3 ms·

I don’t think most PhD physicists know what a diffeomorphism is.

• whatshisface 8y ago
  Ok, let me guess without looking it up... A diffeomorphism is a smooth map that lets you switch coordinate systems. (I sure hope that's not wrong.)
  • auntienomen 8y ago
    Pretty close. It's a smooth map with smooth inverse. If you've chosen chosen coordinates, it will transform them for you. I think most physicists probably have a reasonable intuitive idea what a diffeomorphism is, since most have probably learned something about relativity.
• ajkjk 8y ago
  I very much doubt that. I certainly learned it in a physics undergraduate degree.