Mathematics Stack Exchange
Mathematics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [physics]

Questions on the mathematics required to solve problems in physics. For questions from the field of mathematical physics use (mathematical-physics) tag instead.

This tag is for questions on the mathematics required to solve problems in physics and should not be confused with those on physics concepts. Pure physics questions should go in the Physics Stack Exchange. For questions in the field of mathematical physics, please use the tag instead.

5951 questions
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How can one justify these weird physics relations mathematically?

I am supposed to show that the reduced mass of a molecule $\mu$ and its frequency in its rotational spectrum $\nu$ are related in the following way: $\frac{\Delta\nu}{\nu} = \frac{-\Delta\mu}{\mu}$ Now the frequency is related to the reduced mass in…
Henry T.
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Where to start with physics?

So I already have a degree in math and am working on a masters, but I’ve taken no physics since grade 12, and I think it would be really interesting. I’m not trying to get an official degree, I’m just wondering if math people might have suggestions…
archaicmushroom
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Damping Constant Equation?

I've been looking through my textbooks and I've found a number of different equations - so I wanted to confirm with you which it is. What is the equation which determines the damping constant (gamma) in a spring executing shm?
user10265
  • 69
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Is there a method to determine which quadrant a vector is in?

For example, Bob pulls with a force of $250$ Newtons due West and Tim pulls with a force of $500$ Newtons due North. What is the resultant vector? I use the Pythagorean theorem on $250$ and $500$. Then I find…
Dylan
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Algebra vs physics

Before you read this, this is no homework request and I do not expect a solution since I also have written down a solution for the problem (see pictures) . I am not asking for solving the equation but for the following: Can it be that the algebraic…
J.Doe
  • 526
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Is there a point of no hearing if two speakers are emitting the same sounds - Wave Superposition

I'm talking bout this phenomenon (The third one): I would like to know if with sound waves, happen the same as with (water) waves. So, If two speakers were emitting the same sound, would there technically be a point where you wouldn't hear. (I…
Trufa
  • 337
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Which functions can be the resistance of a network?

Say we have $n$ resistors, with unknown resistances $r_1,\ldots,r_n$. We build a network using these, along with any finite number of other resistors of known resistance. We then measure the resistance $R$ of our network between two points, which we…
Julian Rosen
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Does pure math have anything to say about the Lorentz transformation?

The Lorentz factor, $${1 \over {\sqrt {1 - {{{v^2}} \over {{c^2}}}} }}$$ appears intuitively correct from a mathematical viewpoint. According to special relativity, the ratio of the velocity of a body to the speed of light cannot ever equal one or…
Michael Lee
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Calculating stiffness and dampening for an oscillation to settle at a given time

The Problem How can I calculate a stiffness (k) and dampening (b) coefficient for an under-damped oscillation such that the system settles by a given time (t)? The Environment Given the under-damped oscillation formula: $$ x(t) = e^{\frac{-bt}{2}}…
featherless
  • 131
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Basic kinematics question

Starting from rest a lady bug runs along a straight line with constant acceleration. After time T1 , the lady bug suddenly reverses the direction of its acceleration but keeps the magnitude of the acceleration constant and the same as it was…
Jeff
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Please help me understand vectors

I'm about to cry. I can't get this and it's frustrating beyond belief. Here's a problem in my homework: Oasis B is a distance d = 9 km east of oasis A, along the x axis shown in the Figure. A confused camel, intending to walk directly from A…
Rampage
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Dimensional Analysis

Can anyone explain how to do these types of questions for me? I am having trouble wrapping my head around it. Thanks. A spherical soap bubble is seen to undergo oscillations when slightly deformed. Assuming that the frequency of these oscillations…
Garee
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Converting a function for "velocity vs. position", $v(x)$, to "position vs. time", $p(t)$

Provided some initial point $x(0)$, how do I convert the function for velocity vs. position, $v(x)$, into a function for position vs. time, $x(t)$, with time derivative $v(x(t))$? Constant acceleration is not guaranteed. Surely this must always be…
B.M.
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Find coefficient of static friction if given initial velocity and distance?

I'm trying to work a physics problem about how to find the coefficient of static friction between two objects when given the initial velocity and distance. Specifically, the problem I am working is as follows: A crate is carried in a pickup truck…
J.W.F.
  • 133
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Electric field of a spherical shell

I hope this question is appropriate for this site, if not, just leave a comment and I will delete. I am interested in knowing how to derive the electric field due to a spherical shell by Coulomb's law without using double integrals or Gauss…
Tom
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