"There are only two types of motion in the universe: oscillation or rotation and you can't have exclusively one without a trace of the other. That's the reason machines wear out." Does this statement statement have any basis in fact and can you tell me where it might have originated? [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat on Sep 18, 2009 - 17 answers

What can I do with a degree in Physics? What doors and pathways will it open for me? How long will I need to study before I am able to call my self a Physicist and make a meaningful contribution in my field? [more inside]
posted by shoebox on May 17, 2008 - 29 answers

How has our understanding of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, etc. changed in the last five years? [more inside]
posted by Orange Pamplemousse on Mar 24, 2008 - 15 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

Two semester introductory physics series from abroad? [more inside]
posted by jwucd on Jan 12, 2007 - 5 answers

What is a good book for beginning physics? [more inside]
posted by lorrer on Sep 2, 2005 - 13 answers