Recent content by atomicpedals

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    Is there a program that can run depletion calculations in reverse?

    I was having a conversation with a coworker and this question came up: is there a program like ORIGEN (or maybe even ORIGEN) to run decay calculations in reverse? It's a relatively easy process to start with a given quantity of an isotope (e.g. U236), run it through a program such as ORIGEN...
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    I Understanding Mixed Partial Derivatives: How Do You Solve Them?

    Thanks! Sometimes, when you spend too long looking at an exercise, you question your sanity.
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    I Understanding Mixed Partial Derivatives: How Do You Solve Them?

    While working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic I've taken to seeing if I can still do math from undergrad (something I do once in a while to at least pretend my life isn't dominated by excel). So to that I've been reviewing partial derivatives (which I haven't really thought about in a good...
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    Solving Limits: A Shortcut to Finding Limits Using the Conjugate Theorem

    What you're left with is $$\frac {15x + 5x \sqrt{9-x}} {x}=\frac {15x} {x} + \frac {5x \sqrt{9-x}} {x}$$
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    Solving Limits: A Shortcut to Finding Limits Using the Conjugate Theorem

    Because I'm a fool and completely missed the parenthesis in your math! If you take it down to x, then the problem becomes much easier (most of your x's cancel).
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    Mastering Trig Identities: Simplifying a Trig Expression

    I'm guessing I'd apply that before having multiplied through by 3, giving $$ \frac { 3 (1 + sin(x)) (1 - sin(x)) } { 2 - 2 sin(x) } = \frac { 3 (1 + sin(x)) (1 - sin(x)) } { 2 (1 - sin(x)) } $$ Hey! It works! The ## ( 1 - sin(x) )'s ## cancel out! I should do a review of algebra and trig more...
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    Mastering Trig Identities: Simplifying a Trig Expression

    The other day in a fit of boredom I decided to dust off my old math books (high school and undergrad) and see if I can still crank through the basics. 1. Homework Statement Show the following: $$ \frac { 3 cos^2(x) } { 2 - 2 sin(x) } = \frac { 3 }{ 2 } ( sin(x) + 1 ) $$ Homework Equations $$...
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    How can finding limits by conjugates be used to solve for rational expressions?

    The other day in a fit of boredom I decided to dust off my old math books (high school and undergrad) and see if I can still do basic calculus. These days if I need to solve anything I ask a computer to do it, the hazards of getting a job in industry I suppose. All that said, I have been...
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    Is the work caused by the force of friction negative?

    To compliment the first reply - keep in mind the following: If the force has a component in the same direction as the displacement of the object, the force is doing positive work. If the force has a component in the direction opposite to the displacement, the force does negative work.
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    Admissions Should I study physics if I didn't do well in HS maths?

    You may be getting ahead of yourself. When it comes to doing a PhD merely being able to be successful is only one part, there is also dedication to it - a PhD is a commitment of time and passion. As a reframing of the scenario, might you be able to gain admission to a Biomed PhD with a Physics...
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    Admissions Should I study physics if I didn't do well in HS maths?

    I'll admit to being ignorant of the ins and outs of the Australian University world. If, as indicated in your OP, you have passed the pre-test so thus stand a good chance of passing the actual test - wouldn't that indicate you're at a level the University feels is appropriate? Do you feel like...
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    Admissions Should I study physics if I didn't do well in HS maths?

    With daily dedication to studying math and physics? Yes! I was a middling math student in high school who went on to study physics as both an undergraduate and graduate student. It involved a lot of quality time with my nose in a book and making use of every resource available to me. I'm pretty...
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    What Is the Q-Value of Pu-239 Fission into Sr-92, He-4, and Neutrons?

    Looks good to me! You've conserved Z number 38+56=94, and demonstrated energy/mass equivalence while still honoring mass conservation in the process.
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    What Is the Q-Value of Pu-239 Fission into Sr-92, He-4, and Neutrons?

    Curious why you chose I-144 instead of Ba-144? Your Q value looks much better. On average fission of Pu-239 releases around 200MeV, so 154MeV is within what one might expect.
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