Interest poll: Weekly or Daily physics problems?

Saiph · Apr 6, 2008

I've been toying with solving, and presenting physics problems for this forum (inspired by votefornimitz's thread). General idea is to post a problem, and the subject matter it entails, then after one day (or some time period) post the solution with an explaination of the work.  Something more involved (hopefully) than, "carry the 2, divide by pi, yada yada blah blah." But, first I'd like to judge the interest, and gather any suggestions. so, without further ado:a) Yes please!  Daily problems would be awesome!b) Yes! But weekly would be enough for mec) No thanks!  I wouldn't really look at themd) Maybe, if you...(fill in here)e) None of the above, i.e. Other  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

dragon04 · Apr 6, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I've been toying with solving, and presenting physics problems for this forum (inspired by votefornimitz's thread). General idea is to post a problem, and the subject matter it entails, then after one day (or some time period) post the solution with an explaination of the work.  Something more involved (hopefully) than, "carry the 2, divide by pi, yada yada blah blah." But, first I'd like to judge the interest, and gather any suggestions. so, without further ado:a) Yes please!  Daily problems would be awesome!b) Yes! But weekly would be enough for mec) No thanks!  I wouldn't really look at themd) Maybe, if you...(fill in here)e) None of the above, i.e. Other  Posted by Saiph</DIV>As long as the person who solves the problem adequately explains the solution so that those of us with wee brains "get the idea", I think it would be cool. That's probably my only criticism of this site after over 4 years of membership.I understand that it's not the job of trained and degreed posters here to educate the ignorant, but what a marvelous opportunity to share knowledge and expand the light.  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "2012.. Year of the Dragon!! Get on the Dragon Wagon!". </div>

Saiph · Apr 6, 2008

I'll do my best to properly illuminate the issues.  I've got a good amount of experience teaching and tutoring all levels of students.  So hopefully that won't be an issue.  Besides, that's also the benefit of the board...if you don't understand, ask again! here's another question I thought of, especially considering the new forums navigational...quirks. So, should I, if I do this: a) Have one post with all the problems, solutions and discussionb) Have One post per problem, with the related solution and discusion includedc)  Have one post for problems and solutions, another for discussion?d) Have one post with problem and solution, another post for discussion of that problem (so 2 threads per problem) e) Something else entirely? The main deciding factor is ease of navigation, balanced against the "spamming" of threads this would create.   <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

origin · Apr 6, 2008

I think it is a great idea.I would think a weekly problem would be more than enough for me.  I am just too busy to spend any amount of time on a problem on a daily basis. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

yevaud · Apr 6, 2008

Call me a quirky oddball...Very well.  Explain how it is possible for Shroedinger's Cat - a living observer - to actually conform to the parameters set by his "closed box" experiment.  Surely the Cat must have a point of view, and therefore bias the outcome.  Am I right or wrong?  <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/7/7/370340bd-eeea-4210-a7fa-c802fb12b05e.Medium.gif" alt="" />[This has been an SDC Comedy Moment.  We now return you to you regularly scheduled thread...] Ok, humor aside, this is a great idea, Saiph.  Assuming you have the time to do this, of course.  But if anyone here has the chops in Astrophysics to do so, it's you. [Note to self - finish "This Day in Science History" someday.] <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Differential Diagnosis: "I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are." </div>

wick07 · Apr 7, 2008

I think weekly would be good enough.  It's a really cool idea I think you should go for it.  I'd love a way to keep my skills sharp! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> _______________________________ "If you are surrounded by those who constatly agree with you, then you're in an intellectual vacuum. If you feel like trying to make a difference, you have to BE different. How can you do that without interacting with those who are different from yourself?"- a_lost_packet_ </div>

Saiph · Apr 9, 2008

After some thought I figure I'll aim for weekly problems at least.  Probably fill in a few more "bonus" questions if I get ahead of myself (and to make up for weeks I fall behind

). Any suggestions for the format?  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

DrRocket · Apr 14, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>After some thought I figure I'll aim for weekly problems at least.  Probably fill in a few more "bonus" questions if I get ahead of myself (and to make up for weeks I fall behind

). Any suggestions for the format?  Posted by Saiph</DIV>I suggest that you first post the problem, then post the solution the following week.  That would allow people to think about the problem for a bit and perhaps solve it themselves.I also suggest that you provide some indication of your assessment of the "degree of difficulty" and level of the problem.  That might attract some and avoid unnecessary frustration for others.What level of problem do you have in mind ?  (E.g.  high school physics without calculus, introductory freshman physics with calculus, physics for poets, 3rd yr. graduate level relativistic quantum field theory).I am curious as to how you will post the solutions, assuming that there is some sort of mathematical calculation involved.  Is there some facility for handling mathematical symbolism for this board ?  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

Saiph · Apr 15, 2008

I'm trying to figure out how I'll post the solutions myself.  It's not so much the mathematical representation that bothers me.  I can be clear with that even using standard text, as long as I'm careful. Example:  ac^2 + 2ab + c = x    Sin(T)=.3 Granted, I won't be able to use some of the standard symbols (such as theta) but clear deliniation of the variables (a must in any problem afterall) should help clear things up.I also probably won't be doing calculus based problems, as some of the notation would be hard to port over.  It's the diagrams that I'm going to have fun with.  I'll have to fiddle with my scanner, and editing abilities to see if I can avoid using Paint.  As for the problem level: I was intending on a problem by problem difficulty rating.  Hopefully I'll give an accurate rating (I guess you guys can also tweak it). I was intending on going through a problem set akin to a Schaums Intro to Physics.   Start simple, with some basics to help establish a) a common beginning for all readers, and b) my posting style with simple questions first.I was going to throw out a couple of simple trig problems, finding a couple angles, a length, and perhaps the "normal" force due to gravity on a ramp.  You know, parts that are typically only components of problems, as fundamental as they are.Basically I'll work through several problem types as if you were working through an introductory text.  That way I don't get to advanced (I am sorely out of practice!).Or do you suggest I start with contour integrals?

I like your idea of posting a problem, then a one week delay for the solution.  If I get ambitious, I may throw out a few easy "Example" problems in their entirety in the iterim.  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

DrRocket · Apr 15, 2008

[Or do you suggest I start with contour integrals? Posted by Saiph[/QUOTE]Before you do the contour integrals you probably would want to develop the theory of differential forms at least through the level of the tangent and cotangent bundles, and a proof of the general form of Stokes Theorem -- the integral of d(form) over a manifold is the integral of the form over the boundary of the manifold.

(Note how many words it took to say what can be expresed with a very few symbols.)Unless you mean contour integrals in the sense of the theory of a single complex variable -- then you need to talk more about analyticity, the Cauchy coditions and residues.

Or maybe you mean Feynman's approach of integrating over histories -- good luck.Taking this tack might make the problem of handling symbology a WEE bit more difficult.But seriously, there is a problem in presenting physics in a way that is interesting without blowing away an audience of beginners.  Feynman tried with his "The Feynman Lectures on Physics."  I personally find this possibly the finest physics text ever.  But I like it because he covers so much material -- he touches on nearly all of settled physics -- at a very deep level (if you read between the lines) using relatively little mathematics but a tremendous amount of insight.  He gets more mileage out of the simple harmonic oscillator that I would have imagined possible.  Nevertheless, he failed in his attempt to reach freshmen, and Cal Tech freshmen at that.  The classroom was always filled for the great man.  But as the course progressed the seats originally filled by freshmen were being filled by faculty and graduate students.I think it necessary to somehow work in the notions of calculcus, perhaps by developing them in the context of mechanics, because calculus and simple mechnics are inseparable.  It was mechanics that motivated Newton to develop calculus in the first place.  The alternative of working without calculus runs the risk of driving off anyone who has seen it done otherwise.  On the other hand, if you follow the calculus path (as I would) you will just as quickly lose those who don't have that tool at hand.  Such is the problem of a general audience.  That is why there are so many different levels of physics classes.  It is also why there are a lot fewer physics seniors than there are first semester physics freshmen.Maybe you should expand the poll to find out the inclinations of likely participants.  My vote does not count.Best of luck with whatever approach you choose.    <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

blass · Apr 15, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I've been toying with solving, and presenting physics problems for this forum (inspired by votefornimitz's thread). General idea is to post a problem, and the subject matter it entails, then after one day (or some time period) post the solution with an explaination of the work.  Something more involved (hopefully) than, "carry the 2, divide by pi, yada yada blah blah." But, first I'd like to judge the interest, and gather any suggestions. so, without further ado:a) Yes please!  Daily problems would be awesome!b) Yes! But weekly would be enough for mec) No thanks!  I wouldn't really look at themd) Maybe, if you...(fill in here)e) None of the above, i.e. Other  Posted by Saiph</DIV>I think a weekly problem would be a great idea. I myself will probably rarely respond due to my unbelievably busy schedule, but I'll definitely stop in every week to read the problem. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party. ~Winston Churchill </div>

Mee_n_Mac · Apr 15, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I think a weekly problem would be a great idea. I myself will probably rarely respond due to my unbelievably busy schedule, but I'll definitely stop in every week to read the problem. Posted by blass</DIV> I'm with blass 'cept my responses will not be limited by time constraints, rather by ... aahhh ... other constraints. All joking aside I think a weekly problem, solution, discussion all contained in a single thread is a great idea ! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> -----------------------------------------------------Ask not what your Forum Software can do do on you,Ask it to, please for the love of all that's Holy, STOP ! </div>

why06 · Apr 15, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I suggest that you first post the problem, then post the solution the following week.  That would allow people to think about the problem for a bit and perhaps solve it themselves.</DIV>I agree. And once a week would be fine. I think another site has something like that too.  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div>________________________________________ </div><div><ul><li>your move...</li></ul></div> </div>

origin · Apr 28, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I've been toying with solving, and presenting physics problems for this forum (inspired by votefornimitz's thread). General idea is to post a problem, and the subject matter it entails, then after one day (or some time period) post the solution with an explaination of the work.  Something more involved (hopefully) than, "carry the 2, divide by pi, yada yada blah blah." But, first I'd like to judge the interest, and gather any suggestions. so, without further ado:a) Yes please!  Daily problems would be awesome!b) Yes! But weekly would be enough for mec) No thanks!  I wouldn't really look at themd) Maybe, if you...(fill in here)e) None of the above, i.e. Other  Posted by Saiph</DIV> So when does the test start for cryingout loud?  I been sitting at my desk with my sharpened pencil for two weeks.    <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

Saiph · Apr 28, 2008

I've actually been toying with how I want to do these...  Basically figuring out a good, and efficient way to get diagrams up and such.  I will get started within the week though, one way or another. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

neuvik · Apr 29, 2008

Matlab maybe?   Ofcourse that would require anyone wating to see the diagrams to own it.          Not much freeware CAS programs out there.           Need some savy programer to make a free type of Matlab/Maple/LiveMath, ofcourse the work for it would be huge haha.   LiveMath has a free program view, but it still requires the make to own the main version. Maybe just scan images to a Microsoft Word Document, and MS Word has a decent mathemetic sysmbol plug-in that I believe is installed in most versions, ya just need to find it.  Microsoft Equation Editor is what its called. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> I don't think I'm alone when I say, "I hope more planets fall under the ruthless domination of Earth!"SDC Boards: Power by PLuck - Ph**king Luck </div>

Saiph · Apr 29, 2008

At the moment I'm looking into google's "Picasa" or the flickr website as ways of hosting the images.  Anybody know what the image upload size limit (memory and dimensions) is here at sdc?If Picasa works out, I might just have the math hand-written posted up there as well, for people who can't quite follow the typed version. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

a_lost_packet_ · Apr 29, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I'll do my best to properly illuminate the issues.  I've got a good amount of experience teaching and tutoring all levels of students.  So hopefully that won't be an issue.  Besides, that's also the benefit of the board...if you don't understand, ask again! here's another question I thought of, especially considering the new forums navigational...quirks. So, should I, if I do this: a) Have one post with all the problems, solutions and discussionb) Have One post per problem, with the related solution and discusion includedc)  Have one post for problems and solutions, another for discussion?d) Have one post with problem and solution, another post for discussion of that problem (so 2 threads per problem) e) Something else entirely? The main deciding factor is ease of navigation, balanced against the "spamming" of threads this would create.   Posted by Saiph</DIV>I would suggest that, if this becomes a popular topic, a separate thread could be created that held all the answers to all the problems posed.  This would be a more permanent and organized way to present the solutions with the added benefit of keeping a permanent record of sorts.  Plus, if it was popular, just reading through it would be very informative for a great many people.  I think it would be "neat" to see a thread with nothing but the posts of problems of the week, a link to the discussion thread for that week which contains the original and a copy/paste of the "winning" solution along with the explanation. So, the "weekly" threads would get created as normal with a problem posted.  The final answer to that problem would be in the permanent answers thread.  Posters would post their answer in the weekly discussion thread and discuss/argue/throw poo at them but, it would be up to you to update the answers thread with a copy/paste of the final solution.  One thread is for open discussion of solutions and the problem itself, the other is the "final word."  Weekly problem threads would decay but the "Final Solution" thread gets bumped once a week.That way, one thread doesn't get illegibly bogged down with all sorts of unrelated information. Just my two coppers. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> I put on my robe and wizard hat... </div>

Saiph · Apr 29, 2008

I like that idea very much.  Hmm...I wonder if Doublehelix will extend my moderatorship to the physics forum as well (not a power grab, honest

And as a side note, I've become a blogger!  I just whipped up the initial basis for a blog at http://saiphs.blogspot.com to help facilitate this little project.  I'll duplicate my work there, and use that blog as a tool for the weekly problems. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

origin · Apr 29, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I've actually been toying with how I want to do these...  Basically figuring out a good, and efficient way to get diagrams up and such.  I will get started within the week though, one way or another. Posted by Saiph</DIV> Cool, looking forward to being humbled by my lack of knowledge and pitiful math skills!  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

a_lost_packet_ · Apr 29, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I like that idea very much.  Hmm...I wonder if Doublehelix will extend my moderatorship to the physics forum as well (not a power grab, honest

And as a side note, I've become a blogger!  I just whipped up the initial basis for a blog at saiphs.blogspot.com to help facilitate this little project.  I'll duplicate my work there, and use that blog as a tool for the weekly problems. Posted by Saiph</DIV>You may need to let Imaginova know you hijacked part of their server.

(Url shows SDC's Url addy in with yours.)  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> I put on my robe and wizard hat... </div>

Saiph · Apr 29, 2008

I tried using the link button again to remake the link...put in saiphs.blogspot.com for the title, and the link URL...and got the same thing where it tacked on the sdc forum URL...Well, it should work now.  <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

Interest poll: Weekly or Daily physics problems?

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