General Definition and 1000 Threads

A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations' air forces, space forces, or marines.In some usages the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colonel.The term general is used in two ways: as the generic title for all grades of general officer and as a specific rank.
It originates in the 16th century, as a shortening of captain general, which rank was taken from Middle French capitaine général.
The adjective general had been affixed to officer designations since the late medieval period to indicate relative superiority or an extended jurisdiction.
Today, the title of general is known in some countries as a four-star rank. However, different countries use different systems of stars or other insignia for senior ranks. It has a NATO rank scale code of OF-9 and is the highest rank currently in use in a number of armies, air forces, and marine organizations.

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  1. D

    I Favorite Visualization of General Relativity?

    I am collecting ways to visualize the curvature of spacetime -- and movement of objects affected by gravity -- as per Einstein's GR. Alternatives to the bowling ball / trampoline image so often used in the popular press. Images that show the similarities / differences between Newton & Einstein...
  2. J

    Relativity Thoughts on General Relativity by Hobson?

    Background: I'm about to graduate with a mathematics degree(in the US), hence I have exposure to multivariable calculus, real analysis, abstract algebra, complex variables etc (no differential geometry however). I have also taken a class on QM(using Griffiths) and I saw some SR during a Modern...
  3. astroman707

    Programs Should a physics major take general chemistry?

    I’ve already taken intro chemistry with a lab, and general chemistry 1. Unlike most universities, my college doesn’t require chemistry for physics majors. Should I take general chemistry 2? Would it really benefit me, or should I spend my time elsewhere? Edit: I’m referring to the standard...
  4. Chincha40

    Ljungström turbine, general info?

    I'm currently building a turbo-shaft engine and I am trying to find a good, yet simple to build free power turbine for extracting the exhaust energy of the jet engine. The Ljungström turbine seems promising as it is compact and easily machined from a 3 axis cnc machine. Does anyone know of the...
  5. K

    I Displacement vector in general relativity

    Is there a sensible way of defining a displacement vector in a general manifold? That is, the displacement vector being the difference between position vector at two different points... the problem is that these two different points have, in general, different tangent vector spaces. Never the...
  6. N

    I Measuring Star Radii with General Relativity

    Hi, I'm wondering if it is possible to measure radii of stars using general relativity, given its explanation of gravity as curvature of space. Thank you
  7. I

    I Is Mathematics a Paradigm of Truth in General Relativity?

    I have little exposure to mathematics beyond high school algebra and physics, but I have become increasingly interested in physics, particularly its most towering achievements of modern times : Quantum Physics, as well as A. Einstein’s Special and General Relativity, the latter of a...
  8. M

    I General Concepts About Fermi-Dirac Distribution

    Hello! Thanks for your time reading my questions. When I was studying quantum statistical mechanics, I get so confused about the relations between Pauli's exclusion principle and the Fermi-Dirac distributions. 1. The Pauli's exclusion principle says that: Two fermions can't occupy the same...
  9. CaptainAmerica17

    B Spivak's Calculus as a Prerequisite for General Topology

    High school student here... Recently, I've found an interest in topology and am trying to figure out the correct path for self-studying. I am familiar with set theory and some concepts of abstract algebra but have not really studied any form of analysis, which from what I've read is a...
  10. 0

    Solid of revolution -- General question

    There are two ways to revolve, around Y or X and the formulas are different. If I have something bounded by $$f(x) = x^2 + 1$$. I can write $$x = \sqrt{y - 1}$$. But, is it wrong to swap axis to show that I'm integrating dy, not dx?
  11. A

    MHB Partial differential equations problem - finding the general solution

    4\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}+\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} = 3u , u(x,0)=4e^{-x}-e^{-5x} let U =X(x)T(t) so 4X\frac{\partial T}{\partial t}+T\frac{\partial X}{\partial x} = 3XT 4\frac{\partial T}{T \partial t}+\frac{\partial X}{X \partial x} = 3 \left( 4\frac{\partial T}{T...
  12. StillLearningToronto

    I General Q: How do you measure a Galaxy's distance?

    If I am given the variable of time (observed), and diameter is it possible to measure the distance of a galaxy? Or do I need more variables? Just trying to figure out the most simple way to go about doing something like that.
  13. CharlieCW

    General Irreducible Representation of Lorentz Group

    This one may seem a bit long but essentially the problem reduces to some matrix calculations. You may skip the background if you're familiar with Lorentz representations. 1. Homework Statement A Lorentz transformation can be represented by the matrix...
  14. carlyhylton

    Vector Labeling Convention: Vxi or Vix?

    I have a very general question... When labelling initial or final components on the x and y axes do you write, for example... Vxi OR Vix Is there a right or wrong answer? What is the convention?
  15. C

    I Mass/Density Increase in Motion: Relativistic or Observable?

    Is the increase in mass/density of an object in motion purely relativistic? What I mean is if you were in a spaceship approaching the speed of light would you be able to measure a change in your mass/density or would the change only be observable to someone at rest. I'm aware of the Lorentz...
  16. M

    I How do I derive the general expression for delta p times delta x?

    Hey guys! How do I derive the general expression for delta p times delta x which is the exception value in the harmonic oscillator. I am supposed to establish delta p and delta x as operators and the express those operators by raising and lowering operators.
  17. Cantor080

    Other Utility of a general math book introducing subjects not in historical order?

    I have Abstract Algebra Course, and my teacher is using the book, "Abstract Algebra" of David S. Dummit, and Richard M.Foote. This book, and other books which my teachers are using for the courses, seem to give definitions, theorems, and problems, in no historical order or are not mentioning the...
  18. nomadreid

    I General definition of spatial dimension?

    The question is not to distinguish space from time, but in general, what distinguishes a spatial dimension from other types of dimensions? For example, Hilbert space has an infinite number of dimensions, but they are not spatial; string theories add extra spatial dimensions. Is there a...
  19. Lacana

    What are some general essay writing tips?

    What tips should I follow to write a perfect essay?
  20. D

    Other What books to get before studying Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity?

    Hi. I want to learn - amateurishly - Quantum Mechanics, and General Relativity, but my experience with Physics is very small. I want to ask, what should I learn - what books should I read - before I start to learn those theories? Sorry for my english.
  21. Sandeep T S

    A General Relativity Book Recommendations

    Any one please refer some text for general theory of relativity, Also share some link of PDF about GTR
  22. L

    A Constructing Bondi Coordinates on General Spacetimes

    I'm trying to understand the BMS formalism in General Relativity and I'm in doubt with the so-called Bondi Coordinates. In the paper Lectures on the Infrared Structure of Gravity and Gauge Theories Andrew Strominger points out in section 5.1 the following: In the previous sections, flat...
  23. S

    I The general notion of a recurrence relation

    On the one hand, the intuitive notion of a recurrence relation is clear from examples. On the other hand, what is the precise way to define it? The first interesting technicality is why should we call it a "relation" ? Is it, in general, a "relation" and not the more specific case of a...
  24. Entr0pic

    Courses Should ALL physicists take a course in general relativity?

    I will be proceeding onto my masters degree in theoretical physics in about two months time. My goal is to learn as much as I can about quantum and statistical physics, as this is the field in which I would like to do my PhD. In my second semester, I have the chance to either study the...
  25. Telemachus

    I General formula for a sequence of numbers

    Hi there. I am working with a problem where a sequence of numbers arises. This sequence reads: ##\{0,1,3,5,10,15,21,28\}## as far as I have worked it. I am trying to figure out the underlying relation that gives this sequence. These are related to indexes in a matrix, and I am trying to...
  26. S

    Other Where Can I Find MIT Physics General Exams from 2002 and After 2012?

    Hello! I solved the MIT physics graduate general exams (the Part 2 from http://web.mit.edu/physics/current/graduate/sampleexams.html) and they are super useful to consolidate your knowledge in the areas they cover. Does anyone know where (and if) I can find the exams between 2002 and 2012 and...
  27. karush

    MHB -b.3.1.1 find the general solution of the second order y''+2y'-3y=0

    $\tiny{3.1.1}$ find the general solution of the second order differential equation. $$y''+2y'-3y=0$$ assume that $y = e^{rt}$ then, $$r^2+2r-3=0\implies (r+3)(r-1)=0$$ new stuff... so far..
  28. Sai Siddhartha k

    B General theory of relativity&Planet orbits

    Hi all, Only one is true at a time "general theory of relativity or Planetary orbits are elliptical...please clarify me I will thank full to you..
  29. air79

    Using differentiation to find a general expression

    For this task i have to use differentiation to find a general expression for the rocket's velocity as a function of time. Q. A toy rocket has been launched straight upward. Altitude y as a function of time is given as y=bt−ct2, w b = 81 m/s , c = 4.9 m/s2 , t is time in seconds, y is in meters...
  30. M

    MHB Using Euler's Method to find the general solution to the diff. equation

    Could someone please provide guidance on how to begin this problem? I've attached the preface to the assignment question.Show that the general solution of the differential equation y″(x)=−y(x) is y(x)=Acos(x)+Bsin(x) where A and B are arbitrary constants. Hint: You'll need the Taylor series...
  31. navneet9431

    Problem in finding a general solution

    Homework Statement Homework Equations General Formula for Tan(a)=Tan(b) The Attempt at a Solution See the question I have uploaded. I have tried solving it this way, Firstly I applied the Quadratic Formula to get, Now we have two cases, CASE-1 When So General Formula here will...
  32. E

    MATLAB Evaluating Nested Integral in MATLAB for General K

    Hello, How can I evaluate the following nested integral in MATLAB for a general value of ##K## {\int\limits_{u_1=0}^{\gamma}\int\limits_{u_2=0}^{\gamma-U_1}\cdots \int\limits_{u_{K}=0}^{\gamma-\sum_{k=1}^{K-1}U_k}}f_{U_1}(u_1)f_{U_2}(u_2)\cdots f_{U_{K}}(u_{K})\,du_1du_2\cdots du_{K} where...
  33. P

    I General solution to a 2nd-order differential equation

    Dear all I've been trying to work out the general solution to a 2nd order ODE of the form f''(x)+p(x)*f(x)=0 p(x) is a polynomial for my case. I believe series method should work, but for some reason I would prefer a general solution using other methods. I'll be much appreciative for any help...
  34. jackoop

    Need Help with General Plane Motion Equation?

    hi everyone iam new here and i need help in general plane motion when we applied this eq aG=(angular acceleration)*r
  35. karush

    MHB -b.2.1.5 Find the general solution of y' - 2y =3te^t,

    \nmh{895} Find the general solution of the given differential equation $\displaystyle y^\prime - 2y =3te^t, \\$ Obtain $u(t)$ $\displaystyle u(t)=\exp\int -2 \, dx =e^{-2t} \\$ Multiply thru with $e^{-2t}$ $e^{-2t}y^\prime + 2e^{-2t}y= 3te^{-t} \\$ Simplify: $(e^{-2t}y)'= 3te^{-t} \\$...
  36. karush

    MHB 2.1.2 Find the general solution of the given differential equation

    Find the general solution of the given differential equation $\displaystyle y^\prime - 2y = t^2 e^{2t}$ Obtain $u(t)$ $\displaystyle u(t)=\exp\int -2 \, dx =e^{-2t}$ Multiply thru with $e^{-2t}$ $e^{-2t}y^\prime + 2e^{-2t}y = t^2 $ Simplify: $(e^{-2t}y)'= t^2$...
  37. karush

    MHB -2.2.4 find general solution xy'+2y=e^x

    $\textsf{find the general solution}$ $$xy'+2y=e^x$$ $\textsf{divide thru by x}$ $$y' +\frac{2}{x}y=\frac{e^x}{x}$$ $\textsf{Find u(x)}$ $$\displaystyle u(x)=\exp\int\frac{2}{x} \, dx=e^{\ln x^2}=x^2$$ $\textsf{so far anyway..}$
  38. Mohammad Hunter

    I General Relativity & Gravity: Exploring the Conundrum

    So the other day I saw a YouTube video on how gravity works according to general relativity. From what I understand, objects bend space_time with their mass and create a shape which is close to a cone. Since objects only move forward in time through a straight line, the bent space_time makes...
  39. R

    Condition of tangency of a line on a general form parabola

    <Moderator's note: Moved from a technical forum and thus no template. Effort in post #3.> What is the condition of tangency of a line y=mx+c on parabola with vertex(h,k) ,say for parabola (y-k)2=4a(x-h)? I could only find the condition of tangency on standard form of parabola, in the internet...
  40. S

    A General relativity: time dilation and speed of light

    Hello everyone, I'll go straight to the question. The gravitational time dilation is equal to tearth = tspace*sqrt(1 - rs/r), with rs = 2GM/c2. However, the formula for speed of light in gravitational field is equal to v = c(1 - rs/r). My intuition tells me that these two formulas must be the...
  41. C

    Kinematics: A Complete Picture of Motion Without Causes

    So, if kinematics is the study of motion without reference to its causes (which is how it seems to be defined in many places), then here is my attempt to come up with a complete picture of motion without reference to its causes. This is just a summary to help me organize my thoughts (it is NOT...
  42. B

    Solving the General Solution for a Heavily Damped Oscillator

    Homework Statement The question I am working on is number 3 in the attached file. There are two initial conditions given: at time = 0, x(t) = D and x'(t) = v 'in the direction towards the equilibrium position'. Does that last statement mean that when I substitute the second IC in, I should...
  43. Giulio Prisco

    I Einstein-Bohr "photon box" debate and general relativity

    I see this has been already discussed but the old threads are closed. EPR before EPR: a 1930 Einstein-Bohr thought experiment revisited "In this example, Einstein presents a paradox in QM suggesting that QM is inconsistent, while Bohr attempts to save consistency of QM by combining QM with the...
  44. T

    Classical A General Physics refresher book?

    Hi everyone, I just created this account because it was actually the first time I wanted to ask a question myself, but this forum has helped me a lot in the past with my Physics and Maths related courses. So thank you for that. Going back to the topic...Now that I've completed some of the...
  45. srinaath

    Definite purpose and general purpose contactors

    I came across a contactor catalog saying "Definite purpose". Then tried to figure out the types of contactor. Came across definite purpose and general purpose. What is meant by definite purpose contactor and general purpose contactor? On what basis can i choose definite purpose?
  46. binbagsss

    General Relativity - geodesic - affine parameter

    Homework Statement Question attached: Homework Equations see below The Attempt at a Solution [/B] my main question really is 1) what is meant by 'abstract tensors' as I have this for my definition: to part a) ##V^u\nabla_uV^a=0## but you do say that ##V^u=/dot{x^u}## ; x^u is a...
  47. C

    I The deviation of Universe expansion from general relativity

    What is the deviation in the expansion of the universe exactly quantified, when I would assume general relativity and project it backwards? As a statistician I am asking for data, for either the backwards projected general relativity case and either the real expansion case, as it is...
  48. P

    I A paradox connected to General Relativity

    I am posting this paradox as a brain teaser If we drilled a tunnel through the earth, to the other side, and measured gravity in the tunnel, gravity would be zero in the center of mass. This is Newtonian gravity and is connected to the vector addition of the gravitational force; cancels in...
  49. thegreengineer

    How to Implement Control for an Inverted Pendulum System?

    Good afternoon people. I wanted to implement a physical system using control just to put into practice what I have learned in school. To be more specific: I would like to implement an inverted pendulum like the one on the photo In this system a control input (a force u) drives the cart (mass...
  50. binbagsss

    GR: 3-d star metric deriving from a general form

    Homework Statement attached: I am stuck on question 2, and give my working to question 1 - the ##B(r) ## part I am fine with the ##A(r)## part which clearly is the same in both regions seen by looking at ##G_{rr}## , and attempt, however I assume I have gone wrong in 1 please see below for...
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