Advice on applying programming to physics

[paridiso]

I've got a small amount of programming under my belt right now. I learned some java in my AP Comp Sci AB class and got a 4 on the AP. I want to work on my my programming with the specific intention of getting research experience in physics.

It's a little hard for me to work on solely programming, it just gets boring and mundane pretty quickly. I think it'd be more interesting if I could somehow relate it to solving physics problems.

Anyone have any advice on any books or websites I should checkout? Should I try to find something related to algorithmic problem solving?

Thanks.

 

[CFDFEAGURU]

Yes, the website www.nr.com has a wealth of programming resources. Also, if you want to get your hands dirty, try programming solutions to the problems in this book.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070016852/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The price is high but shop around. These two resources made a C++ progammer out of me.

Also, look into programming the finite element method. But start with the simplistic on this one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0534552986/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thanks
Matt

 

[Mene]

As a scientist who has utilized programming extensively in my research, I can assure you that your interest in applying programming to physics is a wise decision. Programming is an invaluable tool in the field of physics, allowing for complex calculations, simulations, and data analysis that would be impossible to do by hand.

Firstly, I would recommend expanding your programming skills beyond just Java. While it is a popular language, there are many other languages that are commonly used in physics research, such as Python, MATLAB, and C++. Each language has its own strengths and applications, so it would be beneficial to familiarize yourself with a few of them.

In terms of resources, there are many excellent books and websites that can help you learn how to apply programming to physics problems. Some popular books include "Computational Physics" by Mark Newman and "Computational Physics with Python" by Eric Ayars. Additionally, there are many online courses and tutorials available, such as those on Coursera or Codecademy.

One way to make programming more interesting and relevant to your physics research is to start working on projects that combine the two. This could involve creating simulations of physical systems, analyzing experimental data, or developing algorithms for solving complex physics problems. This will not only strengthen your programming skills, but also give you valuable experience in applying them to real-world physics problems.

In conclusion, I highly recommend continuing to explore programming and its applications in physics. With the growing use of computational methods in research, having a strong programming background will make you a valuable asset in the field of physics. Keep exploring and learning, and don't hesitate to reach out to other scientists or online communities for advice and support. Best of luck on your journey!