What is General: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations' air forces, space forces, or marines.In some usages the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colonel.The term general is used in two ways: as the generic title for all grades of general officer and as a specific rank.
It originates in the 16th century, as a shortening of captain general, which rank was taken from Middle French capitaine général.
The adjective general had been affixed to officer designations since the late medieval period to indicate relative superiority or an extended jurisdiction.
Today, the title of general is known in some countries as a four-star rank. However, different countries use different systems of stars or other insignia for senior ranks. It has a NATO rank scale code of OF-9 and is the highest rank currently in use in a number of armies, air forces, and marine organizations.

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  1. D

    Circuit analysis and general study tips

    The more work I do in the field of EE, the more I realizing that my general circuit analysis skills are usually the root of my confusion and could use improvement. Even after putting on my break-a-big-problem-into-smaller-pieces hat, I still find myself confused about the relationships between...
  2. A

    Programs Double major in physics and CS general questions

    I am currently junior in high school and I am thinking about double major in physics and computer science. But there are some generals questions that I don't really understand. As far as I understand for each major you have classes that you have to take. If the classes overlap then you just...
  3. A

    Square based prism general rule

    Homework Statement See attached picture Homework Equations For any rectangular prism, the formulas are the following: Surface Area = 2(lw + wh + hl); l is length, w is width, and h is height. Volume = lwh; l is length, w is width, and h is height. For a square-based prism, the formulas are...
  4. T

    Have we derived the Gravitational constant via General Rel?

    My friend and I were discussing this, and google didn't seem to reveal any result. Much like how Bohr's theory managed to derive the Rydberg constant without much effort, has the gravitational constant been found in terms of other quantities yet? It just seems bizarre that Newton proposed a...
  5. B

    What forces would act upon any general egg drop device?

    Homework Statement I am doing an egg drop project write up, and one of the components is to draw a general egg drop device diagram, and to write down the general forces which would act upon the egg drop device, both inside it, and outside it. Any suggestions? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a...
  6. kelvin490

    What is the general definition of emf?

    I have little problem in understanding emf in a circuit. There are three types of emf mentioned in textbooks and the first two are very similar: 1. The emf provided by a battery or other stationary power source. The emf is actually the voltage difference provided to the circuit. 2. The emf...
  7. C

    General wave equation conceptual questions

    Homework Statement The general wave equation can be shown as: y(x,t) = ymsin(kx-ωt) Homework Equations See above The Attempt at a Solution My question relates to the variables present in this equation. I understand what the amplitude is, its the magnitude of the maximum displacement of...
  8. E

    Orthonormal Basis in General Relativity - Carroll

    Now, I am reading Carroll's http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9712019. On a page 88 he defines basic vectors, which are orthonormal (3.114) and basic vectors given by gradients of coordinate functions. Are these later basis vectors not obviously orthonormal?
  9. P

    General solution for a standing wave to the wave equation.

    Homework Statement If ##u(x,t)\in \mathbb R, x\in[-\pi,\pi] ## represents a standing wave with ##u(\pm\pi,t)=0## Then what is the most general solution u(x,t)? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] Using the separation of variable technique: u(x,t)=P(x)Q(t) I get ##P(x)...
  10. B

    General relation for a pattern?

    Homework Statement hello all, I'm in the middle of solving a d.e using the series method. I have come across a weird pattern in part of my solution that I'm confused about: 6, (6)(10),(6)(10)(14),(6)(10)(14)(18),... Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I can see its 2(3), 2(3)*2(5)...
  11. T

    Understanding General Relativity & Quantum Gravity

    Hello, I have a conceptual problem. How can both General Relativity and a theory of Quantum Gravity simultaneously exist? GR describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime, while QG is most likely a gauge theory. Furthermore, if gravity is indeed describedby particle interactions-what does...
  12. S

    MHB Solving System of ODEs: Matrix Form, Eigenvalues/Vectors

    Getting stuck on something I think that could be trivial. Maybe someone can see my mistake. consider the system: $x' = -2x + y$ and $y' = 2x - 3y$ a) Write the system in matrix form my solution $\overrightarrow{X} = (^x_y)$ so: $X' = (^{x'}_{y'})$ so $A = $ \begin{bmatrix} -2 & 1 \\ 2 & -3...
  13. Shackleford

    Find power series representations of the general solution

    Homework Statement (1+x2) y'' + 2xy' = 0 in powers of x Homework Equations y'' = \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} (n-1)na_nx^{n-2} y' = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_nx^{n-1} The Attempt at a Solution (1+x2) y'' + 2xy' = (1+x^2) \sum_{n=2}^{\infty} (n-1)na_nx^{n-2} + 2x \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} na_nx^{n-1}...
  14. S

    MHB Solve Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors & General Solution for X'=AX

    Consider the system $x'_1 = x_1 + 2x_2$ and $x'_2 = 3x_1 + 2x_2$ If we write in matrix from as $X' = AX$, then a) $X =$ b) $X' =$ c) $A =$ d) Find the eigenvalues of **A**. e) Find eigenvectors associated with each eigenvalue. Indicate which eigenvector goes with which eigenvalue. f)...
  15. Hugo S

    General Equation of the Line of the Major Axis of an Ellipse

    This is a question I have been playing with this week out of curiosity but I keep coming up against brick walls and unenlightening results. Given the equation of an ellipse, say $$ x^{2} - xy + y^2 = 2, $$ I would like to find the equation of the line which passes through the major axis. I...
  16. U

    General Relativity - FRW Metric

    Homework Statement (a) Find the FRW metric, equations and density parameter. Express the density parameter in terms of a and H. (b) Express density parameter as a function of a where density dominates and find values of w. (c) If curvature is negligible, what values must w be to prevent a...
  17. binbagsss

    Understanding Proper Time in General Relativity & Special Relativity

    I'm reading An Intro to GR, Hughston and Tod, it says that in GR the idea is that the geometry of st varies from point to point, represented by allowing the metric to vary over space-time. It uses a (+,-,-,-) signature and so ##proper time=ds^{2}##. It then makes the comment that proper time...
  18. T

    General Solution of a Poisson Equation of a magnetic array

    Hi, I'll give some background, say you've got a planar structure of thickness 'd', lying on the z plane. Also say the upper and lower surfaces are y = 0 and y = -d, respectively. The structure has scalar potentials inside it as so: As you can see the vector fields cancel out on one side, As it...
  19. gracy

    Force Applied -- General doubt about pushing 2 blocks on a floor with friction

    Force" F"is applied on M1 .Although force applied is not directly on M2,but it will also experience this force" F" via M1,right? But I don't think it is correct.Because it implies that no matter how big the force on M1,the net force on M1 will always remain zero.And there will be unbalanced...
  20. M

    MHB Find the general solution of the problem

    Hey! :o Find the solution of the problem $$u_{tt}(x, t)-u_{xx}(x, t)=0, 0<x<\pi, t>0 \tag {*} \\ u(0, t)=0, t>0 \\ u_x(\pi ,t)=-u_{tt}(\pi ,t), t>0$$ I have done the following: We are looking for solutions of the form $$u(x, t)=X(x) \cdot T(t)$$ $$u(0, t)=X(0) \cdot T(t)=0 \Rightarrow...
  21. T

    General Solution of a Poisson Equation (maybe difficult)

    Hi, This is overwhelmingly more of a maths problem than a physics problem, because it's all theoretical. I'll give some background to modle it incase the math's isn't enough. Say you've got a planar structure of thickness 'd', lying on the z plane. Also say the upper and lower surfaces are y = 0...
  22. A

    Readings for a general understanding of Quantum Field Theor?

    Hi all, I have an undergraduate degree in Physics, but I've since specialized in more environmental applications of Physics. I've taken a few quantum Physics courses as part of my degree, but, if I'm being honest, what I took from those courses was more of a mathematical view of the field, such...
  23. PeterDonis

    Using General Relativity to analyze the twin paradox

    In a previous thread, reference was made to an entertaining "defense" of relativity by Einstein, which can be found here: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Dialog_about_Objections_against_the_Theory_of_Relativity One of the arguments Einstein makes in this dialog is that the twin paradox can be...
  24. D

    Teaching relativity to the general public

    In the light of this policy https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-is-the-pfs-policy-on-lorentz-ether-theory-and-block-universe.772224/ , is it now considered acceptable to teach relativity by starting out with Lorentz Ether Theory (LET) and its Newtonian time which appears to be...
  25. D

    Most general order-preserving function

    Is there an easy description for all the real to real functions that are order-preserving? I can only think of linear functions
  26. S

    MHB Finding the general solution of the given D.E.

    Find the general solution of the given differential equation. $y'' + 2y' + y = 2e^{-t}$ I understand how to do everything in the problem- but I do not understand how we are obtaining $y = At^2e^{-t}$? Is this just some formula I should memorize or how exactly am I supposed to guess or figure...
  27. J

    General form for 2 x 2 unitary matrices

    I'm trying to show that any unitary matrix may be written in the form \begin{pmatrix}e^{i\alpha_1}\cos{\theta} & -e^{i\alpha_2}\sin{\theta}\\ e^{i\alpha_3}\sin{\theta} & e^{i\alpha_4}\cos{\theta}\end{pmatrix} Writing the general form of a unitary matrix as U=\begin{pmatrix} u_{11} & u_{12}\\...
  28. S

    General Centre of mass derivation

    Hello, It's my first question here. So I'll try to give as much as information as I know Actually I am stuck with a problem of centre of mass derivation of a triangle with its base on the X axis and symmetric about it. The base is b and height is H As far as I know I have to imagine it as a...
  29. anubodh

    Books on General Relativity (highschool just completed)

    Guys , i have just completed my high school (4 days back) and know just the basic maths and physics (only what was taught in school).I have a great interest in physics and want to become a researcher.I am free for 3-4 months (after which i will join a college for majors in physics) and in that...
  30. ognik

    MHB General orthogonal scale factor identity

    Please be patient as I struggle with latex here ... Part 1 of the problem says to start with: $ \frac{\partial\bar{r}}{\partial{q}_{1}} ={h}_{1} \hat{q}_{1} $ and then to find an expression for $ {h}_{1} $ that agrees with $ {g}_{ij}=\sum_{l}...
  31. M

    Why is the general form of the wave equation a second order partial derivative?

    When I deduct the the general form of wave equation, I noticed it has a second order partial derivative form. I am wondering why wave equation has a second order partial derivative form nor a first order partial derivative form?
  32. A

    Time frames and general relativity

    I stumbled upon this video: which seems to claim that past present and future exist at the same time due to the fact that observes in different frames would not agree on the order of events. The video claims that there are frames in which Mozart is alive. I don't think that this is correct...
  33. L

    Looking for rigorous General Chemistry textbook

    I'm going to be tutoring next semester and I need a good general chemistry book to review. I used an old copy of zumdahl during general chemistry(not assigned text but worked fine) but I want a fresh look at the subject that is a little more rigorous mathematically especially. After a year of...
  34. J

    Understanding Work and Energy: Solving a Physics Problem with a Spring

    Hey guys I am in intro physics in college and took physics in high school. I have a general question about work/energy. In high school we used work= change in total energy and total energy = PE +KE +Q (Internal) which =work. In class there was a problem that read 2.00 kg block is attached to a...
  35. Einj

    Maxwell Field in General Relativity: Explained

    Hello everyone, I'm studying some applications of AdS/CFT and I came across an expression of the Maxwell field written in the following way: $$ A=A_t(r)dt+B(r)xdy. $$ How does this notation work? Is it simply a way of writing the four-vector? If so, why do we use this notation? Thanks a lot!
  36. B

    General loop the loop problem

    Homework Statement In the normal loop the loop problem involving rotational energy where the marble goes down the hill and goes through a loop the loop, it asks for the minimum height of the hill to keep the marble on the track. Homework Equations But why does the normal force have to equal 0...
  37. Feodalherren

    Engineering Circuits: cascading op-amps, general question

    Homework Statement Solve for final Vout. Homework Equations Circuits The Attempt at a Solution So 1 and 2 are easy. I'm just going to skip to where I get confused. There is a 50k resistor between where I solved for Vout after the 2nd Op Amp. I found the voltage to be 12V. Now the solutions...
  38. F

    General Formula for the Reciprocal of a Sum of Reciprocals

    I know that the reduced mass, μ, of an object is: \mu = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{m_1} + \frac{1}{m_2}} \mu = \frac{m_1 m_2}{ m_1 + m_2 } But is there a general formula (or a simplified expression) for finding the value of: \frac{1}{ \frac{1}{x_1} + \frac{1}{x_2} + ... + \frac{1}{x_n} } ? Thank you.
  39. T

    I badly with general answers to trig equations. (Using identities)

    I'm completely lost here. I've got the cheat sheet of trig rules, but they don't appear to be helping me, I've watched a half dozen videos on each of cos sin and tan, and nearly all of them discuss the wrong topic. I don't want help on any single problem, but advice. How can I make sense of the...
  40. L

    What's the General Solution to This IVP?

    \frac {dy}{dt} = y^3 + t^2, y(0) = 0 My teacher said this IVP couldn't be expressed in terms of functions we commonly know. I was wondering what the general solution is? Thank-you
  41. I

    How Do You Calculate the Probability of Bus Frame Cracks?

    Shortly after being put into service, some buses manufactured by a certain company have developed cracks on the underside of the main frame. Suppose a particular city has 25 of these buses, and cracks have actually appeared in 8 of them. (i) How many ways are there to select a sample of 5 buses...
  42. T

    How can I improve my skills in finding general solutions in physics?

    Hello, few days ago I took an exam in my honors physics class and believe I did not do as well as I did on the other exam. Last exam had a few computational problems and the rest were general solution problems. This recent exam had 8 questions that were all general solution problems as opposed...
  43. M

    General 3-Qubit Mixed State: 63 Variables & Bloch Vectors

    How do I write the general form of a 3 qubit mixed state ? It has 63 variables. Well one way is to use bloch vectors. So basically we take 3 single qubit mixed states (3 variables each) and tensor product them. Then we add the 2 qubit correlators and 3 qubit correlator terms. Finally we can...
  44. Jewish_Vulcan

    General calculus required for AP/college physics problems?

    I am supposed to take calculus next school year but I want to do some physics work over the summer. Can anyone provide me the the most common calculus problems in physics? I was thinking that derrivatives, integrals, limits, and infinate series would be the main ones but I am likely wrong.
  45. genxium

    What is the general boundary condition of wave-guides?

    By wave-guides I refer to the device with (perfectly) conducting walls that enclose EM wave inside. I'm reading this tutorial here http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/em/lectures/node105.html and found this interesting boundary condition for wave-guides: ##E_{\parallel} = 0## -- (1)...
  46. U

    General Relativity - Deflection of light

    Homework Statement Find the deflection of light given this metric, along null geodesics. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] Conserved quantities are: e \equiv -\zeta \cdot u = \left( 1 - \frac{2GM}{c^2r} \right) c \frac{dt}{d\lambda} l \equiv \eta \cdot u = r^2 \left( 1 -...
  47. S

    General DC Circuit: Voltage drop different from supply source

    Homework Statement I performed a lab with a simple DC circuit. The circuit has 4 resistors (i.e. R1, R2, R3 and R4), which is the same as shown in the attached image. When the voltages across all resistors were added, they were higher than the source. How is this possible? The KVL rule states...
  48. U

    General Relativity - Circular Orbit around Earth

    Homework Statement (a) Find the proper time in the rest frame of particle (b) Find the proper time in the laboratory frame (c) Find the proper time in a photon that travels from A to B in time P Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Part(a) [/B] The metric is given by: ds^2 =...
  49. S

    MHB Find the general solution of the given differential equation

    Find the general solution of the given differential equation.. (1+t^2)y' + 4ty = (1+t^2)^{-2} I'm kind of confused here on what to do... Do I want to do something like e ^{\int4t} dt and then multiply that through on both sides or do I need to do something different here..I'm not really sure...
  50. U

    General Relativity - Index Notation

    Homework Statement (a) Find matrix element ##M_{ij}## (b) Show that ##x^j## is an eigenvector of ##M_{ij}## (c) Show any vector orthogonal to ##x^j## is also an eigenvector of ##M_{ij}## Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Part(a) [/B] \frac{\partial^2 \Phi}{\partial x^i x^j} =...
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