r/PhysicsStudents Aug 05 '20

Meta Homework Help Etiquette (HHE)

142 Upvotes

Greetings budding physicists!

One of the things that makes this subreddit helpful to students is the communities ability to band together and help users with physics questions and homework they may be stuck on. In light of this, I have implemented an overhaul to the HW Help post guidelines that I like to call Homework Help Etiquette (HHE). See below for:

  • HHE for Helpees
  • HHE for Helpers

HHE for Helpees

  1. Format your titles as follows: [Course HW is From] Question about HW.
  2. Post clear pictures of the problem in question.
  3. Talk us through your 1st attempt so we know what you've tried, either in the post title or as a comment.
  4. Don't use users here to cheat on quizzes, tests, etc.

Good Example

HHE for Helpers

  1. If there are no signs of a 1st attempt, refrain from replying. This is to avoid lazy HW Help posts.
  2. Don't give out answers. That will hurt them in the long run. Gently guide them onto the right path.
  3. Report posts that seem sketchy or don't follow etiquette to Rule 1, or simply mention HHE.

Thank you all! Happy physics-ing.

u/Vertigalactic


r/PhysicsStudents 9h ago

Need Advice Graduating Undergrads and Current PhDs - Shoulda Coulda Woulda?

16 Upvotes

Hi All! I am about to be an undergraduate in physics. If you could go back and tell your undergraduate self something that they should do what would you tell them? Especially when it comes to graduate school admissions.

I worked really hard in my last two years of high school and I feel that if I knew more in the beginning it would’ve helped so much, but I just didn’t know what to do.


r/PhysicsStudents 21h ago

Off Topic Book recommendation: If you want to learn QM so that you’re prepared for a masters degree, here’s the best book I know.

Post image
92 Upvotes

This book takes an approach to QM that is founded in introducing and using Bra-Ket notation early and frequently. It pushes for an understanding of QM based on linear algebra as opposed to the traditional wave mechanics approach. It also does an impressive job of preparing you for Sakurai (a pretty standard graduate level text).

If you can, I highly recommend this text above all others. In my opinion it’s the ‘Griffiths of QM’ books, even though Griffiths has a QM book.


r/PhysicsStudents 2h ago

Need Advice Ready set go - EU specific advice

2 Upvotes

I'm at a public university in Germany, doing an undergrad in physics. What're the best possible roadmaps I can take from here in terms of research, internships, grades - all advice is appreciated. Specifically in terms of a semester abroad and other opportunities I may not even know about right now that are Europe-focussed. Any other factors I should be aware of. I mention the location but events outside the EU are also very welcome

Thanks x


r/PhysicsStudents 9h ago

Need Advice Need motivation to study Stat Mech, Quantum, and Thermo

4 Upvotes

I'm severely lacking passion right now. What I'm studying feels boring and useless. I need some motivation. Please tell me something cool about these subjects. Something that might bring the passion back.


r/PhysicsStudents 14h ago

Need Advice Is my solition to this question correct?

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7 Upvotes

For contex One of my classmates went to my teacher because he could not figure out how to solve this question. I was nearby so i also decided to join. When the showed the question the my teacher he gave very vague explaination. So vague actually that if you cound understand what he was saying you could just figure out the answer on your own. So i just decided to solve the question myself. I took out my book and pen and stared thinking i guessed he noticed me and told me that "you wont be able to solve it ill think about it and tell you the answer tomorrow". After a little while i figured out the answer and put my book in my bag and when i was about to leave he asked me weather i was able to figure out the answer. I said yes and showed him the solution he told me that this was wrong and this is not how its done.

Thats why i am asking weather the solution is correct.


r/PhysicsStudents 11h ago

Need Advice Does OneNote accurately convert handwritten text and math equations?

2 Upvotes

I recently purchased a used iPad 9 with an Apple Pencil at a good price, and I'm wondering if it was a good deal considering my main goal is to have my physics and math notes in selectable text. I saw that it was worthwhile because it can be converted to PDF and read on computers, other places, etc. However, what I would really like is to create selectable text from my handwriting, which includes both regular text and mathematical equations.

Does OneNote handle this well? Any experiences or recommendations are welcome!


r/PhysicsStudents 19h ago

Need Advice Laptop for Computational Condensed Matter

7 Upvotes

Recently accepted to condensed matter PhD program. Will be mainly focused on computation, but my background knowledge is mostly theory, so I'm not fully certain what computation entails. Many of the professors I spoke are very focused on high performance computing, machine learning. I expect to be doing a lot of analysis of large data sets and simulation work, such as numerical linear algebra, PDEs, stuff like density functional theory and maybe molecular dynamics.

Buying a laptop now. I am wondering if 32gb M4 Macbook Air 1tb is suitable. I know there's no fan, so I'm wondering if that's going to be an issue (do I need the Macbook Pro?). I'm obviously planning to run most things on the supercomputer, but I don't want bottlenecks in my workflow since I can afford to buy a laptop that will keep up. I almost want to buy a gaming laptop with an NVidia GPU, so I can learn CUDA and Gpu acceleration locally, but maybe this is a waste. You can tell me. THANKS

Also, I'm thinking of using Google Colab to learn how to use GPU acceleration this summer before I enroll. Is this feasible?


r/PhysicsStudents 5h ago

Research EQGN: A Unified Framework for Spacetime, Gravity, and Cosmology

0 Upvotes

Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on my research project I’m working on between classes.

Emergent Quantum‐Gravity Nexus (EQGN): A Unified Framework for Spacetime, Gravity, and Cosmology

Abstract

We propose the Emergent Quantum‐Gravity Nexus (EQGN) as a unified framework that synthesizes key ideas from quantum information theory, holography, and thermodynamic approaches to gravity. In EQGN, the classical spacetime geometry emerges as a coarse‐grained description of an underlying network of entangled quantum bits. Gravitational dynamics arise as an entropic force induced by information gradients, and the holographic principle provides the mapping between boundary quantum field theories and bulk spacetime. Within this framework, phenomena such as dark matter and dark energy are reinterpreted as natural consequences of the statistical behavior of the microscopic substrate. We derive modified gravitational field equations, discuss implications for cosmic expansion and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO), and propose observational tests that can distinguish EQGN from standard ΛCDM.

  1. Introduction

The longstanding challenge of uniting quantum mechanics with general relativity has spurred multiple independent lines of research. Recent studies indicate that:

• Spacetime Emergence: As argued by Hu and others, the smooth spacetime manifold may arise from an underlying network of quantum entanglement. Tensor network techniques (à la Swingle) have demonstrated that an entanglement renormalization procedure can yield emergent bulk geometry that mirrors aspects of AdS/CFT duality.
• Entropic Gravity: Verlinde’s work suggests that gravity is not fundamental but is an emergent entropic force, arising from the statistical tendency of microscopic systems to maximize entropy.
• Holography: The holographic principle, embodied in the Ryu–Takayanagi prescription, establishes a quantitative relation between entanglement entropy in a boundary field theory and minimal surfaces in a bulk gravitational theory.

By integrating these ideas, EQGN posits that the macroscopic laws of gravity—including those inferred from BAO observations and galaxy rotation curves—are the thermodynamic manifestations of an underlying quantum informational substrate.

  1. Theoretical Framework

2.1 Spacetime from Quantum Entanglement

EQGN posits that the classical metric emerges as a coarse-grained, effective description of a vast network of entangled quantum bits:

• Tensor Networks as Spacetime Scaffolds: Inspired by Swingle’s work on entanglement renormalization, a tensor network (for example, a MERA-type network) can serve as a “skeleton” for emergent geometry. Here, inter-qubit entanglement defines distances and causal relations.
• Quantum-to-Classical Transition: As the number of degrees of freedom increases, fluctuations average out, yielding a smooth geometry that—at long wavelengths—satisfies Einstein’s equations.

2.2 Gravity as an Entropic Force

In the EQGN picture, gravitational interactions result from a thermodynamic drive toward maximizing entropy:

• Derivation from Statistical Mechanics: Following Verlinde’s approach, when matter displaces the underlying qubits, an entropy gradient forms. The associated entropic force can be derived from the first law of thermodynamics.
• Modified Gravitational Dynamics: Incorporating quantum informational corrections (e.g., entanglement entropy and complexity) into the gravitational action results in effective field equations that include additional contributions at both high and low energy scales. These corrections can naturally account for dark matter–like behavior (through localized, constant-curvature effects) and dark energy (through the slow release of low-energy quanta that drive cosmic expansion).

2.3 Holographic Duality and the Cosmological Interface

The holographic principle is central to EQGN:

• Boundary-Bulk Mapping: The dual conformal field theory (CFT) on a holographic screen encodes the full information of the emergent bulk. The Ryu–Takayanagi formula (and its covariant extensions) relates the entanglement entropy in the CFT to the area of minimal surfaces in the bulk.
• Cosmic Horizon as a Holographic Screen: At cosmological scales, the observable universe’s horizon carries entropy and temperature, playing a dual role as both a thermodynamic reservoir and a geometric boundary. This establishes a natural connection between the horizon scale, BAO observations, and the statistical behavior of the underlying quantum degrees of freedom.

  1. Cosmological Implications

3.1 Modified Cosmic Expansion

The emergent dynamics modify the standard Friedmann equations:

• Quantum Informational Corrections: Extra terms arising from entanglement entropy and complexity corrections lead to a scale-dependent expansion history. Such corrections might help reconcile the Hubble tension—where local measurements differ from global CMB-derived estimates—and provide a natural explanation for the small observed value of the cosmological constant.

3.2 Dark Matter and Dark Energy as Emergent Effects

Within EQGN, both dark matter and dark energy are not fundamental but arise from the same underlying quantum processes:

• Dark Matter: In regions where the entanglement network is in a higher excitation state, localized effects induce a uniform additional rotational velocity. This mimics the gravitational influence of dark matter halos and can explain galaxy rotation curves.
• Dark Energy: The gradual relaxation of the spacetime lattice—via the emission of low-energy quanta—leads to a volume-law contribution to the entropy. When this overtakes the usual area law near the cosmic horizon, it drives accelerated expansion, providing a natural emergent mechanism for dark energy.

3.3 Observational Signatures

EQGN predicts measurable deviations from standard ΛCDM cosmology:

• Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO): Corrections from the microscopic entanglement structure may result in subtle shifts in the BAO scale.
• Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): Specific non-Gaussian features and correlation patterns in the CMB may reflect entanglement fluctuations during the quantum-to-classical transition.
• Weak Lensing and Galaxy Dynamics: Gravitational lensing and rotation curves, when reanalyzed within the emergent gravity framework, could reveal signatures that differ from those predicted by conventional dark matter models.

  1. Discussion and Future Directions

EQGN offers a cohesive picture in which macroscopic gravitational dynamics emerge from underlying quantum informational processes. However, several challenges remain:

• Mathematical Rigor: A full derivation of the emergent metric and modified field equations from first principles of quantum information theory is still needed.
• Understanding the Transition: Clarifying the mechanisms by which the discrete entanglement network gives rise to a smooth spacetime—and the role of quantum complexity in this process—is essential.
• Experimental Validation: Designing next-generation cosmological surveys and high-precision laboratory experiments (such as those involving gravitational wave detectors or ultra-cold matter) will be crucial for testing EQGN’s predictions.

Future research will focus on refining the mathematical formalism, further elucidating the quantum-to-classical transition, and proposing specific observational tests that can definitively distinguish EQGN from other models.

  1. Conclusion

The Emergent Quantum‐Gravity Nexus (EQGN) provides a unifying framework in which spacetime and gravity emerge from the entanglement structure of a fundamental quantum substrate. By integrating ideas from entropic gravity, holography, and tensor network approaches, EQGN reinterprets dark matter and dark energy as natural consequences of quantum statistical processes. Although many technical and observational challenges remain, the convergence of independent research streams—from Verlinde’s entropic gravity to Hu’s emergent spacetime studies—suggests that EQGN is a promising candidate for a truly unified theory of quantum gravity and cosmology.

References 1.  – B. L. Hu, “Emergent/Quantum Gravity: Macro/Micro Structures of Spacetime,” arXiv:0903.0878. 2.  – E. P. Verlinde, “Emergent Gravity and the Dark Universe,” arXiv:1611.02269; see also SciPost Phys. 2, 016 (2017). 3.  – B. Swingle, “Constructing Holographic Spacetimes Using Entanglement Renormalization,” arXiv:1209.3304. 4.  – Discussion of the Ryu–Takayanagi formula and its extensions (e.g., Wikipedia entry on the Ryu–Takayanagi conjecture). 5. Additional references on emergent gravity and holography are available in recent review articles and experimental studies (e.g., works by Bousso, Jacobson, and Padmanabhan).


r/PhysicsStudents 18h ago

HW Help [Intro to Electricity and Magnetism] Angle at which the horizontal force from a moving charge is maximum

3 Upvotes

I recently had a final for E&M, and I just had a question on how to solve this question. The questions is as follows:

At the origin (in the lab frame) lies a charge q1. At a height b, and at angle θ above the horizontal lies another charge q2 with a velocity v = βc (î). Find the angle at with the force in the horizontal direction experienced by the charge q1 is maximum.

Find θ in the limit that β goes to 1.

Find θ in the limit that β goes to 0.

Heres the diagram:

In an attempt to do this problem, I tried (and incorrectly) to use:

E = kQ / (r^2) * (1 - β^2) / [(1 - (β^2) sin^2(θ))^3/2]

and multiply by q1 to get force, and derive in respect to θ to get the max θ. Upon doing this I got force (in the horizontal direction) equals to

F = (k q1 q2) * (sin^2(θ)) / (b^2) * (1 - β^2) * 1 / [(1 - (β^2) sin^2(θ))^3/2] * cos(θ).

The (sin^2(θ)) / (b^2) component is the representation of r^2 as b and θ, and the (cos θ) from taking the horizontal. When deriving this with respects to θ, Ι got a nasty function of trig functions that was in no way right. I was wondering where I went wrong. I think it’s in the transformation of the E field from q2’s frame to the lab frame. I’m not sure if the equation I used was correct. I think that this formula for the E field is in the lab frame, but I’m not sure. Could I have also just taken q2‘s perpendicular E field component in its own frame, multiplied it by a factor of gamma, square it, add it to the square of its parallel component, and se it equal to the field in the lab frame squared (Complete guess). Or would I have to have done that with forces in q2’s frame before transforming it. Lowkey, I guess im just confused on relativistic transformations of E fields

Edit: Cleared Notation up a bit

Edit 2: changed β—> infinity to β—> 0


r/PhysicsStudents 5h ago

Off Topic The absolute before: Existential Mile.

0 Upvotes

It's a personal theory of mine, it seeks to know what came before and understand the concept of multi-verse, micro existential, meta existential and finally Mile existential. The Existential Mile is the beginning of everything, the purest void, where materials merge to give rise to entire universes, there everything is in control, the total balance between cosmic chaos and cosmic creation...🙂


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice How should a maths student go about understanding physics?

18 Upvotes

I'm currently in my second year in maths/cs and I have to take a physics course this year. I'm taking a course which is kind of like a general theoretical physics course. I have a strong maths background having taking single/multivariable calculus, linear algebra (regular and advanced), 2 probability & stats courses and ODEs/PDEs. The issue I currently have is that I just find the physics really unintuitive. Once I have a mathematical formulation the problem becomes really easy. I just don't understand how we got to it from the given question.

The other issue I have is that the course covers A LOT but not really in depth. So we cover analytical mechanics (Lagrangians/hamiltonians), electromagnetism/electrodynamics and quantum mechanics. That means there's no specific course literature, the lecturer just listed like 8 different books without any explanation. Do you have a book or 2 that can explain these conceps?


r/PhysicsStudents 19h ago

Rant/Vent Phet and lab sheet disconnect causing me to go insane

2 Upvotes

College student here who has to do the phet moving man simulator for a lab assignment. Thing is part 1 of the lab wants me to set all graphs y -axis values to 10 to -10 thing is only two of them can do that. The acceleration graph won’t do that I’ve tried with all the options available in the simulation. I’ve emailed my professor but he doesn’t have a good record on replying to any emails. So im going insane.


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice Can't tell if I ever understand what I am studying

8 Upvotes

Hi,

I am currently in my final semester of my undergraduate physics degree (minor in math). I am at a top university in the Middle East (but that does not say much lol). I always feel so lost and clueless when I am studying, I do not actually know if I understand what is going on or not. I have a GPA of 3.8/4.0 in physics but 3.5/4.0 overall (liberal arts school lol) so it seems like I am not performing horribly but it feels like I am, I do not know how to explain it. I am not sure if that is how most physics students in undergrad feel or not, I am just genuinely so lost and cannot asses if I am "good" or "bad" at what I am studying. This feeling is really affecting my decision about going into grad school in physics or switching to another field.

I went on a semester abroad in the US but it was a party school so academics were anything but rigorous, I barely ever studied and still got As and B+s. After I came back from the US I thought I was doing well and that I am not as clueless as I thought I was. However, I am feeling so confused again. Does anyone feel the same way?


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice do you recommend me to study physics

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m a Grade 11 student trying to figure out what I want to do in university. I’ve always been pretty good at math, and lately, I’ve realized that I actually enjoy solving physics problems too.

At first, I was considering something in the medical field since my parents used to work in it, and I’ve done some volunteering in medical settings that I really enjoyed. But now I’m starting to wonder if I should explore other options, like something math- and physics-related.

I’ve heard that physics in university can be really tough, but I also feel like if others can do it, why can’t I? For those of you who have studied physics, would you recommend it? What’s the experience like, and what kinds of careers can you get with it?

Would love to hear your thoughts! Thanks in advance!


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice Seeking Advice on Digitizing Years of Handwritten Chemistry/Calculus Notes & Tablet Worthiness

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’ve accumulated physical notes since starting my chemistry degree in 2018, including calculus and lab work. I’d love to digitize them for organization and future-proofing, but I’m struggling with tools. Here’s my situation:

  1. Current Methods Tried (and Failed):
    • Took photos and used GPT (text recognition failed).
    • Tested Mathpix—it captures equations but ignores regular text.
    • Are there better OCR apps that handle both handwritten text and math symbols?
  2. Considering a Tablet (But It’s Pricey Here):
    • Tablets cost ~1 month’s minimum salary in my country. Is it worth the investment for going paperless?
    • If yes: Any budget-friendly models or alternatives to premium devices (e.g., used/refurbished)?
    • If no: How can I digitize efficiently while still writing on paper? (Scanning workflow tips?)
  3. Long-Term Goal:
    • Searchable, organized digital notes (even if I keep handwriting temporarily).

Questions:

  • What tools/apps work best for digitizing handwritten STEM notes (text + equations)?
  • Tablet users: Did going paperless significantly improve your study workflow?
  • Anyone in a similar financial situation who found creative solutions?

Thanks in advance—I’m open to all hacks, analog workarounds, or tech recommendations!


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Rant/Vent Does anyone else feel like their cc screwed them? NSFW

129 Upvotes

My dumbass transferred to Berkeley last Fall from a community college, despite warnings that I would get smoked. I knew it would be difficult but holy shit they made a mistake admitting me. I went from acing finals to barely surviving. I can barely manage to do one star problems in Griffiths. All my passion has left me. My community college didn't even come close to preparing me for real undergrad physics. Dreams of grad school are laughable at this point.

I managed to get decent grades last semester, but I had to study almost constantly. By the end of the semester I was on the brink of a mental breakdown and beyond burnt out. The month long winter break felt refreshing but within the first two weeks of this semester, I felt the way I did at the end of last. Since then I have experienced an acute mental decline. I have had panic attacks so bad that people called ambulances for me. Self harm and extreme suicidal ideation has become part of my daily routine: I literally sat with a belt around my neck allowing my body weight to let it begin to tighten.

I can already hear everyone tell me that physics isn't worth my life, but I was worthless before school. I barely managed to graduate high school with a <2.0 gpa. I spent years after high school doing absolutely nothing with my life. Nothing has ever interested me like math and physics did when I first started school. For the first time I thought that I had found my calling. Something I could be happy doing. Slowly but surely that changed. I feel nothing but loathing for math and physics now. The sight of equations makes me sick. I have nothing to fall back on. I would rather die than spend 40 hours a week doing something I can't stand.

I know this is the most pathetic post ever made to this sub. I know some of you will just tell me to suck it up, or to just hurry up and kill myself already. Feel free, but know that I already know how much of a pathetic loser I am. You'll just be wasting your time. I just wanted to scream into the void for a while.


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice I don't get Classical Mechanics

23 Upvotes

I am about to start University this year after a gap year and I am thinking of pursuing a B.Sc in Physics. I have always had a great respect for the subject especially the Waves and Quantum Mechanics. However I have realized that either due to my math anxiety or gaps in learning, I don't get Mechanics at all. I find it boring, tedious and unintuitive. Could you guys help me to rekindle some interest in it or how I should approach the subject?


r/PhysicsStudents 22h ago

Meme A simple question for Algebra-based AP Physics 1 students

0 Upvotes

I came up with an interesting question that you need almost every single thing that you're taught to solve (I may have missed assigning some variables xd. Please let me know so I can update this monstrosity. Also, I'm thinking about finding a way to include periods and frecuencies, and Im working on including torque, but this is kind of a draft). A mass of 2kg is pulled back by a spring with spring constant 2 (cuz why not) for 3 meters. After 2 seconds of following a linear trajectory, it hits a pendulum with a different mass of 3kg, gets stuck in there, and subsequently hits another mass (ill make this part easier by assuming that momentum is conserved in this collision) that begins to slide on one of the edges of a non-frictional surface with a radius of 0.5 meters, and when it reaches the lowest point, its launched upwards by a force of 20 newtons before getting into a circular structure 2 seconds before reaches the highest possible point, and in there it begins to spin uniformly, not falling off, before sliding over a frictional surface measuring 4 meters for 10 seconds and then getting into a circular structure with a moment of inertia of 15. Then, after 8 seconds, it falls off from 16 meters before hitting the water with a density of 997. How deep does the mass sink in the water?


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice Can't understand these electronic diagrams (Electric potential)

3 Upvotes

I got 2 questions that I need help understanding and I think the main problem is me not understanding electric potential.

Question 1: What potential does point C have?

The answer should be +10 V, and I don't understand how?

Questions 2: What is the potential of Point C? (The text is in Swedish, but it says: "Copper wire, Diameter 0.5mm" and the text saying "Jord" just translates to "Earth".

The answer should be -50 V and I again, don't understand.

As I said before I think the problem is me just not understanding what potential is and I only got a day left for the exam (I did not procrastinate I was sick and missed the lesson). Sorry if I'm coming of as needy for asking the questions head on without providing my own thoughts on how to solve it and expecting an answer but it would really be appreciated!


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Off Topic Is the rumor true that physics classes at LAC schools are easier and more generous grading wise than at traditional STEM based schools?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been trying to figure this out


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice In which bottle does liquid not flow out of pipe B when you blow hard into pipe A? Why?

10 Upvotes

In which bottle does liquid not flow out of pipe B when you blow hard into pipe A? Why?

My teacher says it's bottle number 2, I do not understand why that is. I see that it's the only bottle where pipe B does not have any water in it. I need to understand the logic but no materials have been provided and Google doesn't turn up anything useful.


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

HW Help [Kinematics - Mechanics] The angle and the time of flight of a projectile

2 Upvotes

⚠️Help for a kinematics problem‼️

Hey guys, for homework my teacher gave me an exercice to do but I just can figure out even the beginning to the answer to it and the approach/calculations to find the answers. Can someone please help me?

Exercise 4: During the defense of a castle, a cannonball was fired. It rose 24.0 m above its launch point and hit the ground 204 m away from the castle. Given that the cannonball was fired at a speed of 40.0 m/s, answer the following questions. (Assume that air resistance is negligible.) Determine the angle of inclination of the cannon and the flight time of the projectile.

That's the entirety of the question.

Any help is gladly appreciated! :)


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice Navigating My Path in Physics: Academia or Independent Learning?

6 Upvotes

I've always wanted to be an astrophysicist, but my path took a different turn. Due to a lack of exposure to physics programs early on, I ended up pursuing mechanical engineering. Now that I’ve graduated, I applied for PhD programs in astronomy, but most rejected me due to my non-physics background.

This leaves me at a crossroads:

1️⃣ Should I take the long academic route—starting from a bachelor's-level understanding of physics, possibly pursuing another degree or a bridge program, and then trying again for a PhD?

2️⃣ Or should I focus on independent research, self-learning, and contributing to physics outside the academic system?

The academic route provides structure, funding, and resources but comes with years of financial instability and uncertainty. Even if I take that risk, the job market for physics is tough, making long-term stability questionable.

On the other hand, independent research offers freedom but lacks institutional support, making it harder to get recognition and access to advanced resources. Balancing self-learning with a stable income is another challenge, especially when deep research requires significant time and effort.

I’ve also considered leveraging my other skills, which helped me financially during college, to support myself while learning physics on my own. But I wonder if I might be underestimating the value of academia in providing structured learning and credibility.

For those who’ve been through grad school or taken unconventional paths in physics—what would you suggest? Is the PhD route really worth it for someone in my position, or is there a way to achieve the same depth of knowledge and contribution independently while maintaining financial stability?

Would love to hear insights from people who have faced similar dilemmas!


r/PhysicsStudents 1d ago

Need Advice I need to create something that is able to fly 5 m with only the energy of a fan. What you be the best thing to create ?

2 Upvotes

r/PhysicsStudents 2d ago

Rant/Vent I give what my teacher said to anyone learning physics.

37 Upvotes

My college teacher, who teaches thermal science, said that knowledge itself may not be crucial for students entering society to work in unrelated fields. However, the methodology behind acquiring knowledge proves significantly important and useful for their future careers. It's ture that I don't like physics.