In a talk (at TED) by Brian Greene on string theory he says that there are "there appear to be about 20 numbers that really describe our universe..." He lists a few in his talk, but what are the rest of of those numbers? [more inside]
posted by bigmusic on Oct 23, 2009 - 7 answers

What are some simple experiments that help explain complicated phenomena? [more inside]
posted by Christ, what an asshole on Jul 6, 2009 - 15 answers

Is it too late for me to get into physics? [more inside]
posted by reenum on Jun 30, 2009 - 15 answers

I'm reading Quantum: a Guide for the Perplexed and I'm enjoying the graphics, history and simplification of the math and science used to explain quantum mechanics. But I'm reasonably well versed in math and science - I took a year of college physics, linear algebra, and diff eq about ten years ago. Is there any chance of me learning to understand the equations and papers of Planck and Einstein that are the basis of QM? Are there any good books that could help walk someone like me through this stuff? Or am I stuck as a layperson unless I earn a degree in math or physics?
posted by Grundlebug on May 30, 2009 - 14 answers

In need of some daily source of random math problems (upto basic calculus) that will reinforce or (if necessary) re-establish some real fundamental concepts in the algebra portions of calculus, unless something else might work. [more inside]
posted by JoeXIII007 on Feb 11, 2009 - 4 answers

Need to get a double-check on some extracurricular science number crunching. A friend and I were wondering about how much effect cold temperatures would have on the speed of sound, and I had the idea to see if some handgun calibers could go from subsonic to supersonic at reasonably cold temperatures. After some extensive calculations, I think I have a pretty good set of numbers, but I want to make sure I'm not wrong. [more inside]
posted by Punkey on Nov 15, 2008 - 5 answers

If everyone in the world got in the ocean at the same time, how much would sea levels rise? [more inside]
posted by doift on Aug 18, 2008 - 16 answers

My cousin's four year old son is obsessed with things like quarks and infinity. He insists to his mother that infinity is the last number. She isn't so sure, and wants to know more about things like strangeness. I don't want to determine this kid's future, but it seems fun to feed his curiosity. And since my wife's babysitter was Murray Gell-Mann, the responsibility has fallen partially on my shoulders to help answer his questions. What kinds of information can you recommend that I give to his mother so that she, an attorney and not a mathematician, and her son can learn more about this information. In particular, what kinds of books, games, and projects would introduce him to other neat ideas in mathematics and physics?
posted by billtron on Feb 16, 2008 - 27 answers

FirstTimeTutorFilter: I'm plan to start tutoring Math, Chemistry, Physics and possibly ESL in January. Only problem is, I have *no idea what I'm doing*. Anyone have any textbooks, general teaching books, online certification courses, etc to recommend? [more inside]
posted by anonymoose on Dec 17, 2007 - 8 answers

I want to start teaching myself physics, but how? [more inside]
posted by god particle on Sep 11, 2007 - 12 answers

Help me with the math of two spheres colliding [more inside]
posted by RobotHero on Jun 10, 2007 - 8 answers

I'm a math major, but dont know exactly what I want to do. Should I also major in Physics? Economics? [more inside]
posted by milestogo on Jun 4, 2007 - 13 answers

Physics: Difference between two people pulling on each end of a rope, and one person pulling on a rope tied to a tree. [more inside]
posted by voidcontext on May 18, 2007 - 35 answers

A speeding driver just about rear-ended my delivery truck. I know how long her skidmarks are. Can I determine how fast she was driving? [more inside]
posted by jdroth on Dec 21, 2006 - 19 answers

I would like to relearn some calculus on my own. Please recommend the best book for the purpose. [more inside]
posted by perissodactyl on Sep 10, 2006 - 16 answers

You are suspended in a large, hollow sphere. The inside of the sphere is perfectly mirrored. There is nothing else in the sphere, and all you carry is a flashlight. You turn the flashlight on. What do you see? [more inside]
posted by tweebiscuit on May 15, 2006 - 41 answers

What are some good writings on the relationship between what we think of as the physical world and the world of mathematical abstractions (the space in which, for example, all possible sequences exist) ? [more inside]
posted by teleskiving on Jun 19, 2005 - 16 answers

When reading a book about Newton V's Leibniz recently, it occurred to me that great advances in Science often seem to occur in tandem, ie two unrelated persons or groups often arrive at a breakthrough at roughly the same time. Is this true? Can anyone think of some other examples? Can anyone explain why this may be the case?
posted by kev23f on Nov 19, 2004 - 21 answers

I'd like to read a readable, yet not dumbed-down account of the current state of quantum physics, addressing the famous paradoxes and directions modern research is taking. Any recommendations? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by evinrude on Dec 18, 2003 - 11 answers