- #1
thetexan
- 269
- 12
Since math is such an important part of physics I was wondering...
Why so? Is it assumed that any physical phenomena (and I mean any conceivable physical phenomena from quantum to cosmological) that exists, known or yet unknown, can be explained with a mathematical formula or equation thus necessitating the endless math involved?
Or...and in conjunction with the above...the math will prove the phenomena or at least predict it. Take e=mc^2 for example. Was Einstein searching for a formula or did it reveal itself by accident? (retorical question)
Let's say string theory as another example. Why all the math? What is the purpose? (this is more than a stupid question). Is the goal to find a formula that works each time it is applied to string ideas thus making a prediction that works every time thus proving the theory?
It just seems to me that there is a universal belief that there will be a math equation or formula for anything. Or better stated...anything that can be observed can be modeled with math, and if that math hasn't been found...YET...it will be with enough research? In other words, all puzzles CAN be solved with math given enough effort. Is this the idea?
tex
Why so? Is it assumed that any physical phenomena (and I mean any conceivable physical phenomena from quantum to cosmological) that exists, known or yet unknown, can be explained with a mathematical formula or equation thus necessitating the endless math involved?
Or...and in conjunction with the above...the math will prove the phenomena or at least predict it. Take e=mc^2 for example. Was Einstein searching for a formula or did it reveal itself by accident? (retorical question)
Let's say string theory as another example. Why all the math? What is the purpose? (this is more than a stupid question). Is the goal to find a formula that works each time it is applied to string ideas thus making a prediction that works every time thus proving the theory?
It just seems to me that there is a universal belief that there will be a math equation or formula for anything. Or better stated...anything that can be observed can be modeled with math, and if that math hasn't been found...YET...it will be with enough research? In other words, all puzzles CAN be solved with math given enough effort. Is this the idea?
tex