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. M

    Did Staying in Sierra Leone Limit My Career Potential?

    Hello folks, I was born in West Africa, Sierra Leone of non African parents but environmentally I'm African. I've been living there all my life. I was in the best school in the country and when I took the London A Levels at age 17 I was first in the whole country in the science stream. That was...
  2. J

    Electric field - multiple choice - Physics Unit 4 Specimen

    Homework Statement see attached file Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution ok so I get that the answer is B but is it because they have the same q/m ratio?
  3. B

    How Does Gravitational Lensing Work in the Delayed Choice Experiment?

    This comes from Greene's Fabric of the Cosmos: Wheeler imagines a cosmic version of the delayed choice experiment in which the light source is not a laboratory laser but instead, a powerful quasar in deep space. The beam splitter is not a laboratory variety, either, but is an intervening...
  4. T

    Comparing Physics Books - Was My Purchase a Good Choice?

    Hi, I just purchased a Book on physics from amazon. What do you think of it? My criteria was: Fundamentals High end theory's Mathematical/Theoretical explanation Mathematical overviews Do you think the book matches? https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321501217/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Do you think...
  5. C

    Help Choosing a Career: Advice on Study, Job Prospects and Working Environments

    hello, I really need some advice on my study I am actually at a cross road to choose my course for my undergraduate study. But , I can't seems to make up my mind . I love mathematics and physics , but would prefer to do more calculations than physics question, love chemistry too. However...
  6. C

    Power, electricity, multiple choice Q

    Homework Statement If you step up the voltage in a wire by a factor of 100, how is heat affected? A. No change B. Heat loss increases by a factor of 10000 C. Heat loss decreases by a factor of 10000 D. Not enough information to tell Answer: "C, heat loss decreases by a factor of 10000...
  7. G

    AP Physics Multiple Choice Question

    5. A force of 12 N is applied tangentially to the rim of a wheel with radius 0.70 m and rotational inertia 3.0 kg-m2. What angular acceleration results? a) 2.6 rad/s2 b) 2.8 rad/s2 c) 3.2 rad/s2 d) 3.4 rad/s2 e) none of these ____6. If the force in question #5 acts for 20 s, what will be the...
  8. A

    The choice of origin in solving the two body problem

    In solving the two body problem we choose the center of mass of the system as the origin. But is the frame of reference we are setting up inertial? I don't think so. Suppose the central force is gravitation, A has mass 4kg and B has mass 1kg. If we put an object at the center of mass...
  9. B

    Courses Choice of 2 options for Mechanical Engineering Course - Vibrations or Mechanisms

    Good evening, I am unsure as to whether or not I am posting this question in the apropraite section of the this forum and apologize if I am not. With that said I will let you in on the question that I have for you tonight. I am currently a fourth year undergraduate student pursuing a...
  10. A

    Prove that f is surjective iff f has a right inverse. (Axiom of choice)

    Homework Statement Suppose f: A → B is a function. Show that f is surjective if and only if there exists g: B→A such that fog=iB, where i is the identity function.The Attempt at a Solution Well, I believe for a rigorous proof we need to use the axiom of choice, but because I have never worked...
  11. J

    Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser - double-photon explanation

    It is claimed that DCQE is equivalent to a single-photon double-slit setup. However, In this experiment, the 351.1nm Argon ion pump laser beam is divided by a double-slit, which means the actual photon rate is 1013 times higher than in a single-photon setup. Consequently, it makes it possible...
  12. F

    Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser and other oddities + their meaning

    Can someone list the different interpretations of QM and how they differ in their predictions on the nature of reality, and what wave function collapse really is? I keep flip flopping between thinking the weirdness in QM is just our human minds not comprehending reality correctly and...
  13. X

    Questions about the delayed choice quantum erasure experiment

    Hello, the delayed choice quantum erasure experiment seems really intriguing and although many sources seem to state that the results are what has been predicted by quantum mechanics, I'm having a very hard time understanding the results conceptually. What is exactly happening that causes there...
  14. G

    HELP WITH AP PHYSICS- 5 min drill Multiple choice easy?

    I need help with all of these. I am so lost on all of them and have been working for hours. Anything is so appreciated. _____1. A rock is dropped off a cliff and falls the first half of the distance to the ground in t1 seconds. It falls the second half of the distance in t2 seconds. What...
  15. C

    Programs Choose a Degree: Creative Exploration of Math, Science & Technology

    Hello all, I have a choice to make, and it is a pretty hard one, I need to choose a degree. First off let me tell you what I like and what I expect from a degree. Well I consider myself a creative and inventive person, since I was little I was attracted to...
  16. F

    Engineering Need help with MOSFET circuit question (multiple choice).

    Hello all. It's been awhile since I took a circuits class, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Homework Statement See attachment for circuit drawing and question. Homework Equations OHM's law? V=IR Idiode = Io - id The Attempt at a Solution I've tried...
  17. W

    Career Choice: Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics?

    I love astronomy, physics, and mathematics. For the past couple years I have been set on becoming an astrophysicist, but as of late I have been questioning the exact field of physics I would like to get into. I will preface by saying I have no prior physics classes under my belt, but understand...
  18. P

    Proof That Product of Two Compact Spaces Is Compact w/o Choice Axiom

    In Theorem 26.7 of Munkres' Topology, it is proved that a product of two compact spaces is compact, and I think the author seems to (rather sneakily) use the choice axiom without mentioning it... Could anyone tell me if this is indeed the case? I don't have a problem with the choice axiom, but...
  19. R

    Good choice of books for my linear algebra syllabus

    Good choice of books for my linear algebra syllabus Hello guys, I am looking for some good books for linear algebra. I have got Linear algebra by, David Lay and Anton . However I am studying Linear algebra in another language than English and our syllabus is a bit different from...
  20. T

    Making the best choice of lifestyle in the face of alternatives

    My claim is simple: people enjoy many arbitrary activities due to their own subconscious baggage which we've acquired as a result of an overly unnatural (another side to this is the diabetes epidemic), unminimalistic lifestyle. And ultimately, everything is the same. It's the same core...
  21. jfy4

    Gauge Group Choice: Can U(1) Describe Color & Weak Force?

    Hi, I have been assuming something I never took the time to prove because it is beyond my scope so to speak. But I am on the path, rest assured. My question is, is it possible to describe correctly say, the color force, using a different gauge group, regardless of the difficulty? That is...
  22. R

    Regarding Choice of Future Master Programs

    I have a few questions regarding how the future looks like for a few master degrees I'm thinking about to choose in a few years. I might be out pretty early because it's 3,5 years left until I'm going to have my masters degree, but I like to plan ahead and know what is waiting for me. First...
  23. B

    How can I convince my ideal adviser to take me on as a PhD student?

    Hi everybody, I have a question: I have this guy I want to do Fe-based superconductor research for. He is uncommitted to a family, manages to keep out of administrative things in my physics department, and for it has managed to publish six things in a year. He also has a personality similar to...
  24. D

    Sets intersection and the axiom of choice?

    I'm working on some topology in \mathbb{R}^n problem, and I run across this: Given \{F_n\} a family of subsets of \mathbb{R}^n , then if x is a point in the clausure of the union of the family, then x \in \overline{\cup F_n} wich means that for every \delta > 0 one has B(x,\delta) \cap...
  25. C

    Wheeler's Delayed Choice bibliography

    Hi, I'm in desperate search of an article related to Interaction Free Measuremnt and Measurement Theory: John Archibald Wheeler, "The 'Past' and the 'Delayed-Choice Double-Slit Experiment'," pp 9–48, in A.R. Marlow, editor, Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Theory, Academic Press (1978)...
  26. I_am_learning

    Multiple Choice Question negative marking

    You attend a multiple choice question exam, and you have n (say 10) questions whose answers you don't know at all. There are 4 choices in each question. A correct answer yeilds 1 marks. An incorrect answer has penalty of -0.25 marks. Is it wise to attempt all the questions in random? It...
  27. M

    Gravitational Potential Energy (Multiple Choice Question)

    Homework Statement Question: Rank the paths according to the corresponding change in the gravitational potential energy of the rocket–moon system, greatest first. A. 1 > 3 > 5 > 2 = 4 = 6 B. 2 = 4 = 6 > 5 > 3 > 1 C. 1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = 5 = 6 D. 1 > 2 = 4 = 6 > 3 > 5 The Attempt at a Solution...
  28. N

    Impulse Multiple choice question

    Homework Statement In a collision between two unequal masses, how does the impulse imparted to the smaller mass by the larger mass compare with the impulse imparted to the larger mass by the smaller one? A) It is smaller. B) The answer depends on how fast they are moving. C) They are...
  29. B

    Power of set of choice functions

    Homework Statement Find the power of set of all choice functions for P(N) - {0}. The Attempt at a Solution I really don't know how to start with that. Hope you will give some clues.
  30. B

    Alternating Current (multiple CHoice)

    Homework Statement An alternating voltage is given by v = 30\sin(314t).The time taken by the voltage to reach 30V for the first time is: A. 0.02s B. 0.03s C. 0.1s D. 0.015s Homework Equations google for equation for instantaneaous current and voltage The Attempt at a Solution 30 = 30sin(314t)...
  31. N

    What Defines the Properties of All Electromagnetic Radiation?

    Homework Statement which are properties of all Electromagnetic radiation I the travel at the speed of light in space II they propagate through the creation of mutually perpendicular electric and magnetic fields III they are constant and do not vary with time IV they have the same frequency and...
  32. B

    Programs Physics vs Theoretical Physics - Help with choice of major please?

    OK. I'm a high school student in Ontario, soon to be applying for university. I have a couple of questions. First, I want details on the differences between theoretical physics, and regular physics. I seem to have a much heavier inclination towards theoretical physics, but it seems that...
  33. M

    What Other Iterative Methods Can Be Used If A is Not Positive Definite?

    I am dealing with a problem,which can be formulated Ax=B,in the first place I wanted to solve it with conjugate gradient method.BUt A is not positive definite.Which are the other iterative options in this case?
  34. W

    Comparing Potentials of Multiple Charges at Varying Distances from the Origin

    Homework Statement Charge Q is located at the (x,y) origin. q is a distance r in the +x direction from Q. 2q is a distance 2r in the +x direction from Q. Which of q or 2q is at a higher potential? q, 2q, or same. The Attempt at a Solution I am thinking that it would depend on Q. Q=0, then...
  35. Z

    Medical Pillow choice - neck pain and headaches

    Hi there, I need some advice as to improve my sleep quality. I have not been able to sleep very well and usually wake up with a stiff neck and headache sometimes in the morning. My neck is relatively long and I don't feel that my uncomfortable pillow is doing what it should. Can you...
  36. T

    Wheelers Delayed Choice Experiment?

    "I was convinced that light must be causing the collapse of wave function, but Wheelers Delayed Choice Experiment seems to have confirmed otherwise. We can determine the state of a particle (ie wave or point) by choosing to observe, even if the decision about whether or not to observe is made...
  37. M

    Multiple choice question involving conservation of energy on inclined planes

    Homework Statement You have a pair of inclined planes such that a block that slides down one can slide up the other without losing any energy in the transition. The inclined planes are both at an angle θ from the horizontal, as shown in the diagram. The inclined plane on the left is...
  38. S

    Choice of reference frame in conservation of momentum/energy problems

    Problems related to conservation of momentum/energy can be solved by taking reference frame which is stationary to center of mass or which is stationary to ground/observer. So when to use what frame or which frame is beneficial in which case/type of problems? I m confused !:confused:
  39. H

    How Do Different Dirac Matrix Choices Impact RQM Equations?

    Hello! I'm trying to write an essay on RQM. The problem I have encountered is the diffrent choices of matrices for the dirac equation. The two choices that I´m mixing up in my equations are: \begin{eqnarray} \gamma^0 = \left( \begin{array}{cc} I & 0 \\ 0 & -I \end{array} \right), \quad...
  40. M

    Probability in a multiple choice test

    Two students are taking a 10 question test. Each question has 4 different answers. How many ways can each student answer the test? What is the probability that these two students get the same answers? I know that to get the number of ways to answer, the number of students is irrelevant. nk...
  41. G

    Programs PhD Project Choice: Advice for Galactic Super President

    Hi guys, I'm really struggling with the beginning of my PhD project and could use some opinions how I should proceed. And also just to express my feelings in a written form. So in a few weeks I'm about to officially become a full-time PhD student working in a research group where I have...
  42. binbagsss

    Schools University undergraduate choice - St. Andrews : Theoretical physics or

    Theoretical Physics and Mathematics? By doing the joint would I miss out on valuable theoretical physics and be less able to specialise...? I mean a Theoretical Physics degree involves a lot of mathematics anyway right? Thanks for any advice :) !
  43. BloodyFrozen

    Did I Choose the Right Electives for 9th Grade?

    So, I have to take 3 extra electives for NINTH grade. I was talking on the phone at school and my choices were immediate. I'm wondering if I took the right courses (which business/computer classes). If it helps, I prefer business and computer classes. Files attached P.S. I am definitely...
  44. C

    Courses Worried about my course choice maths or natsci

    I'm starting the natural sciences course at Cambridge in 2 weeks time. The modules I'll study in the first year are maths, physics, materials and chemistry and I'll specialise in physics after that. I applied for theoretical physics for my other uni choices but had no problems picking...
  45. C

    Programs Major choice - very confused,

    Hello physicsforums, I'm currently an Engineering and Science student (3rd year at university), currently having doubts about just what I want to do with myself. I'm currently studying chemistry, but have really only been making sense of the physical stuff. I got into QM, didn't like organic or...
  46. Kal-El

    Programs Should I Choose Engineering or Physics for My Major?

    Hello I am a sophomore at Penn State currently in Aerospace engineering. I am stuck between engineering and physics like so many people out there. I have taken engineering classes and it seems a little boring. At least at my school engineering has been displayed as the conceptual development of...
  47. D

    Countably Infinite Set, Axiom of Choice

    I'm not sure if this question has any sense. Either way, hopefully someone can help me see either the right question or the right way of thinking about this. I don't have any special background in set theory, myself. A set is countably infinite if there is a bijection between it and the...
  48. B

    Wheeler's Delayed Choice Experiment

    does this experiment violate any type of causality?
  49. W

    News Independent, the more mature choice?

    Do you think Independents are the more mature choice? I mean I don't know of an 18 year old who is independent. Or doubt there are many young people in the Independent camp. Further, they don't seem to be clouded by any closed ideas or principles nor too open to overwhelming change. They seem...
  50. L

    Some question before the final choice.

    Hello! Well, I am 16 years old and when I graduate high school I want to study theoretical physics. I have some question about that. I live in Bulgaria. Here the level of education at that sphere is not well developed, so I would prefer studying abroad in countries like Germany or the UK...
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