What is Choice: Definition and 693 Discussions

A choice is the range of different things from which you can choose. The arrival at a choice may incorporate motivators and models. For example, a traveler might choose a route for a journey based on the preference of arriving at a given destination at a specified time. The preferred (and therefore chosen) route can then account for information such as the length of each of the possible routes, the amount of fuel in the vehicle, traffic conditions, etc.
Simple choices might include what to eat for dinner or what to wear on a Saturday morning – choices that have relatively low-impact on the chooser's life overall. More complex choices might involve (for example) what candidate to vote for in an election, what profession to pursue, a life partner, etc. – choices based on multiple influences and having larger ramifications.
Freedom of choice is generally cherished, whereas a severely limited or artificially restricted choice can lead to discomfort with choosing, and possibly an unsatisfactory outcome. In contrast, a choice with excessively numerous options may lead to confusion, reduced satisfaction, regret of the alternatives not taken, and indifference in an unstructured existence;
and the illusion that choosing an object or a course, necessarily leads to the control of that object or course, can cause psychological problems.

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  1. T

    University physics, waves, multiple choice.

    Homework Statement A cord with a mass of 40g is tied between two supports with a tension of 19.2N. The natural frequency of the cord is 10Hz. Find the length of the cord a.1.2m b.2m c.289m d.34cm Using your answer from Question 3, how long does the wave take to travel from one end of the...
  2. A

    What is the best op-amp for EMG signals?

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  3. M

    How to solve multiple choice questions?

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  4. T

    Multiple choice question about constant velocity

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  5. K

    Your choice of least facepalm-able space travel mechanism

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  6. J

    Maximizing My Math Classes for a Future in Theoretical Physics

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  7. Q

    Confusion over Axiom of Choice.

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  8. M

    Was this a poor academic choice?

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  9. P

    GCSE/IGCSE course choice for sciences

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  10. A

    A Quick Multiple choice for marginal density function

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  11. E

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  12. U

    Exploring Adv. Degrees for Tech & Engineering: Making the Right Choice

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  13. N

    Physics Multiple Choice: Torque Direction

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  14. D

    How does the choice of branch cut affect the values of a multi-valued function?

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  15. B

    No worries, let's just focus on finding the correct answers for the questions!

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  16. B

    Poor Symbol choice - Principles of Mathematical Analysis by Rudin

    I've just started working through Rudin's Principles of Mathematical analysis. In my opinion, the choice of symbols doesn't promote "rigour" and encourages us to make needless assumptions. For example, when defining an ordered field, the fourth axiom for addition states: To every x...
  17. L

    Confused about choice of vector in a proof.

    This is probably going to be a very simple question, i just need justification for a seemingly simple step in a proof. The statement is as follows: An endomorphism T of an inner product space is {0} if and only if \langle b|T|a\rangle = 0 for all |a\rangle and |b\rangle. Now it is obvious if...
  18. N

    Understanding Standing Waves on a String

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  19. A

    Schools University Choice for Theoretical Physics

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  20. L

    Question about the Axiom of Dependent Choice

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  21. J

    MHB Study Designs: Statistics (Multiple Choice Question)

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  22. L

    What Are the Career Opportunities in Atomic Physics?

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  23. U

    Schools UIowa Student Deciding to Transfer for Physics PhD

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  24. V

    Choice of reference potential in electrostatics

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  25. I

    Does the Observer have anything to do with conscious choice

    I have seen many programs on Quantum Physics suggesting that we are the Observer that causes the collapse of the wave function. When I look into the experiments it seems more like the thing that causes the collapse of the wave function is other waves smashing into them. For instance in the...
  26. S

    Programs Which College is Best for Studying Aerospace Engineering in Turkey?

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  27. G

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  28. G

    The axiom of choice one a finite family of sets.

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  29. R

    Agitator Choice: Impeller Design

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  30. J

    A bizarre riddle using the Axiom of Choice

    I've asked many people about the incredible conclusion of this riddle, whose solution applies the axiom of choice, and have yet to find a satisfying response. I understand the solution, but I would like to know why the axiom of choice leads to such a bizarre result, while being so compatible...
  31. C

    Urgent advice on course choice in England

    I am currently enrolling on a BSc Natural Sciences: Physics Pathway with the Open University in the UK and am a UK resident. Just discovered that they have another degree: BSc Mathematics and Physics. In respect to future opportunities which degree should I study? Shall I stick with the...
  32. nomadreid

    Is There a Connection between Choice Functions and ZFC in Lemma 5.9?

    Is the following a theorem from ZFC? Given a collection C of non-empty sets that includes at least one infinite set, the cardinality of the collection of distinct choice functions on C (as defined in AC) equals the cardinality of the largest element of C. My feeling that this is true is...
  33. G

    Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser communication

    Hi all, Okay, I'm writing this post keeping in mind that FTL communication (or even backward in time communication) are impossible. However, I fail to understand why this would be impossible using the delayed choice quantum eraser, so my question is: where is the error in my logic here...
  34. E

    Basic question on quantum mechanics and choice

    Suppose we are given two boxes and we are told that there is a ball in either one of them. We are free to pickup anyone of the boxes - but only one. Then we are allowed to measure or check what is in the picked box and the other one. Normally we would have 50% chance of finding the ball in...
  35. J

    Practice Finals Multiple Choice

    I'm looking for some really good an thorough multiple choice practice finals for my Electricity and Magnetism class. anyone have any recommendations? My goal is to get an A on this final and that is going to be very difficult so i need some really good practice. thank you for you help.
  36. J

    18-Year-Old Exploring Science for Career Choice

    Hi, Iam currently 18 years old. I've always craved knowledge, and as a 12 year old I discovered physics in the light that I see it today. Iam taking courses in math and physics because I really want to work as a scientist. But Iam not sure if that's what I want in the end, Iam really interested...
  37. M

    Question about Interference Patterns in Kim Delayed Choice Eraser

    I've looked at the DCQE paper by Kim, et al (arXiv:quant-ph/9903047) but I was not able to follow the math leading to the calculation of the patterns R_01, R_02, R_03, and R_04. Specifically, I was hoping to understand the source of the pi phase shift between R_01 and R_02. Is there a property...
  38. S

    Finding Position Vectors for Lines: Using Equations and Free Choice

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  39. D

    Parallel circuit multiple choice question

    This past Monday I took an exam and got a 99, woot woot! But I can't seem to understand why I got the following question wrong: Complete the following statement: A simple series circuit contains a resistance R and an ideal battery. If a second resistor is connected in parallel with R, A) the...
  40. P

    What Determines the Electric Field Inside a Spherical Conductor?

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  41. C

    How Relevant is Master's Research to Career Choice?

    Hello forum, I am concerned with choosing the correct area of specialization within the electrical engineering masters program I will be starting this Fall; I hope to choose a research area that will prepare me the most for working in the space technology industry. My ideal career would be...
  42. P

    Angular Momentum/Rolling Multiple Choice

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  43. marcus

    Which Planck numbers to use? (Ned Wright's choice?)

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  44. G

    Schools Undergrad university choice - your opinion of two schools

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  45. S

    Why is there a free choice of variables when finding eigenvectors?

    Hi, I don't quite understand when finding eigenvectors there is usually a free choice of variables to pick, and you can sub in any number to find an eigenvector. Could anyone please explain how this works (and why you can sub in any number), as this usually comes up in vector problems with 3...
  46. G

    Can the axiom of countable choice be proved?

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  47. G

    Quantum Eraser Experiment: Fact or Fiction?

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  48. K

    Does least squares solution to Ax=b depend on choice of norm

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  49. N

    Is there a way to prove Axiom of Choice I from Axiom of Choice II?

    I am learning interesting topics in set theory class. I believe that there is a straight proof of Axiom of Choice II by Axiom of Choice I. If you don't know the axioms, see below: Axiom of Choice I states that for any relation R, there is a function F\subseteq R with dom(F) = dom(R)...
  50. B

    The Axiom of Choice: Cardinal Importance in Set Theory

    When I read the AC, "that the ∏ of a coll. of non-∅ sets is itself non-∅" I understand its meaning, yet I come short from understanding its cardinal importance in Axiomatic set theory. I have no exposure "yet" in ZFC but I was hoping if someone could clarify to me why is it that AC is such...
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