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Exploring Maths in Physics Education

The document outlines a student's academic journey and interests in mathematics and physics, highlighting their acceptance into several prestigious universities. Key experiences include deriving escape velocity, exploring 'Alien Calculus' in particle physics, and researching the Schrödinger equation. The student also founded a Mathematics Society to promote mathematical skills and is actively engaging with the community to share their passion for the subject.

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sannusyed.2007
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28 views2 pages

Exploring Maths in Physics Education

The document outlines a student's academic journey and interests in mathematics and physics, highlighting their acceptance into several prestigious universities. Key experiences include deriving escape velocity, exploring 'Alien Calculus' in particle physics, and researching the Schrödinger equation. The student also founded a Mathematics Society to promote mathematical skills and is actively engaging with the community to share their passion for the subject.

Uploaded by

sannusyed.2007
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Student who got accepted into: Imperial College London, University College London (UCL),

Warwick University and Bath University

Seeing the derivation of escape velocity, during the GEMS Astronomy Programme, provoked
my interest in the intersection of mathematics and physics. I was fascinated by how algebra
was able to manipulate Newton's law of universal gravitation to derive the formula for escape
velocity. It was especially surprising that the mass of the object simply cancelled out,
signalling that it did not affect the escape velocity, which contradicted my intuition at the time
that the mass of the object was proportional to the velocity. Beyond the mathematics itself, I
was intrigued by the fact that I was able to sit in a classroom and derive a result that had so
much significance in the real world.

Recently, I came across an article in Quanta magazine outlining the use of 'Alien Calculus' in
particle physics, which discussed how new mathematical methods, known as 'resurgence'
techniques, could be used to prevent particle interaction calculations from diverging to
infinity. I was astounded by how these 'new' techniques, which were in fact largely unused
for seventy years, were able to allow physicists to understand and express particle
interactions. Also, through reading the book 'Why Does E=mc^2?' by Brian Cox and Jeff
Forshaw, I learned that even mathematical concepts as simple as the Pythagorean Theorem
were able to contribute towards discoveries such as time dilation. It illustrated that
mathematics and physics were intrinsically connected, and I wanted to explore it further.

Through conversations with my seniors and teachers at school, I was introduced to the link
between trigonometry and waves. I realised that waves could be described in a
mathematically rigorous way, as a linear combination of sine and cosine waves, which can
be determined using Fourier analysis. I also learned that Fourier analysis could determine
the amplitudes of the harmonics of a wave on a violin string, which made me realise the
significance of physics in music. Fascinated by the nature of waves, as part of the Lumiere
Research Scholar Program, I researched the Schrödinger equation and studied differential
equations. With guidance from a PhD mentor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I
calculated the general solutions to the time-dependent one-dimension version of the
Schrödinger equation (which represented standing waves, like the waves on the violin string)
and wrote a review paper on it. Using the general solutions to determine the probability of
finding a particle in space was particularly interesting as it expanded my knowledge of
wave-particle duality which I learnt at school.

Noticing that mathematics was integral when solving physics equations, I founded the
Mathematics Society at school and co-created the Math Olympiad to encourage my
classmates to build their mathematics skills and knowledge. Some of the presentations from
the society meetings included the application of differential equations in real life (in which I
learned the usefulness of calculus in a variety of fields such as hair animation) and the use
of Knot theory in DNA analysis (in which I presented the impact of an abstract branch of
mathematics in developing anti-cancer drugs). I also realised that knots laid the basis for
embroidery, which I enjoy doing when I'm not contemplating the mathematical and physical
nature of the universe.

Currently, I am planning events for a local primary school to introduce the students to the
beauty of mathematics and its applications. Furthermore, at the annual Student Science
Lectures evening, I was one of the few students selected to deliver presentations on general
relativity and the Schrödinger equation to parents and students. I enjoyed watching all the
presentations and having discussions with my peers about their chosen topics.

Through my university studies, I want to enhance my mathematics and physics knowledge,


and develop my communication and research skills, so that I can unveil the beauty of
physics through the language of mathematics.

Common questions

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The mass of an object does not affect its escape velocity because, during the derivation, the object's mass cancels out of the equation. Escape velocity is determined by the gravitational constant and the mass and radius of the celestial body, not the escaping object. This counterintuitive result arises because the gravitational force acting on more massive objects is proportionately stronger, but so is the required kinetic energy .

Studying the Schrödinger equation provided insights into wave-particle duality by allowing the calculation of general solutions that represent standing waves. These solutions helped to determine the probability of finding a particle in space, illustrating the dual nature of particles exhibiting both wave-like and particle-like properties simultaneously .

Differential equations can model the motion and texture of hair by simulating the physical forces acting upon strands and their subsequent dynamic interactions. This application in computer graphics allows for realistic animations by creating algorithms that predict hair's response to various movements and environmental factors, showcasing the utility of calculus in visually complex and technical fields .

The Pythagorean Theorem connects to physics phenomena like time dilation through the mathematical frameworks they support. In Einstein's theory of relativity, the relationship between space and time coordinates can be represented similarly to the Pythagorean relationship in geometric space. This shows how fundamental mathematical concepts provide the underlying structure for complex physical theories .

Mathematical presentations at student science events enhance educational experiences by providing a platform for students to explore and discuss diverse and advanced scientific topics. These presentations facilitate peer-to-peer learning, encourage public speaking and critical thinking, and allow students to articulate complex ideas, ultimately enriching their academic development and confidence .

The derivation of escape velocity demonstrates the intersection of mathematics and physics by using algebra to manipulate Newton's law of universal gravitation. This allows for the creation of a formula that determines the necessary speed to overcome gravitational pull, independent of the mass of the object . This result is unexpected as it contradicts intuitive notions that mass would affect velocity, highlighting how mathematical equations can lead to significant physical insights.

Knot theory plays a significant role in DNA analysis by providing mathematical techniques to understand the entanglement and uncoupling of DNA strands. These insights are crucial for developing anti-cancer drugs, as they can help manipulate DNA configurations to inhibit cancerous growths. This illustrates how abstract mathematical concepts can contribute directly to biological and medical research .

'Resurgence' techniques play a critical role in particle physics by preventing calculations of particle interactions from diverging to infinity. These methods use advanced mathematical concepts that had been largely unused for seventy years. Their ability to enable physicists to understand complex interactions was surprising, as they offered solutions where traditional methods failed, illustrating the potential of revitalized mathematical approaches in physics .

Fourier analysis is integral to understanding the physics of musical instruments because it enables the decomposition of complex waveforms into sine and cosine components. For a violin, this analysis can calculate the amplitudes of its harmonics, helping us understand the instrument's sound as a linear combination of component waves. This mathematical approach reveals the physical characteristics of the sound produced .

Initiating the Mathematics Society and Math Olympiad had a significant educational impact by encouraging students to develop their math skills and knowledge. These activities fostered an academic environment where students could explore complex mathematical applications and advanced topics such as differential equations and Knot theory, thereby enhancing their appreciation and understanding of mathematics .

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