What is Degrees: Definition and 676 Discussions

An academic degree is a qualification awarded to students upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education, usually at a college or university. These institutions commonly offer degrees at various levels, usually including bachelor's, master's and doctorates, often alongside other academic certificates and professional degrees. The most common undergraduate degree is the bachelor's degree, although in some countries there are lower level higher education qualifications that are also titled degrees (e.g. associate degrees and foundation degrees).

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  1. JK423

    Coupling only to the center of mass degrees of freedom?

    I am interested in the following scenario. Suppose that you have a composite system, e.g. ion, atom or whatever you want. This system will have internal degrees of freedom (d.o.f.), i.e. relative positions and momenta, and also center of mass d.o.f..What i am looking for is to find an...
  2. shounakbhatta

    Lagrangian and degrees of freedom

    Hello, I have a very basic question: Degrees of freedom for a particle describes the formal state of a physical system. Like a particle in 3 dimension space has 3 co-ordinates and if it moves in 3 velocity components, then it has 6 degrees of freedom. Lagrangian also measures this, right?
  3. P

    Proof: Identity formula of sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2 = 1 for *degrees*

    Homework Statement We are given two sets of functions: sin(x) and cos(x); S(x) and C(x). In the former, x is measured in radians, in the latter x is measured in degrees. It is possible to convert between the two using the following relations: sin(x) = S(mx), cos(x) = C(mx) where m=180/pi...
  4. I

    Programs Dual masters degrees beneficial?

    Greetings PF. I was thinking about going for a dual masters degree with one in physics and one in mathematics. Note that I'm not American, I'm currently in Europe and as such I'd guess it's almost like a double major. To me it felt like such a couple of degrees were a natural choice, but...
  5. ajayguhan

    Degrees of Freedom for Rigid Body of n Particles

    How is for rigid body made up of n particle, the degree of freedom is 3n-nC2.i can understand that degree freedom of n particle is 3n and suppose you have 2 particle whose distance between them is fixed, then degree of freedom is n 3(2)-1=5.if we have three particles then it is 7. Therefore...
  6. ajayguhan

    Why does a fixed distance reduce degrees of freedom?

    A particle has 3 degrees of freedom, therefore N particles have 3N degrees of freedom. But a two particle whose distance between them is constant has 5 degrees of freedom instead of 6. I know that the fixed distance is constarin so it reduced the degrees of freedom, but why does the constarin...
  7. L

    Gauge fields - how many physical degrees of freedom?

    The photon field has two physical degrees of freedom (dof): its two transverse polarization directions. But what about non-abelian gauge theories? What about N massless spin-1 particles that transfom under SU(N), how do I count their degrees of freedom? Gluons, for example, are massless spin-1...
  8. J

    What are some examples of imperfect entanglement in spin 1/2 systems?

    Hi, I'm wondering what is meant by degrees of entanglement, and am looking for a simple concrete example. Here's a guess at an example, and then a more general definition based on it: Examples of perfect entanglement would be the Bell singlet states. To use a position basis example, for two...
  9. J

    MHB Degrees of Vertices IV: Graph is a Tree?

    Let G be a graph with vertex set V = {v1, v2, v3, v4, v5}. If the degrees of the vertices are 1, 2, 1, 3, 1, respectively, is G a tree? Why or why not? 2E = deg v1 + deg v2 + deg v3 + deg v4 + deg v5 2E = 1 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 2E = 8 E = 4 Yes, the degrees of vertices 1, 2, 1, 3, 1, G is a...
  10. J

    MHB Exploring Eulerian Paths in Graphs with Varying Vertex Degrees

    Let G be a graph with vertex set V = {v1, v2, v3, v4, v5}. If the degrees of the vertices are 5, 1, 0, 6, 2, respectively, does G have an Eulerian path? Why or why not? 2E= deg v1 + deg v2 + deg v3 + deg v4 + deg v5 2E = 5 + 1 + 0 + 6 + 2 2E = 14 E = 7 Is it correct to say that G does have...
  11. J

    MHB Degrees of Vertices II: 8 Edges in G

    Let G be a graph with vertex set V = {v1, v2, v3, v4, v5}. If the degrees of the vertices are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, respectively, how many edges are in G? 2E = deg v1 + deg v2 + deg v3 + deg v4 + deg v5 2E = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 6 2E = 16 E = 8 The amount of edges in G is 8. Is this correct?
  12. J

    MHB Degrees of Vertices I: Is it Possible?

    Let G be a graph with vertex set V = {v1, v2, v3, v4, v5}. Is it possible for the degrees of the vertices to be 3, 6, 2, 1, 5, respectively? Why or why not? 2E = deg v1 + deg v2 + deg v3 + deg v4 + deg v5 2E = 3 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 5 2E = 17 E = 8.5 Is this correct to say that yes it is possible...
  13. marellasunny

    Number of degrees of freedom of a double toggle mechanism for punching

    This is a mechanism used for crushing rocks/punching holes(when horizontal). When I use the Kutzbach criterion to find the number of degrees of freedom,I get 2. Is this because of the failure of Kutzbach criterion to recognize the geometry of the mechanism or did I go wrong somewhere? Kutzbach...
  14. M

    Exploring Nuclear Fusion: Challenges, Degrees, Books and Job Opportunities

    After long thinking I decided that I want to do either engineering or science. I am not really interested in one specific field in science but I am more interested in what field is more useful, active and revolutionary. I became very interested in quantum computing but I lost interest since it...
  15. trollcast

    Programs Deciding between 4 degrees.

    First off I'm in the UK so I can't try courses that are common to all of them in my first year and pick later. The degrees I'm interested in are physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry. I'm having a hard time deciding between them as I think I would enjoy some of them...
  16. mathmaniac1

    MHB Equations with rational degrees

    Is there a way to make these a polynomial? 1)\sqrt{A}+\sqrt{B}+\sqrt{C}=D 2)A1/3 + B1/3 = C Or how else can it be solved?
  17. J

    The solar system 90 degrees to milky way

    I live at 4000 feet above sea level and list night I saw some shooting stars, one real big one coming from the south so i thought I would star-gaze awhile and see if more meteors would come my way, no more came and after awhile I was admiring how well I could see the milky way and then I...
  18. C

    Online ME Masters Degree: Balancing Work and Education - Advice Needed"

    I have been looking at getting my ME Masters degree, but I am currently working full time and will definitely not be taking time off to pursue it (meaning, I want to accomplish it while working). My only local option doesn't really offer night classes for engineering graduate degrees so that...
  19. S

    Temperature changes and degrees of freedom and intermolecular forces

    Hi I have a couple of questions relating to these topic hope you guys can help :) Comparing ethanol and water, ethanol has weaker intermolecular forces than water. However, it has a greater specific heat capacity by kJ/mol.K than water. Meaning more energy would have to be absorbed per mole of...
  20. A

    Why degrees are equal if polynomial are equal?

    Two polynomial f(x) and g(x) are equal then their degrees are equal. This is a very trivial statement and it shouldn't worry me much but it is. I get an intuitive idea why they should be equal. Their graphs wouldn't coincide for unequal degrees. But what if somehow the coefficients make...
  21. S

    Help a chair leaning 60 degrees against a wall

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I have a problem here. A man is sitting on a chair leaning at 60 degrees against a friction-less wall. The height of the chair is 1.20 meters and the distance between the man's center of mass and the wall is 0.5 meters. The distance between the guy's...
  22. X

    Engineering Suggested degrees to be a Defense Systems Engineer?

    I understand this type of field can involve many different specializations, and people who work in this field often work as part of a team to focus on very specific parts of a weapon/defense system, etc. With that said, I am not necessarily looking to work in this field, but rather I want the...
  23. W

    If the air is 212 degrees F will water boil?

    I've been trying to figure this our for a while now. My science teacher asked this question and he wants an answer by tomorrow but I have no idea. Can anyone help with this?
  24. S

    Dynamics: Forces at 90 and 45 degrees

    Homework Statement Hi, I have a system of forces which is showed in the following picture: http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/197/fuerzas.JPG/ The exercise says: A force F produces an acceleration of 5 m/s^2 when it acts on a particle of mass m. Calculate the acceleration of the particle...
  25. S

    Degrees of freedom of an EM field?

    Homework Statement Can anyone point me in the right direction (i.e. an explanation or resource) that shows why an EM field has two degrees of freedom (attributable to the KE and PE, due to the harmonic oscillator description of the field)? The matter is mentioned in passing in a chapter...
  26. SrVishi

    Programs Some questions concerning degrees

    Hello, I am a high school senior who is considering attending the Florida Atlantic University (for those who are familiar with it). I am most likely going to major in either physics or mathematics and was initially aiming for a bachelors of science. There is a twist however. I am also aiming for...
  27. T

    Let's make a list of jobs for physics degrees

    I think it might be a good idea to create a list of various jobs that have an open door for someone with a physics degree, BS, MS, or PhD. I would like to add slightly unrelated fields as well, since job hunting can be a nightmare. I would start this list off, but honestly, I have no idea what...
  28. N

    Degrees of Freedom in Linearized Gravity (and beyond)

    Dear all, This is a continuation of my previous thread, but I figure it's cleaner to start afresh with this topic. I'm trying to understand why GR has only two polarizations. I've only seen treatments of this in linearized terms, so I'll start there. The reasoning is often as follows (e.g...
  29. Femme_physics

    Absolute Coder Resolution in Degrees: Calculating 360/25

    Resolution in "degrees"? Homework Statement In the following scheme we see the channels spreadout of an absolute coder with 5 bits that works on a regular binary code. What's his resolution in degrees? http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/475/01234v.jpg The Attempt at a Solution I...
  30. Z

    Understanding the Six Degrees of Freedom in Crystal Structures

    It seems to me that there should only be three degrees of freedom for each atom in a crystal, one for each direction of vibration; but apparently there are six? Can someone explain? Thanks.
  31. C

    Degrees of Freedom: Why 3/2*RT for Kinetic Energy in a Solid?

    Homework Statement I want to know why the average kinetic energy FOR A SOLID is 3/2*RT. Homework Equations For every degree of freedom = 1/2*RT Possible Degrees of freedom are: Translation, rotation, vibration The Attempt at a Solution In a solid, I am certain there is vibrational energy...
  32. nomadreid

    Confusion on application of definition of degrees of freedom

    I am confused about the counting of degrees of freedom. Yes, I know that it is the number of vectors which are free to vary. But that definition gives way to different interpretations: (1) the number of data points minus the number of independent variables. This seems to be the basis of the...
  33. J

    Degrees of Freedom: Square & Triangular Lamina

    What are the number of degrees of freedom of 1)a square sheet moving in XY plane 2)a triangular lamina moving freely in XY plane
  34. A

    Difference between Generalised co-ordinates and degrees of freedom

    What is the difference between Generalised co-ordinates and Degrees of freedom in classical mechanics? I know that they are not equal when we have non-holonomic equations of constraints. But I don't know why.
  35. C

    Quadratic form and degrees of freedom- fixed title

    My question is: Is there any gain in intuitive mathematical understanding of degrees of freedom from learning their expression using the 'quadratic form' and matrix algebra techniques? This sort of explanation is at least understandable and self-consistent, if not rigorous mathematically...
  36. T

    A question on degrees of maps of the fundamental group of the unit circle

    Hello, I'm reading a textbook and in the textbook we are discussing the fundamental group of the unit circle and having some difficulty making out what a degree of a map is and why when there is a homotopy between two continuous maps f,g from S^{1} to S^{1} why the deg(f)=deg(g) We have...
  37. A

    Engineering Master's Degrees: Are Physicists or Engineers more employable?

    So, I've come to the end of my undergraduate education, and am a bit stuck on the next step to take. Quick background: I'm a physics major with a math minor, and have but one semester to go until I graduate in December 2013 (will be done with physics and math by spring 2013 but due to a...
  38. H

    Thermodynamics of a adiabatic system with degrees of freedom

    In an adiabatic process 16 J of work are done on each mole of a gas. If the gas has 5 degrees of freedom, how much does its temperature change? Answer in terms of R I know the answer is 6.4/R (K), but don't quite sure understand the the theory or math behind it.
  39. S

    Is it true that only 6.7% of the world hold university degrees?

    This website http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/19/percent-of-world-with-col_n_581807.html claims that only 6.7% of the world hold university degrees but that's hard to believe, I know so many people who have university degrees. If it is inaccurate what is the real percentage?
  40. S

    Question about counting degrees of freedom

    Suppose that for some application it is mathematically convenient to represent certain objects of interest (e.g., lines or conics) as n-dimensional vectors. That such a representation exists let's us conclude that in order to specify such an object, no more than n values are necessary. That is...
  41. D

    What Are the Degrees of Freedom for an Electron?

    HI PF, I wanted to know what are the degrees of freedom of an electron? How should it behave when it is left with its least energy in vacuum?
  42. P

    To increase the temperature of 50 grams of water by 2 Celsius degrees requires

    Homework Statement To increase the temperature of 50 grams of water by 2 Celsius degrees requires? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution As I understand it takes one caloric to increase 1 gram of water to 1 *C..Correct? since its 50 grams raised by 2*C, I have 50x2= 100 calories?
  43. J

    How to solve for four variables when two have first and second degrees

    Homework Statement does anyone know how to solve this equation for just x? x + x^2 = a^2*b^2 - 2.01j - j^2 - 15.132 it's possible right? because I'm trying to solve for four variables using four equations but two of my variables will have a first plus a second degree The...
  44. T

    How to Solve for atan when an object turns 60 degrees

    Homework Statement A flywheel with a radius of 0.200 starts from rest and accelerates with a constant angular acceleration of 0.900 . atan= .180 m/s2 when its at rest arad= 0m/s2 when at rest compute magnitude of resultant acceleration at the start a= .180 m/s2 I got all of these already...
  45. Hercuflea

    Programs Integrated Degrees - Are they worth it?

    I was just looking at PhD. programs and I came across this: http://www.cseprograms.gatech.edu/ I was wondering if "integrated" degree programs like the above one are worth the time? Apparently you can pick an area of concentration, but say if you chose chemistry or biology, could you...
  46. FalseVaccum89

    Programs Should I Go for Dual Math/Engineering Degrees?

    In an earlier post (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=640804) I remarked on how I was wondering if I should double major in math and physics so I could would be well prepared for a Ph.D. in Mathematical Physics. I also expounded on a couple of (admittedly naive) physical conjectures...
  47. R

    How Do You Calculate Initial Speed and Maximum Height in Parabolic Motion?

    Homework Statement A cricket ball is thrown upwards at an angle of 45 degrees and pitches 20m from the thrower. What was the balls initial speed and how high does it rise? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Initial Speed- 19.7 m/s Height- 10(??) m
  48. T

    Programs AA vs. AS Degree: What's the Difference?

    What exactly is the difference between the two? And does it matter which is chosen if the person intends on getting a BS degree?
  49. U

    Electron and graviton degrees of freedom

    Hi dear all Please explain to a stupid dummy a very simple thing. Take an a photon in 1+3 dimensions. How DOF it has? We all know that 2. How we calculate it? a) 1) We have a spin 1 particle that should have 2s+1=3 spin state. So DOF=3. 2) We have 4 Aμ guys. One is out because of gauge...
  50. L

    Programs What degrees are available related to Physics ?

    Okay yes . I am a noob. I want to know what all courses are out there that are related to physics ...classical non classical anything related to physics that I can take up in college ?
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