Mar 26, 2012
— read in fullMaths and physics
Maths can seem very abstract, but it's vital to our understanding of the world. Find out how maths and physics meet.
Mechanics
Physical systems can be modelled using mathematics. For example, you can use some simple maths to work out how quickly a ball will roll down a slope.
As the situation becomes more complex, so does the maths that describes it. The above example is very simple if you ignore friction and air resistance and assume that the ball and the slope are made out of something that can't bend or deform, but this situation would not arise in the real world.
Because things get so complicated, sometimes it is not practical to model a situation exactly. Instead, there are mathematical techniques which try to approximate the real world as closely as possible. This often requires the use of computers to perform complex numerical analysis.
This kind of modelling can also be applied to computers. Modern videogames use "physics engines" to simulate the way things move in the real world, from curtains blowing in the breeze to buildings collapsing. The video above gives an example of an advanced physics engine.
Quantum physics
At the other end of the spectrum, some elements of quantum physics can only be understood using maths: they don't match up to the kinds of physics we experience in our day to day lives, but mathematics allows us to understand and talk about them.
Studying maths and physics
Because there is so much crossover between the two subjects, maths and physics are a common combination for study. Anyone studying physics will have to do their share of maths. For mathematicians, the connections are less fundamental, but applied maths courses and subjects like fluid mechanics have a strong physics connection.
If you really can't choose between the two, many universities offer "joint honours" degrees, allowing you to study both maths and physics. Check for these courses on the university's website or in the prospectus, or try contacting the university directly to check if this is an option.
Related links
Your shout!
What do you think is the most important connection between maths and physics? Share your thoughts by posting a comment using the link below.
Maths is more important than physics because if you are not good at maths then you cannot know physics, it simply means that maths is just the gate way to physics. Ayodele michael 26-6-11
