3 ms·

algebra based physics is cargo cult science" - can you elaborate on this? Stuff like force = mass * acceleration seems pretty fundamental.

hga 12y ago
Certainly some of it can be done with just algebra, but general classical mechanics requires the calculus. E.g. distance -> speed -> acceleration -> jerk (why flooring the accelerator of a car can be so much fun). Or let's use Newton's infamous apple. We say that gravity exerts a force of kd/t^2 (in MKS 9.8 m/s^2), but to describe the motion of the apple.... If you want I can grab my copy of University Physics, skim it and go into more detail about what can and can't be done with just algebra.
- lomnakkus 12y ago
  WHAT? I have a very hard time understanding what you're saying here (but it could be very interesting). Could you post screenshots of textbooks? Or proofs?
  - hga 12y ago
    Errr, all I'm pointing out are a couple of related details of classical mechanics that require the calculus, basically Newton's 2nd Law of motion (ignoring jerk and beyond, which you might describe as acceleration of acceleration). It is very interesting stuff, but I'd suggest studying the most basic bits of the calculus and classical mechanics if you want to go further (this is typically the first thing you're taught about both). At this level it's not all that hard.
    - lomnakkus 12y ago
      We can all claim that "it's elementary" or "basic". Put up or shut up. :) EDIT: At least link to something to support your rather opaque post.
      - hga 12y ago
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_mechanics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_mechanics http://www.amazon.com/Sears-Zemanskys-University-Physics-10th/dp/0201603225/ http://www.amazon.com/Sears-Zemanskys-University-Physics-10t... (Inexpensive older edition that's a good choice for self-study; see also the associated Study Guides and Student Solutions Manuals). Seriously, learn the very basics ("learn how the universe works" as I like to put it), for which I think there's no substitute, and what I'm saying will be clear. Or maybe find a "physics for poets" text that goes into these details, but that's an appeal to authority.

hga 12y ago

Certainly some of it can be done with just algebra, but general classical mechanics requires the calculus. E.g. distance -> speed -> acceleration -> jerk (why flooring the accelerator of a car can be so much fun). Or let's use Newton's infamous apple. We say that gravity exerts a force of kd/t^2 (in MKS 9.8 m/s^2), but to describe the motion of the apple.... If you want I can grab my copy of University Physics, skim it and go into more detail about what can and can't be done with just algebra.

lomnakkus 12y ago
WHAT? I have a very hard time understanding what you're saying here (but it could be very interesting). Could you post screenshots of textbooks? Or proofs?
- hga 12y ago
  Errr, all I'm pointing out are a couple of related details of classical mechanics that require the calculus, basically Newton's 2nd Law of motion (ignoring jerk and beyond, which you might describe as acceleration of acceleration). It is very interesting stuff, but I'd suggest studying the most basic bits of the calculus and classical mechanics if you want to go further (this is typically the first thing you're taught about both). At this level it's not all that hard.
  - lomnakkus 12y ago
    We can all claim that "it's elementary" or "basic". Put up or shut up. :) EDIT: At least link to something to support your rather opaque post.
    - hga 12y ago
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_mechanics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_mechanics http://www.amazon.com/Sears-Zemanskys-University-Physics-10th/dp/0201603225/ http://www.amazon.com/Sears-Zemanskys-University-Physics-10t... (Inexpensive older edition that's a good choice for self-study; see also the associated Study Guides and Student Solutions Manuals). Seriously, learn the very basics ("learn how the universe works" as I like to put it), for which I think there's no substitute, and what I'm saying will be clear. Or maybe find a "physics for poets" text that goes into these details, but that's an appeal to authority.