Learning physics sometimes means learning to think like a physicist. Today we'll discuss what that means - or at least what physicists tend to think that it means, and compare how a simple lesson from integral calculus points to a powerful lesson for modeling electron distributions in quantum mechanics.
Show Notes
Think like a Physicist?
Physicists have their own culture, and part of that culture is a kind of collective, self reflection. One of the most common targets? Creative problem solving.
If you want to see a physicist student panic, as them to model the electron configuration of a benzene ring. As undergraduates spend weeks studying the electron configuration of the hydrogen atom in a quantum mechanics course. Weeks. And that’s just ONE atom. How are you going to model an entire, super complicated organic chemical like Bezene?!
Why. With Symmetry, of course.
Thanks for checking us out!
The Accelerated Physics Podcast is a production of the Pasayten Institute, whose mission is to build and share physics knowledge, without barriers. This podcast aims to serve both students and teachers of physics by injecting ideas, starting conversations. Have any ideas or feedback? Drop us a line: https://www.pasayten.org/heysean
This show is made possible in part by the Physics Accelerator, whose mission is to support people in the quest to learn mathematics and physics. The Physics Accelerator is a program of the Pasayten Institute. Music today by Gloria Tells. The show is written, editing and produced by me, Sean Downes. Thank you so much for listening.
You can always find us online at: https://physicsaccelerator.com
What is Accelerated Physics?
This is a podcast about learning and teaching physics, from someone who's been in the trenches for almost two decades. We'll also discuss how to relate the classroom to big ideas in contemporary research: like what circuits have to do with quantum mechanics, how special relativity impacts us - literally every day - and how the Doppler effect can teach us about the earliest moments - and the farthest reaches - of our universe.
Whether you’re a student or an instructor, you’ll find a wealth of ideas both practical and inspirational. Here at the Pasayten Institute, we’re convinced that like photons, perspectives should be exchanged, and often!
Join the discussion! Drop us a line: team@pasayten.org. We can't wait to talk shop with you.