Is physics more mathematical than other sciences?

In summary, the use of mathematics in physics is not limited to simple differential equations but extends to more complex areas such as condensed matter physics and molecular chemistry. This is due to the influence of Galileo and Newton, who used math to model nature. Other fields such as fluid mechanics, population dynamics, and brain modeling also heavily rely on mathematics. The level of complexity in the math used depends on the complexity of the topic being studied.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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Does physics reduce through mathematics more readily than other sciences do? Is physics more completely described by mathematics than other sciences are? Is physics perceived more like mathematics than other sciences?
 
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  • #2
Loren Booda said:
Does physics reduce through mathematics more readily than other sciences do? Is physics more completely described by mathematics than other sciences are? Is physics perceived more like mathematics than other sciences?

Physics includes area where the causes work out pretty simply in terms of differntial equations. But that is a narrow part of physics, n much more of it, it's very hard to find equations and still harder to solve them. By the time you get to condensed matter physics it's extremely difficult.

But because that's the way Galileo and Newton started out, math is the way they model nature. The same problem might be handled by condensed matter physics and molecular chemistry, but the two groups of scientists will attack it in completely different ways.
 
  • #3
Any field that includes studies of Fluid Mechanics or Concentration flow /movement /Populations will have a high degree of mathematics...considering these topics are all applied mathematics. These fields include, Molecular dynamics, water, population dynamics(ecological ,predator prey dynamics or cell populations), atmospheric modelling, geophysics,Solid modelling.

Spiking Neurons/neural networks/brain modelling apply a high degree of ODE/PDE also

There are also application of combinatorics to Genome Studies(including Grapht theory), Molecular Modelling also uses COmputational Geometry.

Anytime you include properties such as spatial coordinates
,movement, how many, permutation/arrangement you will apply quite abit of math. The complexity in math depends on the complexity in teh topic.
 

Related to Is physics more mathematical than other sciences?

1. Is physics more mathematical than other sciences?

Yes, physics is considered to be more mathematical than other sciences because it relies heavily on mathematical concepts and equations to explain and predict natural phenomena.

2. Why is physics often described as the most fundamental science?

Physics is often described as the most fundamental science because it seeks to understand the basic principles and laws that govern the behavior of matter and energy in the universe. It forms the foundation for other sciences, such as chemistry and biology.

3. How does mathematics help in understanding and solving physical problems?

Mathematics provides a precise and universal language to describe and quantify physical phenomena. It allows physicists to create models and equations that accurately describe the behavior of the natural world and make predictions about future events.

4. Are there any other sciences that heavily rely on mathematics?

Yes, there are other sciences that heavily rely on mathematics, such as engineering, astronomy, and economics. These fields use mathematical concepts and tools to analyze and solve complex problems.

5. Can physics be understood without knowledge of mathematics?

No, it is not possible to fully understand physics without knowledge of mathematics. Many of the fundamental concepts and theories in physics, such as Newton's laws of motion and Einstein's theory of relativity, are expressed mathematically. Without a strong foundation in mathematics, it would be difficult to grasp these concepts and their implications.

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