How Has Mathematics Predicted Major Scientific Discoveries?

In summary, the conversation discussed the use of mathematics by physicists to make predictions that are later verified by experiments, such as Maxwell's prediction of the speed of light using electromagnetic wave calculations. Other examples mentioned include the discovery of Neptune and Pluto, the Higgs boson, and Noether's theorem. The conversation also expanded to other sciences, with the mention of synthetic molecules and black holes, and the idea that mathematics is the language of science. The link provided is to a paper discussing the relationship between mathematics and science.
  • #1
CRichard
20
1
Hi everyone. I was wondering, just out of curiosity, what are some examples of physicists using mathematics to make physical predictions that are later verified by experiment? I'm not a student of physics, but I've heard of how Maxwell used mathematics to calculate the velocity of a postulated electromagnetic wave and found out that it coincided with the speed of light. That prediction is amazing to me, how just building from known physics laws (derived from experiment), the use of mathematical tools like calculus allowed physicists to make predictions that are completely unexpected and counterintuitive, but that actually describe reality. Are there other great physical discoveries that have been predicted by mathematical models beforehand, rather than directly discovered by experiment?

Actually, not limited to just physics, do you have any favorite unexpected discoveries in any science (biological, chemical, etc.) that have been predicted by mathematical models before being discovered experimentally?
 
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  • #2
CRichard said:
Are there other great physical discoveries that have been predicted by mathematical models beforehand, rather than directly discovered by experiment?
How about Neptune and Pluto?
 
  • #3
Elementary particles eg Higgs.
 
  • #4
General relativity.

Noether's theorem

Edit: nuclear energy & The Manhattan Project
 
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Every synthetic molecule, black holes.
 
  • #6
There is good reason for the saying 'mathematics is the language of science'. This may be of interest; https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.6560,https://arxiv.org/abs/1111.6560,Mathematics Mathematics : The Langauge of Science
 
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  • #7
Bad link methinks.
 
  • #8
repaired
 
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FAQ: How Has Mathematics Predicted Major Scientific Discoveries?

How does mathematics predict physics?

Mathematics and physics are closely intertwined, as mathematics provides the language and tools to describe and understand the physical world. Through mathematical equations and models, physicists can make predictions and test theories about the behavior of matter and energy.

Can mathematics accurately predict all phenomena in physics?

While mathematics is a powerful tool for predicting and understanding many aspects of physics, there are still some phenomena that cannot be fully explained or predicted with current mathematical models. This is an ongoing area of research and development in both mathematics and physics.

What role does symmetry play in mathematics predicting physics?

Symmetry is a fundamental concept in both mathematics and physics, and it plays a crucial role in connecting the two fields. Many physical laws and principles are based on symmetry, and mathematical symmetries can often be used to make predictions about physical systems.

Are there any limitations to using mathematics to predict physics?

While mathematics has been extremely successful in predicting and describing many physical phenomena, there are still limitations to its use. For example, certain complex systems or phenomena may be difficult to model mathematically, and there may also be limitations in our current understanding of the underlying mathematical principles.

How do scientists use mathematics to make predictions in physics?

Scientists use a combination of experimental data and mathematical models to make predictions in physics. They often start with observations of physical phenomena and then use mathematical equations and principles to develop models that can predict and explain these observations. These models are then tested and refined through further experimentation and observation.

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