"). The wavefunction tells you the probability that you'll find the particle at a particular place at a particular time. Using this property, you can also figure out the momentum, energy, etc. of particle. The wavefunction itself behaves according to the Schrodinger Equation. I.e. you solve the Schrodinger Equation to figure out what the wavefunction is.

And that's pretty much 90% of quantum mechanics. I left out some things, like how observables are eigenvalues, stuff about spin, and a few others. But most non-relativistic QM is explained by the above. For example, you can use those basic principles to figure out how the hydrogen atom behaves.



Has anyone really been far even as decided?



Sounds good.



1. Not the near future, no. It has nothing to do with the science or engineering, and everything to do with the general public's irrational fears. Nuclear technology is far more efficient, and far far far safer than coal, natural gas, etc. Unfortunately, after the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island disasters, the prospects of funding the construction of more nuclear power stations were already gloomy. After Fukushima, all hope was killed.

2. All of the relevant research is important. I don't think I'd give a particular field precedence over the others.



. As much as I love compliments, I must say that I'm nowhere near as smart as you think. A quick glance at the physics stackexchange will humble anyone.

Elfmo,

DO you think there will ever be a unified theory?
Does Quantum theory make that more difficult now?

Would a unified theory definitely explain the universe and its creation?

I like Cosmology and how the many Physics fields help explain the Universe.

DO you have a favorite field of Physics??

---------- Post added at 08:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 AM ----------

Quote you here for notification :p

I don't know whether or not we will find a unified field theory. My view is perhaps best summarized by Feynman in this video: You must login or register to view this content..

String Theory has already shown to reduce to Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity, and so it certainly looks like it could be right. Note that unifying forces classically is very easy. The trouble comes when trying to unify gravity with the other forces at a quantum level. For example, near the beginning of the 20th century the only two known forces were electromagnetism and gravity, and it is simple to show that you can unify them into one theory by adding one extra dimension to spacetime (this is called Kaluza-Klein theory).



My favorite, as of right now, is General Relativity. It's beautiful. I'm still learning Quantum Field Theory at the moment, so perhaps my answer will change.

Time travel - is it theoretically possible?