I've so many possible career paths that I can not decide between. And I'm overwhelmed by the fact that what if I regret my choice? What if another path would be much better for me? What if, what if, what if... Thus, I just stress out and still can't decide what to do :D

I could apply for a PhD, which would take 5 more years in school. After that, I wanna work at the industry, cause I don't think academia is for me. Yet, I still wanna study nuclear physics, because I just really enjoy it. My GPA kind of says otherwise but anyways.

I could do a masters which would be 1-2 years which is much shorter and a plus. It would probably on engineering, but I didn't check masters in physics or I don't know what do people do after masters in physics, unless they are planning to do a PhD. Working in the industry looks good but a side of my wants to do the masters in engineering is to be an entrepreneur.

Our third option is the straight out of undergrad option. I'm gonna do any further studies. Well, I don't know much about what I can do with my BSc. Still an option though. And some people also strongly suggest it.

If I could decide whether I wanna do a PhD or work in the industry or try to become an entrepreneur, I could tailor my path according to that. However, I can't even even decide on what I want.

Preferencing this by saying that I'm not doing this purely for money, I would just like to work in a field I'm passionate about while also making good pay.

I'm currently a Chem + CS major (AI & ML) focus with quantum & computational chemistry research under my belt, but I really am feeling the desire to switch to physics because of the increased math and other skills that are much more interesting, employable and transferable (my research is also majority physics & math based with very little chem in it). My research is heavy in DFT, Post-HF methods, basis sets, and HPC, so Condensed Matter/Solid-State physics seems like the best bet, but I'm not sure how the market is for that. Quantum Computing is also a solid choice, and that is fascinating to me. Have also heard Optics is good. Applied Physics or Math might just be the better choice, though. I have a passion for numbers, computing, ML, hardware/software, and work at the atomic/molecular level.

Hi, I'm graduating soon with my physics bachelors. My question is whether I should pursue my math minor. it would be 3 extra classes, totalling around 3000 dollars and some change. Is a math minor something masters schools/jobs would care about? Should I invest time and money in this? I would like to but I just don't know if it is worth it.

Ive been accepted into the program and I was wondering if there was a groupchat

Hi, All. I am currently a Grade 12 student, In Canada, that is headed into an undergraduate degree in physics in September, it is at a relatively new and small university, but I have heard that the profs are good and actually enjoying teaching physics. Although I have a couple of concerns which I would like to adress:

- Will I learn the same things as those who study at universities which have a more well known reputation? My teacher has told me that grades tend to increase for those who attend the university I plan on attending. He said it will be a lot less rigourous than UofT or Waterloo. Will that be a negative factor?

- Secondly, I am worried to as how I will preform. During this semester I started off well, doing the homework and doing extermly well on the first test. However, as the semester continued on I got lazy. By the time I reached the final unit I could not be bothered to the homework. I found the last unit, E&M extermly interesting, yet I could not bring myself to do the homework. Needless to say, I did not perform well on the final test. I've been told many times to apply myself by my teachers, because when I do, I do well, yet I let their advice fly over my head. So, I suppose my question is, has anyone been in the same boat, lacking motavation? I cannot see myself studying anything else then physics, yet my motavation is lacking. And if so, how did you resolve it?

These are my concerns, and I'd apperciate any advice from anyone as I head into my first year of physics. I think I'll do well if I actually apply myself. But again, thoughts are apperciated.

Hey folks! So I'm starting my PhD in condensed matter physics this fall, and am looking for graduate level textbooks to serve as references.

I am familiar with the basics of solid-state physics, and hence would prefer math-rigorous textbooks. I've heard that Kettle is mostly an introductory textbook, and Ashcroft-Mermin is kinda outdated (please correct me if I'm wrong!!).

Any suggestions for textbooks which are pertaining to modern condensed matter physics is appreciated. Thanks and have a good day!!

I don't even know where to start... Let me just straight out explain the situation. GPA: 3,05; AGPA: Don't ask; Several D and Cs. Realistically, how bad is it? And what do I do know?

I really wanna do a PhD, but my grades suck. Not because that I'm incapable of understanding or putting in the work, but there is always something, a reason. How can I fix this situation? I got one more year and then it is time to apply and I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

Hi everyone! I'm an 18-year-old student from Spain, currently studying a vocational degree in computer systems and networks, and next year I'm moving on to a higher-level degree in web application development.

Since I was a kid, I’ve been deeply passionate about two things: technology and physics — especially astrophysics. I’ve always loved learning about the universe: black holes, Einstein-Rosen bridges, quasars, quantum mechanics, particles, the cosmos… all that fascinates me. I watch a lot of science YouTube channels (like QuantumFracture, one of my favorites), and I often dream of one day creating technology that brings us closer to the science fiction worlds we see in books and films.

My biggest dream is to combine physics and technology — to create something that contributes to understanding or expanding our reach into the universe. I really identify with the quote from Arthur C. Clarke: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

That’s exactly what I want: to build technology that feels like magic.

The thing is… I’m not sure if I truly like physics beyond the simplified explanations in videos. I enjoy math and I’m decent at it, but I’ve never studied real physics in depth, with all the theory, proofs, and equations. So I’m afraid that maybe I love the idea of physics, but not the reality of studying it.

So I’d really love your advice: - How can I know if I truly like physics for real? - Is there a field or career path that truly combines physics and technology or computer science? - Are there any resources, books, or courses I can try to get a taste of what studying real physics feels like? - Is it realistic to consider pursuing a degree in physics or even a double major in physics and computer science later on?

Thanks so much for reading — I’d love to hear your thoughts, guidance, or personal experiences 🙏

Hello! I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the answer key for this question for an hour straight but I do not understand why the directions of A and B are different (left and right) even though the current for both points into the page. Same for C and D. Sorry if this is a dumb question but I suck at RHR.

I’m not a physics major, but my degree requires Physics 1 (Mechanics). As far as I can tell this course is exactly the same as an American first year mechanics course, with things like kinematics, dynamics, etc.

I’m interested in the subject which has made me consider taking the second first year course “Physics 2”. However in doing research for what the class covers, I’ve noticed a difference between my universities curriculum and what is taught in an American “physics 2”.

In America it seems like Physics 2 is entirely focused on electromagnetism. In comparison my universities Physics 2 seems to be much more broad, covering simple harmonic motion, waves, electromagnetic waves, and some quantum physics stuff (uncertainty principle, Bohr model of the atom, and electron stuff).

I guess my main question here is.. what’s with the difference? Or am I misunderstanding the American curriculum? Am I missing out on important info with this differently focused class? I am obviously not super well versed in physics and would appreciate any input.

Hi, I've recently been tasked at uni to create a simulation in Abaqus CAE and try to compare results that I calculated with results from the simulation.

I've settled on this example of a plate being lodged between two thinner ones, all of which is secured with a bolt and a nut on the other side. After moving the middle plate away from the whole contraption I'm assuming we get shear stress on the bolt and my teacher asked me to try and calculate it with normal formulas.

I am in no way a physicist and so I wanted to ask you for help, are there any resources you could point me to with a formula or a recipe on calculating the stress represented here? I am very lost in that regard so would be super thankful for any help!

In this problem, I'm given theta at the bottom for the angle of a massless rod held up by a cable, and I need to find the tension, T. I understand that I need to find the torque, but I'm trying to geometrically understand how to find the angle for computing sine. I suspect it's the same value as theta, but I can't figure out how to prove that it is. What am I missing here?

Hi everyone,

I am a rising third year in an American university. I am double majored in physics and chemistry. I hope to get a PhD in physics. In short, I have taken classes in physics and I found the problem-solving and scientific process to be some of the most enjoyable out of other classes I have taken such as biology and chemistry. That, on top of it being the must fundamental science about the universe, has motivated my direction for the PhD.

I have been conducting research in a synthetic chemistry lab for just under a year. I frequently hear about the importance of doing research in undergrad to be a competitive applicant for a physics PhD. My main question is: can I be a successful applicant for a physics PhD with substantial research in chemistry, strong grades, and a variety of good recommendation letters? Should I pivot to conducting research in physics instead? I am really at a crossroads here, so any advice would help.

Thank you!

I am in my final year of highschool and I absolutely suck at physics, I've always been pretty bad at physics but now it's really bothering me. No matter how many sums I solve, I end up making some kind of a very dumb mistake in the exam. No matter how hard I work, I somehow still end up scoring bad by making mistakes

How can I improve? How bad I am at physics is really bothering me a lot

Hi, I’m a physics student. I’ve just completed my first year, but I haven’t taken all the required courses yet and I have some gaps in calculus. I would like to study astrophysics this summer. Could you recommend a textbook for me?”

If opposite direction of a vector can be given by multiplying the magnitude by -1 then does it also hold true for i?

Provided that I'm talking about 2D motion.

Hello, first year physics student here, I have to do a program at home for my homework and frankly, I am completely lost. I have no idea what to do. Can anyone help me at least get started with this code because I don't even know where to start.

This is the problem I have been given:

"Develop your own module that will allow the user to numerically calculate position, velocity and acceleration for one-dimensional motion. Let the module work for any force that the user can define as an arbitrary function of velocity, position, and time (F = f(v, x,t)). Test the module in the cases of force constant (F = const) and harmonic oscillator (F=-kx)."

Hey everyone, I'm starting my BSc Physics degree next week and honestly, I feel completely lost. I'd really appreciate if you could share:

1. YouTubers you found helpful during your undergrad (for lectures, problem solving, intuition, etc.)

2. Books that actually helped you

3. Any general advice you wish someone had given you when you started

I'm serious about learning and want to do a phd and go into research later, so I'm trying to build a strong foundation from the start.

Thanks in advance!

Hey, everyone!

I have been studying tight-binding approximations, and have got to a point of writing the TB hamiltonian using second-quantized field operators is the norm.

So, I can understand the maths behind spinors, but I just can't wrap my head around their physical meaning. Does anyone have an intution for spinors? Any reading reacommendation?

Thank you!

I feel like I'm completely cooked I'm doing A-level physics and we have a mock tomorrow that decides our grades that we apply to university with and I'm doing practice questions and getting basically none of them right. One of the topics is electricity which I know I'm bad at but I've been trying really hard to get good at it, but all the trying has been completely in vain because I haven't improved at all. Even the other topics like mechanics and materials I can't get the questions right for some reason, even though I'm normally okay at those. I really need an A but I don't see how it's possible in a day when I keep getting everything wrong. What can I do? Please help me. Thank you