What is Mathematical physics: Definition and 247 Discussions

Mathematical physics refers to the development of mathematical methods for application to problems in physics. The Journal of Mathematical Physics defines the field as "the application of mathematics to problems in physics and the development of mathematical methods suitable for such applications and for the formulation of physical theories".

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  1. M

    Orthogonality of Associated Laguerre Polynomial

    I have a problem when trying to proof orthogonality of associated Laguerre polynomial. I substitute Rodrigue's form of associated Laguerre polynomial : to mutual orthogonality equation : and set, first for and second for . But after some step, I get trouble with this stuff : I've...
  2. M

    Can FORTRAN be Used for Quantum Computing in Physics?

    Hi, folks! I am Maisalatison. I currently teach physics at a Nigerian university. My earlier experience includes many years in government service on educational planning and curriculum development for technical & vocational education. I look forward to sharing ideas on especially use of...
  3. T. Wentling

    What background fits promising areas of mathematical physics

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  4. DrPapper

    Applied PDE for Scientists and Engineers Farlow

    Hello Fellow Physics People, I am just now taking a math methods course for Physicists and we're using Mary Boas book. I wanted to supplement it for better understanding as saw Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers by Stanley J. Farlow. Reading reviews for this book on...
  5. R

    Interested in Algebraic Geometry and Mathematical Cryptography? Let's Connect!

    I'm finishing a B.S. in math and have been getting a bit more into physics lately. I'm on track for a second major in either physics or Russian, but not super concerned about finishing - I'm applying to grad programs in pure math. I'm particularly interested in algebraic geometry, combinatorics...
  6. Joshua L

    Is a Mathematical Physics course enough?

    I am majoring in Physics and Math at Purdue University. For the physics requirements, I need to take two Mathematical Methods of Physics courses. Below are the catalog entries for the two courses. Mathematical Methods of Physics I Discussion of wide-ranging physics problems from mechanics...
  7. T

    What is the required torque for a spinning flywheel?

    Hello, I would like to know the amount of torque required when the flywheel starts? I know that once at speed the flywheel doesn't require torque. I would also like to know what size of slip ring induction motor to run as the below mentioned speed. The weight of the flywheel is= 6500 kg ( wt...
  8. WineRedPsy

    Mathematical Physics vs Applied Mathematics?

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  9. sara.w

    Career Prospects in BSc Math vs MSc Mathematical Physics

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  10. Strangelet

    Theoretical Physics or Earth Physics?

    Good Evening to everyone! I'm currently a student of theoretical physics. I have a Bachelor Degree in Physics and I'm from Italy. When you finish your B.D. you can choose to go on with your studies in order to get a Master Degree (other 2 years of study) and here you can choose your curricula...
  11. S

    How to study Theoretical Mechanics?

    I know Single variable Calculus and I have a basic understanding of multivariable calculus. I also happen to know basic linear algebra. What are the mathematical pre-requisites needed in order to self-study theoretical mechanics? I'm planning to take this course...
  12. S

    "Repräsentation der Imaginären der Plangeometrie" by Sophus Lie

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  13. G

    Guide to learning mathematical physics

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  14. W

    Influential Visual Math Thinkers: Penrose, Mendelbrot, Arnold, Atiyah

    Do you know any influential mathematicians that are visual thinkers? especially those who wrote books. For example mathematicians that think and write like Roger Penrose,Benoit Mendelbrot,Vladimir Arnold,Sir M.Atiyah who are very keen on using diagrams and drawings in their writings.
  15. L

    Info on Bessel functions & their use as basis functions.

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  16. L

    Is double majoring necessary for a career in mathematical physics?

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  17. I

    Problems with proofs of Robert Geroch mathematical physics

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  18. C

    Mathematical Physics as a graduate program

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  19. T

    Which graduate math courses for mathematical physics

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  20. Giant

    Confused between mathematical physics and theoretical physics

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  21. K

    Computational, theoretical or mathematical physics for finance (Quan)?

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  22. M

    Mathematical Physics: Bessel functions of the first kind property

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  23. skate_nerd

    Any ideas for topics in Mathematical Physics?

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  24. skate_nerd

    Any ideas for unsolved topics in Mathematical Physics?

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  25. W

    Mathematical Physics for Undergrad

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  26. F

    Mathematical physics line/surface integral problem

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  27. B

    Books on mathematical physics

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  28. Vahsek

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  29. N

    Mathematical physics textbooksuggestions please

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  30. X

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  31. micromass

    Methods of Mathematical Physics by Hilbert and Courant

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  32. R

    Mathematical Physics vs. Physics: Impact on Grad School/Jobs

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  33. L

    Is There a Mathematical Physics Degree?

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  34. B

    Good programs for mathematical physics in canada

    im looking to become a theoretical physicist and i think i might want to do a program in mathematical physics for an undergrad. does anyone know which are best in Canada? i know the obvious ones, (i think) U of T, Waterloo, UBC, McGill, but can anyone be more specific please?
  35. M

    Which Mathematical Physics Text Should I Choose?

    I found myself having a hard time choosing what mathematical physics text should I stick with. I'd like to think of myself as mathematically inclined, and I would really prefer a mathematical physics book that emphasizes 'the maths' and the proofs and not just the methods while maintaining its...
  36. A

    Step-by-step mathematical physics from classical to quantum physics

    Dear folks, Under the aalaniz blog, I just posted step-by-step notes starting for ODEs and PDEs both linear and nonlinear, of the type you will see in grad physics programs. The notes connect Lagrangian, Hamiltonian and Poisson Bracket methods in classical physics to the various approaches...
  37. M

    Mathematical Physics vs. Honours Physics vs. Physics and Astronomy

    Hi, I'm a Grade 12 student and I'm very interested in physics. I would like to apply to Waterloo University becasue of their renowned Co-op program, but they have the three types on Physics Undergraduate Degrees; Mathematical Physics...
  38. J

    Would Mathematical Physics benefit me?

    Hello everyone, i am just wondering if a mathematical physics honours degree would benefit me more if i am wanting to get into theoretical astrophysics or theoretical high energy physics afterwards for my graduate studies? Or should i just stick with a physics honours degree? i'm...
  39. J

    Mathematical physics, density of probability

    Homework Statement So I have to calculate the transmission of light, which goes through random black and "transparent" blocks (p=0.5), but the thickness (x) of each block is distributed exponentially dP/dx=1/t*exp(-x/t). When light goes through black block, it diminishes (I stands for...
  40. M

    Where can I go with a degree in mathematical physics?

    So I just got accepted into the University of Waterloo's mathematical physics program and I don't know anything about the program. What kind of career could I expect to get if I graduate from the program? If I take this program could I still get a major in accounting, actuary sciences, etc...
  41. N

    Difference Between Theoretical and Mathematical Physics

    Hey everyone If you want the concise version, skip over the bit in italics. First I'll quickly introduce myself. I am an undergraduate student, studying physics. I have been reading these forums for some time now (mostly just re-reading the stickies to be honest). In Australia, the first...
  42. A

    (Mathematical Physics) Mass on four elastic rods

    Homework Statement In a gravitational detector we put a mass of 10^4 kg onto four rods, which are located at the angles of a square. The rods are 25 cm high with S = 3cm^2, two of them are made of copper, two of steele and they are situated on opposite sides. The top surfaces of rods are...
  43. Sigurdsson

    Generalized functions (distributions) problem - Mathematical physics

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  44. C

    Should I Drop Mathematical Physics Class?

    Dear Forum: I am a senior chemistry major that has the typical science/engineering background in math - 2 quarters of single variable calculus, 2 quarters of multivariable calculus and vector analysis, 1 quarter of linear algebra and 1 quarter of differential equations. I am currently...
  45. R

    Mathematical physics / physics graduate programs

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  46. E

    Highest authority on Mathematical Physics?

    Anyone have any candidates, and yes i know its a broad term.
  47. C

    String theory and mathematical physics in Germany

    Hey guys! Which research departments are best? I was hoping to get the top 3-4 institutions names. Basically I am into mathematical string theory and geometry/topology-physics in general.
  48. M

    What sort of mathematics for mathematical physics?

    I am hoping to do mathematical or theoretical physics after my undergraduate science degree. I have been advised to do more maths subjects than physics subjects in order to achieve this. I am double majoring in maths and physics and I am just wondering what area of maths I should be focusing on...
  49. T

    Intermediate methods of mathematical physics

    Hi my school has these two courses: Specific mathematical methods used in advanced courses in physics. 233. Differential equations, vector differential and integral calculus. 234. Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis, complex analysis. There is no indication that 233 is a prereq for...
  50. fluidistic

    Boas Mathematical physics book, definition of center of mass

    In Boas' book I can read that the definition of center of mass of a body has coordinates x_{CM}= \int x_{CM}dM= \int x dM. Shouldn't it be this same integral but divided by M?! Also, I didn't find the definition of center of mass for particles or any non continuous bodies. I'd be grateful if...
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