General Physics Rutgers

Decoding General Physics at Rutgers: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective and Current Students

Introduction:

Are you a prospective student eyeing Rutgers University and wondering about its General Physics program? Or perhaps you're already a Rutgers student navigating the complexities of introductory physics? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the Rutgers General Physics experience, offering insights into course structure, faculty expertise, learning resources, and much more. We'll unravel the mysteries of the curriculum, equip you with strategies for success, and help you understand what makes Rutgers' General Physics program stand out. This post will serve as your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about tackling General Physics at Rutgers.

Understanding the Rutgers General Physics Landscape:

Rutgers University offers several pathways for students to encounter General Physics, depending on their chosen major and academic goals. The most common introductory courses fall under the Physics I and Physics II sequence (typically PHY 105/106 or similar course numbers depending on the specific department and year). These courses are designed to provide a solid foundation in classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics – the cornerstones of any physics education.

Course Structure and Content:

The specific content covered in Rutgers' General Physics courses can vary slightly from semester to semester and instructor to instructor. However, generally, the curriculum follows a traditional approach, building a strong understanding of fundamental concepts before introducing more advanced topics. Expect to encounter:

Mechanics: This is typically the focus of Physics I, covering kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, and oscillations. Expect plenty of problem-solving involving Newton's laws, conservation principles, and vector analysis.
Electricity and Magnetism: Physics II usually delves into electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, and possibly optics. A deep understanding of vector calculus is essential for success in this section.
Thermodynamics: This branch of physics often integrates with mechanics and electromagnetism, covering concepts such as temperature, heat, entropy, and the laws of thermodynamics.

Faculty Expertise and Support:

Rutgers boasts a strong physics department with faculty members who are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated to teaching. Many professors are actively involved in research and bring this real-world experience into the classroom. Look for opportunities to engage with professors during office hours, attend research talks, and explore undergraduate research possibilities. This interaction can significantly enhance your learning experience.

Learning Resources and Support Systems:

Navigating General Physics requires dedication and effective resource utilization. Rutgers provides various support systems to help students succeed:

Office Hours: Professors and teaching assistants typically hold regular office hours, providing a valuable opportunity to clarify concepts, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance.
Study Groups: Forming study groups with classmates is an excellent way to learn collaboratively, share understanding, and tackle challenging problems together.
Tutoring Services: Rutgers likely offers tutoring services specifically for physics, connecting students with peer tutors or professional instructors who can provide additional support.
Online Resources: The university likely provides access to online learning platforms, digital textbooks, and other online resources that can complement classroom instruction.

Strategies for Success in General Physics:

Success in General Physics requires a multi-pronged approach:

Consistent Effort: Physics requires consistent effort and regular engagement with the material. Don't fall behind; keep up with the lectures, readings, and assignments.
Active Learning: Don't just passively read or listen; actively engage with the material. Work through examples, solve practice problems, and ask questions.
Seek Help Early: Don't wait until you're struggling to seek help. Reach out to professors, TAs, tutors, or classmates as soon as you encounter difficulties.
Problem-Solving Skills: Develop strong problem-solving skills. Physics is not just about memorizing formulas; it's about applying concepts to solve real-world problems.

Beyond the Classroom: Research and Career Opportunities:

A strong foundation in General Physics opens doors to various career paths and research opportunities. Many students use this foundation to pursue advanced degrees in physics, engineering, or other STEM fields. Rutgers provides research opportunities for undergraduates, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a research lab and potentially contribute to cutting-edge discoveries.

A Sample Course Outline: General Physics I (Hypothetical Example)

Introduction: Course overview, syllabus review, mathematical prerequisites (vectors, calculus).
Chapter 1: Kinematics: Motion in one and two dimensions, vectors, velocity, acceleration.
Chapter 2: Dynamics: Newton's laws of motion, forces, friction, work, energy.
Chapter 3: Energy and Momentum: Conservation of energy and momentum, collisions.
Chapter 4: Rotational Motion: Angular velocity, angular acceleration, torque, rotational kinetic energy.
Chapter 5: Oscillations and Waves: Simple harmonic motion, damped oscillations, wave phenomena.
Conclusion: Course summary, review of key concepts, preparation for Physics II.


Detailed Explanation of the Sample Outline:

This hypothetical outline illustrates a typical structure for a General Physics I course. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, progressively introducing more complex concepts. The introduction establishes the groundwork for the entire course, ensuring students have the necessary mathematical background. Each subsequent chapter introduces new concepts, illustrated through lectures, problem-solving exercises, and possibly labs. The conclusion reinforces the learned material and prepares students for the next level of physics.



FAQs:

1. What calculus background is needed for General Physics at Rutgers? A solid understanding of single-variable calculus (derivatives and integrals) is essential.
2. What textbooks are typically used in General Physics at Rutgers? The specific textbooks can vary; it's best to check the syllabus for the course you're enrolled in.
3. Are there labs associated with the General Physics courses? Yes, most General Physics courses at Rutgers likely include laboratory components.
4. What is the grading system for General Physics courses? Grading typically involves a combination of exams, homework assignments, quizzes, and lab reports.
5. What are the prerequisites for General Physics courses? Check the Rutgers course catalog for specific prerequisites, which often include high school physics and mathematics.
6. Is there academic support available if I am struggling? Yes, Rutgers offers various support systems, including tutoring services, office hours, and study groups.
7. How can I get involved in physics research as an undergraduate? Contact professors whose research interests you, explore undergraduate research opportunities, and look for announcements related to research projects.
8. What career paths are open to students with a strong foundation in General Physics? Many career options exist, including engineering, medicine, computer science, and research in physics-related fields.
9. Are there online resources available to supplement the course material? Rutgers likely provides access to online learning platforms and other digital resources.


Related Articles:

1. Rutgers Physics Department Overview: An in-depth look at the Rutgers Physics Department, its faculty, research areas, and facilities.
2. Choosing the Right Physics Track at Rutgers: A guide to selecting the appropriate physics track based on career aspirations.
3. Advanced Physics Courses at Rutgers: An exploration of the advanced physics courses offered at Rutgers and their prerequisites.
4. Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Physics at Rutgers: Details on undergraduate research opportunities available within the Rutgers Physics Department.
5. Tips for Success in College Physics: General strategies and tips to succeed in college-level physics courses.
6. The Role of Mathematics in Physics: A discussion on the importance of mathematical skills for success in physics.
7. Careers in Physics: An overview of various career paths available to physics graduates.
8. Rutgers STEM Resources: A comprehensive list of STEM-related resources available to students at Rutgers.
9. Physics Labs at Rutgers: A detailed look at the types of labs and experiments conducted in Rutgers' physics courses.


  general physics rutgers: Physics John D. Cutnell, Kenneth W. Johnson, David Young, Shane Stadler, 2020-05-07 Physics, 11th Edition provides students with the skills that they need to succeed in this course, by focusing on conceptual understanding; problem solving; and providing real-world applications and relevance. Conceptual Examples, Concepts and Calculations problems, and Check Your Understanding questions help students to understand physics principles. Math Skills boxes, multi-concept problems, and Examples with reasoning steps help students to improve their reasoning skills while solving problems. The Physics Of boxes show students how physics principles are relevant to their everyday lives.
  general physics rutgers: Principles of Astrophysics Charles Keeton, 2014-05-10 This book gives a survey of astrophysics at the advanced undergraduate level, providing a physics-centred analysis of a broad range of astronomical systems. It originates from a two-semester course sequence at Rutgers University that is meant to appeal not only to astrophysics students but also more broadly to physics and engineering students. The organisation is driven more by physics than by astronomy; in other words, topics are first developed in physics and then applied to astronomical systems that can be investigated, rather than the other way around. The first half of the book focuses on gravity. The theme in this part of the book, as well as throughout astrophysics, is using motion to investigate mass. The goal of Chapters 2-11 is to develop a progressively richer understanding of gravity as it applies to objects ranging from planets and moons to galaxies and the universe as a whole. The second half uses other aspects of physics to address one of the big questions. While “Why are we here?” lies beyond the realm of physics, a closely related question is within our reach: “How did we get here?” The goal of Chapters 12-20 is to understand the physics behind the remarkable story of how the Universe, Earth and life were formed. This book assumes familiarity with vector calculus and introductory physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, gas physics and atomic physics); however, all of the physics topics are reviewed as they come up (and vital aspects of vector calculus are reviewed in the Appendix).
  general physics rutgers: Aristotle's Physics Joe Sachs, 1995 Aristotle's Physics is one of the least studied great books--physics has come to mean something entirely different than Aristotle's inquiry into nature, and stereotyped Medieval interpretations have buried the original text. Sach's translation is really the only one that I know of that attempts to take the reader back to the text itself. -- Leon Cass, University of Chicago
  general physics rutgers: A Ray of Light in a Sea of Dark Matter Charles Keeton, 2014-04-30 What’s in the dark? Countless generations have gazed up at the night sky and asked this question—the same question that cosmologists ask themselves as they study the universe. The answer turns out to be surprising and rich. The space between stars is filled with an exotic substance called “dark matter” that exerts gravity but does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. The space between galaxies is rife with “dark energy” that creates a sort of cosmic antigravity causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate. Together, dark matter and dark energy account for 95 percent of the content of the universe. News reporters and science journalists routinely talk about these findings using terms that they assume we have a working knowledge of, but do you really understand how astronomers arrive at their findings or what it all means? Cosmologists face a conundrum: how can we study substances we cannot see, let alone manipulate? A powerful approach is to observe objects whose motion is influenced by gravity. Einstein predicted that gravity can act like a lens to bend light. Today we see hundreds of cases of this—instances where the gravity of a distant galaxy distorts our view of a more distant object, creating multiple images or spectacular arcs on the sky. Gravitational lensing is now a key part of the international quest to understand the invisible substance that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the universe together. A Ray of Light in a Sea of Dark Matter offers readers a concise, accessible explanation of how astronomers probe dark matter. Readers quickly gain an understanding of what might be out there, how scientists arrive at their findings, and why this research is important to us. Engaging and insightful, Charles Keeton gives everyone an opportunity to be an active learner and listener in our ever-expanding universe. Watch a video with Charles Keeton: Watch video now. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc3byXNS1G0).
  general physics rutgers: Equidistribution Of Dynamical Systems: Time-quantitative Second Law Jozsef Beck, 2020-10-05 We know very little about the time-evolution of many-particle dynamical systems, the subject of our book. Even the 3-body problem has no explicit solution (we cannot solve the corresponding system of differential equations, and computer simulation indicates hopelessly chaotic behaviour). For example, what can we say about the typical time evolution of a large system starting from a stage far from equilibrium? What happens in a realistic time scale? The reader's first reaction is probably: What about the famous Second Law (of thermodynamics)?Unfortunately, there are plenty of notorious mathematical problems surrounding the Second Law. (1) How to rigorously define entropy? How to convert the well known intuitions (like 'disorder' and 'energy spreading') into precise mathematical definitions? (2) How to express the Second Law in forms of a rigorous mathematical theorem? (3) The Second Law is a 'soft' qualitative statement about entropy increase, but does not say anything about the necessary time to reach equilibrium.The object of this book is to answer questions (1)-(2)-(3). We rigorously prove a Time-Quantitative Second Law that works on a realistic time scale. As a by product, we clarify the Loschmidt-paradox and the related reversibility/irreversibility paradox.
  general physics rutgers: Finding Einstein's Brain Frederick E. Lepore, 2018-06-25 Albert Einstein remains the quintessential icon of modern genius. Like Newton and many others, his seminal work in physics includes the General Theory of Relativity, the Absolute Nature of Light, and perhaps the most famous equation of all time: E=mc2. Following his death in 1955, Einstein’s brain was removed and preserved, but has never been fully or systematically studied. In fact, the sections are not even all in one place, and some are mysteriously unaccounted for! In this compelling tale, Frederick E. Lepore delves into the strange, elusive afterlife of Einstein’s brain, the controversy surrounding its use, and what its study represents for brain and/or intelligence studies. Carefully reacting to the skepticism of 21st century neuroscience, Lepore more broadly examines the philosophical, medical, and scientific implications of brain-examination. Is the brain simply a computer? If so, how close are we to artificially creating a human brain? Could scientists create a second Einstein? This “biography of a brain” attempts to answer these questions, exploring what made Einstein’s brain anatomy exceptional, and how “found” photographs--discovered more than a half a century after his death--may begin to uncover the nature of genius.
  general physics rutgers: Physics, the Human Adventure Gerald James Holton, Stephen G. Brush, 2001 Of Some Trigonometric Relations -- Vector Algebra.
  general physics rutgers: Physics from Planet Earth - an Introduction to Mechanics Joseph C. Amato, Enrique Jose Galvez, 2015 A lively and engaging introduction to classical mechanics, this easy-to-follow text presents real, modern applications in astrophysics and beyond. It covers the core physics concepts, progressing step by step from simple to more complex mathematics. The authors draw on their extensive experience teaching the subject to students in physics, chemistry, astronomy, and engineering. They discuss the conservation laws of momentum, energy, and angular momentum as well as dark matter, dark energy, and the ultimate fate of the Universe.
  general physics rutgers: Histidine Kinases in Signal Transduction Masayori Inouye, Rinku Dutta, 2002-11-13 Living cells are constantly sensing environmental changes, and their abilities to sense these changes and adapt to them are essential for their survival. In bacteria, histidine kinases are the major sensors for these environmental stresses, enabling cells to adapt to new growth conditions. Written by leading experts in the field, this book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive review on the structure and function of histidine kinases. It also provides extensive information on the physiological roles of histidine kinases in bacteria and eukaryotes. An an essential reference for cell biologists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, and biochemists interested in signal transduction. Experimental biologists and pharmacologists studying signal transduction systems in living organisms will also find it a valuable research tool. - The first comprehensive book on the roles of histidine kinases in cells - 23 in-depth chapters written by leading experts in the field - Describes the most recent advances in the field of signal transduction
  general physics rutgers: Science Talk Daniel Patrick Thurs, 2007-07-24 Science news is met by the public with a mixture of fascination and disengagement. On the one hand, Americans are inflamed by topics ranging from the question of whether or not Pluto is a planet to the ethics of stem-cell research. But the complexity of scientific research can also be confusing and overwhelming, causing many to divert their attentions elsewhere and leave science to the “experts.” Whether they follow science news closely or not, Americans take for granted that discoveries in the sciences are occurring constantly. Few, however, stop to consider how these advances—and the debates they sometimes lead to—contribute to the changing definition of the term “science” itself. Going beyond the issue-centered debates, Daniel Patrick Thurs examines what these controversies say about how we understand science now and in the future. Drawing on his analysis of magazines, newspapers, journals and other forms of public discourse, Thurs describes how science—originally used as a synonym for general knowledge—became a term to distinguish particular subjects as elite forms of study accessible only to the highly educated.
  general physics rutgers: Introduction to the Theory of Quantum Information Processing János A. Bergou, Mark Hillery, 2013-05-18 Introduction to the Theory of Quantum Information Processing provides the material for a one-semester graduate level course on quantum information theory and quantum computing for students who have had a one-year graduate course in quantum mechanics. Many standard subjects are treated, such as density matrices, entanglement, quantum maps, quantum cryptography, and quantum codes. Also included are discussions of quantum machines and quantum walks. In addition, the book provides detailed treatments of several underlying fundamental principles of quantum theory, such as quantum measurements, the no-cloning and no-signaling theorems, and their consequences. Problems of various levels of difficulty supplement the text, with the most challenging problems bringing the reader to the forefront of active research. This book provides a compact introduction to the fascinating and rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field of quantum information theory, and it prepares the reader for doing active research in this area.
  general physics rutgers: 30-Second Universe Charles Liu, Charles Lui, Karen Masters, Sevil Salur, 2019-10 The universe literally encompasses everything we were, are and will be, everything we knew, know and can know. When we decide to understand the universe as a whole, new truths come to light, and unexpected perspectives illuminate our take on life. 30-Second Universe explains all the tantalising concepts, principles and theories that make up our knowledge - the Higgs particle, gluons, quarks, the multiverse, how certainty itself can be uncertain, and of course, where our world came from, and where we're going and what will happen in the end - and it explains these astrophysical answers succinctly, each entry taking only 30 seconds to read, with further exploration flagged, and key scientists noted. This one small book sheds light on the biggest ideas, concepts and discoveries in life, in the universe, in everything.
  general physics rutgers: Problems in Physics Abhay Kumar Singh, 2007 In The Study Of Physics At The +2 Stage And The 1St Year Engineering Course, Problem Solving Poses A Major Challenge. This Book Aims At Assisting The Students Approach A Physics Problem, Elaborating On What Signifies That A Solution Has Been Found And Much More. Tougher Problems Have Been Solved, Laying Great Stress On Approach And Method; While Simultaneously Offering The Number Of Ways A Given Problem Can Be Solved Applying Different Approaches. The Fourth Edition Of This Widely Used Text Presents 300 New Problems With Answers Including 50 Fully Solved Examples.
  general physics rutgers: A Guide to Physics Problems Sidney B. Cahn, Boris E. Nadgorny, 1994-08-31 In order to equip hopeful graduate students with the knowledge necessary to pass the qualifying examination, the authors have assembled and solved standard and original problems from major American universities – Boston University, University of Chicago, University of Colorado at Boulder, Columbia, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Michigan State, Michigan Tech, MIT, Princeton, Rutgers, Stanford, Stony Brook, University of Wisconsin at Madison – and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. A wide range of material is covered and comparisons are made between similar problems of different schools to provide the student with enough information to feel comfortable and confident at the exam. Guide to Physics Problems is published in two volumes: this book, Part 1, covers Mechanics, Relativity and Electrodynamics; Part 2 covers Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics. Praise for A Guide to Physics Problems: Part 1: Mechanics, Relativity, and Electrodynamics: Sidney Cahn and Boris Nadgorny have energetically collected and presented solutions to about 140 problems from the exams at many universities in the United States and one university in Russia, the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. Some of the problems are quite easy, others are quite tough; some are routine, others ingenious. (From the Foreword by C. N. Yang, Nobelist in Physics, 1957) Generations of graduate students will be grateful for its existence as they prepare for this major hurdle in their careers. (R. Shankar, Yale University) The publication of the volume should be of great help to future candidates who must pass this type of exam. (J. Robert Schrieffer, Nobelist in Physics, 1972) I was positively impressed ... The book will be useful to students who are studying for their examinations and to faculty who are searching for appropriate problems. (M. L. Cohen, University of California at Berkeley) If a student understands how to solve these problems, they have gone a long way toward mastering the subject matter. (Martin Olsson, University of Wisconsin at Madison) This book will become a necessary study guide for graduate students while they prepare for their Ph.D. examination. It will become equally useful for the faculty who write the questions. (G. D. Mahan, University of Tennessee at Knoxville)
  general physics rutgers: Introduction to Many-Body Physics Piers Coleman, 2015-11-26 This book explains the tools and concepts needed for a research-level understanding of the subject, for graduate students in condensed matter physics.
  general physics rutgers: Concepts of Mass in Contemporary Physics and Philosophy Max Jammer, 2009-06-08 The concept of mass is one of the most fundamental notions in physics, comparable in importance only to those of space and time. But in contrast to the latter, which are the subject of innumerable physical and philosophical studies, the concept of mass has been but rarely investigated. Here Max Jammer, a leading philosopher and historian of physics, provides a concise but comprehensive, coherent, and self-contained study of the concept of mass as it is defined, interpreted, and applied in contemporary physics and as it is critically examined in the modern philosophy of science. With its focus on theories proposed after the mid-1950s, the book is the first of its kind, covering the most recent experimental and theoretical investigations into the nature of mass and its role in modern physics, from the realm of elementary particles to the cosmology of galaxies. The book begins with an analysis of the persistent difficulties of defining inertial mass in a noncircular manner and discusses the related question of whether mass is an observational or a theoretical concept. It then studies the notion of mass in special relativity and the delicate problem of whether the relativistic rest mass is the only legitimate notion of mass and whether it is identical with the classical (Newtonian) mass. This is followed by a critical analysis of the different derivations of the famous mass-energy relationship E = mc2 and its conflicting interpretations. Jammer then devotes a chapter to the distinction between inertial and gravitational mass and to the various versions of the so-called equivalence principle with which Newton initiated his Principia but which also became the starting point of Einstein's general relativity, which supersedes Newtonian physics. The book concludes with a presentation of recently proposed global and local dynamical theories of the origin and nature of mass. Destined to become a much-consulted reference for philosophers and physicists, this book is also written for the nonprofessional general reader interested in the foundations of physics.
  general physics rutgers: Modern Quantum Field Theory Tom Banks, 2008-09-18 Presenting a variety of topics that are only briefly touched on in other texts, this book provides a thorough introduction to the techniques of field theory. Covering Feynman diagrams and path integrals, the author emphasizes the path integral approach, the Wilsonian approach to renormalization, and the physics of non-abelian gauge theory. It provides a thorough treatment of quark confinement and chiral symmetry breaking, topics not usually covered in other texts at this level. The Standard Model of particle physics is discussed in detail. Connections with condensed matter physics are explored, and there is a brief, but detailed, treatment of non-perturbative semi-classical methods. Ideal for graduate students in high energy physics and condensed matter physics, the book contains many problems,which help students practise the key techniques of quantum field theory.
  general physics rutgers: The Shape of a Life Shing-Tung Yau, Steve Nadis, 2019-02-19 A Fields medalist recounts his lifelong effort to uncover the geometric shape—the Calabi-Yau manifold—that may store the hidden dimensions of our universe. Harvard geometer Shing-Tung Yau has provided a mathematical foundation for string theory, offered new insights into black holes, and mathematically demonstrated the stability of our universe. In this autobiography, Yau reflects on his improbable journey to becoming one of the world’s most distinguished mathematicians. Beginning with an impoverished childhood in China and Hong Kong, Yau takes readers through his doctoral studies at Berkeley during the height of the Vietnam War protests, his Fields Medal–winning proof of the Calabi conjecture, his return to China, and his pioneering work in geometric analysis. This new branch of geometry, which Yau built up with his friends and colleagues, has paved the way for solutions to several important and previously intransigent problems. With complicated ideas explained for a broad audience, this book offers not only insights into the life of an eminent mathematician, but also an accessible way to understand advanced and highly abstract concepts in mathematics and theoretical physics. “The remarkable story of one of the world’s most accomplished mathematicians . . . Yau’s personal journey—from escaping China as a youngster, leading a gang outside Hong Kong, becoming captivated by mathematics, to making breakthroughs that thrust him on the world stage—inspires us all with humankind’s irrepressible spirit of discovery.” —Brian Greene, New York Times–bestselling author of The Elegant Universe “An unexpectedly intimate look into a highly accomplished man, his colleagues and friends, the development of a new field of geometric analysis, and a glimpse into a truly uncommon mind.” —The Boston Globe “Engaging, eminently readable. . . . For those with a taste for elegant and largely jargon-free explanations of mathematics, The Shape of a Life promises hours of rewarding reading.” —American Scientist
  general physics rutgers: Galaxies and the Universe Allan Sandage, Mary Sandage, Jerome Kristian, 1982
  general physics rutgers: A History of the Circle Ernest Zebrowski, 1999 Ranging from ancient times to twentieth-century theories of time and space, looks at how exploring the circle has lead to increased knowledge about the physical universe.
  general physics rutgers: From Newton to Einstein F Todd Baker, 2014-12-01 From Newton to Einstein is a book devoted to classical mechanics. Classical here includes the theory of special relativity as well because, as argued in the book, it is essentially Newtonian mechanics extended to very high speeds. This information is expanded from the author's popular Q&A website, a site aimed primarily at general readers who are curious about how physics explains the workings of the world. Hence, the answers emphasize concepts over formalism, and the mathematics is kept to a minimum. Students new to physics will find discussion and quantitative calculations for areas often neglected in introductory courses (e.g. air drag and non-inertial frames). The author gives us a more intuitive approach to special relativity than normally taught in introductory courses. One chapter discusses general relativity in a completely non-mathematical way emphasizing the equivalence principle and the generalized principle of relativity; the examples in this chapter can offer a new slant on applications of classical mechanics. Another chapter is devoted to the physics of computer games, sci-fi, superheros, and super weapons for those interested in the intersection of popular culture and science. Professional scientists will find topics that they may find amusing and, in some cases, everyday applications that they had not thought of. Brief tutorials are given for essential concepts (e.g. Newton's laws) and appendices give technical details for the interested reader.
  general physics rutgers: Investigative Science Learning Environment Eugenia Etkina, David T Brookes, Gorazd Planinsic, 2019-11-15 The goal of this book is to introduce a reader to a new philosophy of teaching and learning physics - Investigative Science Learning Environment, or ISLE (pronounced as a small island). ISLE is an example of an intentional approach to curriculum design and learning activities (MacMillan and Garrison 1988 A Logical Theory of Teaching: Erotetics and Intentionality). Intentionality means that the process through which the learning occurs is as crucial for learning as the final outcome or learned content. In ISLE, the process through which students learn mirrors the practice of physics.
  general physics rutgers: The Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation Panayotis G. Kevrekidis, 2009-07-07 This book constitutes the first effort to summarize a large volume of results obtained over the past 20 years in the context of the Discrete Nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the physical settings that it describes.
  general physics rutgers: Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails) Matt Young, Paul Strode, 2009-05-15 Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails) is an impassioned argument in favor of science—primarily the theory of evolution—and against creationism. Why impassioned? Should not scientists be dispassionate in their work? “Perhaps,” write the authors, “but it is impossible to remain neutral when our most successful scientific theories are under attack, for religious and other reasons, by laypeople and even some scientists who willfully distort scientific findings and use them for their own purposes.” Focusing on what other books omit, how science works and how pseudoscience works, Matt Young and Paul K. Strode demonstrate the futility of “scientific” creationism. They debunk the notion of intelligent design and other arguments that show evolution could not have produced life in its present form. Concluding with a frank discussion of science and religion, Why Evolution Works (and Creationism Fails) argues that science by no means excludes religion, though it ought tocast doubt on certain religious claims that are contrary to known scientific fact.
  general physics rutgers: Issues in General Physics Research: 2011 Edition , 2012-01-09 Issues in General Physics Research / 2011 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about General Physics Research. The editors have built Issues in General Physics Research: 2011 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about General Physics Research in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Issues in General Physics Research: 2011 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.
  general physics rutgers: Quantum Mechanics Thomas Banks, 2018-12-07 This authoritative, advanced introduction provides a complete, modern perspective on quantum mechanics. It clarifies many common misconceptions regarding wave/particle duality and the correct interpretation of measurements. The author develops the text from the ground up, starting from the fundamentals and presenting information at an elementary level, avoiding unnecessarily detailed and complex derivations in favor of simple, clear explanations. He begins in the simplest context of a two-state system and shows why quantum mechanics is inevitable, and what its relationship is to classical mechanics. He also outlines the decoherence approach to interpreting quantum mechanics. Distinguishing features: Provides a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of quantum mechanics, including a core understanding of the behavior of atoms, molecules, solids, and light. Utilizes easy-to-follow examples and analogies to illustrate important concepts. Helps develop an intuitive sense for the field, by guiding the reader to understand how the correct formulas reduce to the non-relativistic ones. Includes numerous worked examples and problems for each chapter.
  general physics rutgers: Not Even Wrong Peter Woit, 2011-08-31 Not Even Wrong is a fascinating exploration of our attempts to come to grips with perhaps the most intellectually demanding puzzle of all: how does the universe work at its most fundamnetal level? The book begins with an historical survey of the experimental and theoretical developments that led to the creation of the phenomenally successful 'Standard Model' of particle physics around 1975. Despite its successes, the Standard Model does not answer all the key questions and physicists continuing search for answers led to the development of superstring theory. However, after twenty years, superstring theory has failed to advance beyond the Standard Model. The absence of experimental evidence is at the core of this controversial situation which means that it is impossible to prove that superstring theory is either right or wrong. To date, only the arguments of the theory's advocates have received much publicity. Not Even Wrong provides readers with another side of the story.
  general physics rutgers: Our Universe Jo Dunkley, 2019-04-08 A BBC Sky at Night Best Astronomy and Space Book of the Year “[A] luminous guide to the cosmos...Jo Dunkley swoops from Earth to the observable limits, then explores stellar life cycles, dark matter, cosmic evolution and the soup-to-nuts history of the Universe.” —Nature “A grand tour of space and time, from our nearest planetary neighbors to the edge of the observable Universe...If you feel like refreshing your background knowledge...this little gem certainly won’t disappoint.” —Govert Schilling, BBC Sky at Night Most of us have heard of black holes and supernovas, galaxies and the Big Bang. But few understand more than the bare facts about the universe we call home. What is really out there? How did it all begin? Where are we going? Jo Dunkley begins in Earth’s neighborhood, explaining the nature of the Solar System, the stars in our night sky, and the Milky Way. She traces the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang fourteen billion years ago, past the birth of the Sun and our planets, to today and beyond. She then explains cutting-edge debates about such perplexing phenomena as the accelerating expansion of the universe and the possibility that our universe is only one of many. Our Universe conveys with authority and grace the thrill of scientific discovery and a contagious enthusiasm for the endless wonders of space-time.
  general physics rutgers: Bankrupting Physics Alexander Unzicker, Sheilla Jones, 2013-07-30 An award-winning scientist argues that theoretical physics has become too abstract and calls for science to return to the experimental method The recently celebrated discovery of the Higgs boson has captivated the public's imagination with the promise that it can explain the origins of everything in the universe. It's no wonder that the media refers to it grandly as the God particle. Yet behind closed doors, physicists are admitting that there is much more to this story, and even years of gunning the Large Hadron Collider and herculean number crunching may still not lead to a deep understanding of the laws of nature. In this fascinating and eye-opening account, theoretical physicist Alexander Unzicker and science writer Sheilla Jones offer a polemic. They question whether the large-scale, multinational enterprises actually lead us to the promised land of understanding the universe. The two scientists take us on a tour of contemporary physics and show how a series of highly publicized theories met a dead end. Unzicker and Jones systematically unpack the recent hot theories such as parallel universes, string theory, and inflationary cosmology, and provide an accessible explanation of each. The auhors argue that physics has abandoned its evidence-based roots and shifted to untestable mathematical theories, and they issue a clarion call for the science to return to its experimental foundation.
  general physics rutgers: The Art of Being a Scientist Roel Snieder, Ken Larner, 2009-07-23 This is a hands-on guide for graduate students and young researchers wishing to perfect the practical skills needed for a successful research career. By teaching junior scientists to develop effective research habits, the book helps to make the experience of graduate study a more efficient and rewarding one. The authors have taught a graduate course on the topics covered for many years, and provide a sample curriculum for instructors in graduate schools wanting to teach a similar course. Topics covered include choosing a research topic, department, and advisor; making workplans; the ethics of research; using scientific literature; perfecting oral and written communication; publishing papers; writing proposals; managing time effectively; and planning a scientific career and applying for jobs in research and industry. The wealth of advice is invaluable to students, junior researchers and mentors in all fields of science, engineering, and the humanities. The authors have taught a graduate course on the topics covered for many years, and provide a sample curriculum for instructors in graduate schools wanting to teach a similar course. The sample curriculum is available in the book as Appendix B, and as an online resource.
  general physics rutgers: Physics for Scientists and Engineers Raymond Serway, John Jewett, 2013-01-01 As a market leader, PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS is one of the most powerful brands in the physics market. While preserving concise language, state-of-the-art educational pedagogy, and top-notch worked examples, the Ninth Edition highlights the Analysis Model approach to problem-solving, including brand-new Analysis Model Tutorials, written by text co-author John Jewett, and available in Enhanced WebAssign. The Analysis Model approach lays out a standard set of situations that appear in most physics problems, and serves as a bridge to help students identify the correct fundamental principle--and then the equation--to utilize in solving that problem. The unified art program and the carefully thought out problem sets also enhance the thoughtful instruction for which Raymond A. Serway and John W. Jewett, Jr. earned their reputations. The Ninth Edition of PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS continues to be accompanied by Enhanced WebAssign in the most integrated text-technology offering available today. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.
  general physics rutgers: Physics in the Nineteenth Century Robert D. Purrington, 1997 Putting physics into the historical context of the Industrial Revolution and the European nation-state, Purrington traces the main figures, including Faraday, Maxwell, Kelvin, and Helmholtz, as well as their interactions, experiments, discoveries, and debates. The success of nineteenth-century physics laid the foundation for quantum theory and relativity in the twentieth. Robert D. Purrington is a professor of physics at Tulane University and coauthor of Frame of the Universe.
  general physics rutgers: A Universe from Nothing Lawrence Maxwell Krauss, 2013 This is a provocative account of the astounding new answers to the most basic philosophical question: Where did the universe come from and how will it end?
  general physics rutgers: The Constants of Nature John Barrow, 2009-05-06 Reality as we know it is bound by a set of constants—numbers and values that dictate the strengths of forces like gravity, the speed of light, and the masses of elementary particles. In The Constants of Nature, Cambridge Professor and bestselling author John D.Barrow takes us on an exploration of these governing principles. Drawing on physicists such as Einstein and Planck, Barrow illustrates with stunning clarity our dependence on the steadfastness of these principles. But he also suggests that the basic forces may have been radically different during the universe’s infancy, and suggests that they may continue a deeply hidden evolution. Perhaps most tantalizingly, Barrow theorizes about the realities that might one day be found in a universe with different parameters than our own.
  general physics rutgers: Quantum Relativity David R. Finkelstein, 2012-12-06 Over the past years the author has developed a quantum language going beyond the concepts used by Bohr and Heisenberg. The simple formal algebraic language is designed to be consistent with quantum theory. It differs from natural languages in its epistemology, modal structure, logical connections, and copulatives. Starting from ideas of John von Neumann and in part also as a response to his fundamental work, the author bases his approach on what one really observes when studying quantum processes. This way the new language can be seen as a clue to a deeper understanding of the concepts of quantum physics, at the same time avoiding those paradoxes which arise when using natural languages. The work is organized didactically: The reader learns in fairly concrete form about the language and its structure as well as about its use for physics.
  general physics rutgers: The Little Book of String Theory Steven S. Gubser, 2010-02-08 The essential beginner's guide to string theory The Little Book of String Theory offers a short, accessible, and entertaining introduction to one of the most talked-about areas of physics today. String theory has been called the theory of everything. It seeks to describe all the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses gravity and quantum mechanics in one unifying theory. But it is unproven and fraught with controversy. After reading this book, you'll be able to draw your own conclusions about string theory. Steve Gubser begins by explaining Einstein's famous equation E = mc2, quantum mechanics, and black holes. He then gives readers a crash course in string theory and the core ideas behind it. In plain English and with a minimum of mathematics, Gubser covers strings, branes, string dualities, extra dimensions, curved spacetime, quantum fluctuations, symmetry, and supersymmetry. He describes efforts to link string theory to experimental physics and uses analogies that nonscientists can understand. How does Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu relate to quantum mechanics? What would it be like to fall into a black hole? Why is dancing a waltz similar to contemplating a string duality? Find out in the pages of this book. The Little Book of String Theory is the essential, most up-to-date beginner's guide to this elegant, multidimensional field of physics.
  general physics rutgers: The Star of Bethlehem Michael R. Molnar, 2013 Tracing the possible origins of the Magi's star, the author uses an ancient Roman coin as a starting point to investigate the possibility that the legendary star may in fact have been an eclipse of Jupiter and the star Aries.
  general physics rutgers: The Soul Fallacy Julien Musolino, 2015-01-06 Most Americans believe they possess an immaterial soul that will survive the death of the body. In sharp contrast, the current scientific consensus rejects the traditional soul, although this conclusion is rarely discussed publicly. In this book, a cognitive scientist breaks the taboo and explains why modern science leads to this controversial conclusion. In doing so, the book reveals the truly astonishing scope and power of scientific inquiry, drawing on ideas from biology, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and the physical sciences. Much more than chronicling the demise of the traditional soul, the book explores where soul beliefs come from, why they are so widespread culturally and historically, how cognitive science offers a naturalistic alternative to religious conceptions of mind, and how postulating the existence of a soul amounts to making a scientific claim. Although the new scientific view of personhood departs radically from traditional religious conceptions, the author shows that a coherent, meaningful, and sensitive appreciation of what it means to be human remains intact. He argues that we do not lose anything by letting go of our soul beliefs and that we even have something to gain. Throughout, the book takes a passionate stand for science and reason. It also offers a timely rejoinder to recent claims that science supports the existence of the soul and the afterlife.
  general physics rutgers: Bohmian Mechanics Detlef Dürr, Stefan Teufel, 2009-04-30 Bohmian Mechanics was formulated in 1952 by David Bohm as a complete theory of quantum phenomena based on a particle picture. It was promoted some decades later by John S. Bell, who, intrigued by the manifestly nonlocal structure of the theory, was led to his famous Bell's inequalities. Experimental tests of the inequalities verified that nature is indeed nonlocal. Bohmian mechanics has since then prospered as the straightforward completion of quantum mechanics. This book provides a systematic introduction to Bohmian mechanics and to the mathematical abstractions of quantum mechanics, which range from the self-adjointness of the Schrödinger operator to scattering theory. It explains how the quantum formalism emerges when Boltzmann's ideas about statistical mechanics are applied to Bohmian mechanics. The book is self-contained, mathematically rigorous and an ideal starting point for a fundamental approach to quantum mechanics. It will appeal to students and newcomers to the field, as well as to established scientists seeking a clear exposition of the theory.
  general physics rutgers: Through Two Doors at Once Anil Ananthaswamy, 2020-01-23 The clearest, most accessible explanation yet of the amazing world of quantum mechanics. How can matter behave both like a particle and a wave? Does a particle exist before we look at it or does the very act of looking bring it into reality? Are there hidden elements to reality missing from the orthodox view of quantum physics? And is there a place where the quantum world ends and our perceivable world begins? Many of science's greatest minds have grappled with these questions embodied by the simple yet elusive double-slit experiment. Thomas Young devised it in the early 1800s to show that light behaves like a wave, and in doing so opposed Isaac Newton’s theories. Nearly a century later, Albert Einstein showed that light comes in particles, and the experiment became key to a fierce debate with Niels Bohr over the nature of reality. Richard Feynman held that the double slit embodies the central mystery of the quantum world. Hypothesis after hypothesis, scientists have returned to this ingenious experiment to help them answer the deep questions about the fabric of our universe. With his extraordinary gift for making the complicated comprehensible, Anil Ananthaswamy travels around the world and through history, down to the smallest scales of physical reality we have yet fathomed for the answers. ***PRAISE FOR THROUGH TWO DOORS AT ONCE*** A Physics Book of the Year A Forbes Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Best Book of the Year A Smithsonian Favourite Book of the Year Publisher's Weekly Best Books of Autumn 'A fascinating read and a must for anyone who would like to find out the latest experimental advances made in this most fundamental of quantum experiments.' Physics World 'Ananthaswamy cleverly comes at quantum physics from a different direction... An excellent addition to the 'Quantum physics for the rest of us' shelf.' Brian Clegg, author of Are Numbers Real? and The Quantum Age 'A challenging and rewarding survey of how scientists are grappling with nature’s deepest, strangest secrets.' Wall Street Journal 'A fascinating tour through the cutting-edge physics the experiment keeps on spawning.' Scientific American 'Ananthaswamy gives an absolutely mind-boggling tour of how quantum physicists try to explain this “reality” that one of the most powerful scientific models of our era.' Smithsonian 'Offers beginners the tools they need to seriously engage with the philosophical questions that likely drew them to quantum mechanics.' Science 'At a time when popular physics writing so valorizes theory, a quietly welcome strength of Ananthaswamy’s book is how much human construction comes into focus here. This is not “nature” showing us, but us pressing “nature” for answers to our increasingly obsessional questions.' Washington Post 'Ananthaswamy's book is simply an outstanding exploration of the double slit experiment and what makes it so weird.' Forbes 'A thrilling survey of the most famous, enduring, and enigmatic experiment in the history of science.' Kirkus, starred review