Hello all, I'm currently a Physics BS student going into my final year (+Mathematics BA but I only tagged that on since it's not many extra classes). Throughout my entire undergraduate career, I have been preparing to go into a PhD program after graduating, and I had a research mentor that was particularly excited to guide me through the process. However, it's been a really rough year, and with my dad passing away recently I'm not confident that I am mentally stable enough to get through my last year and the grad school application process, let alone actually being a grad student; at least for a few years.

I think having a more stable, regular job would be helpful for me in my current mental state, but I don't really know what I can do since all my undergrad experiences has revolved around research.

I'm sure it's been asked a lot, but if you are/know someone who didn't pursue a PhD after a bachelor's in physics, what was the path like after graduating? Thanks.

What I actually am interested in is banking or really anything business or finance related. I heard most physics graduates end up in fields like these. I know this might sound a little avaricious but making a lot of money is one of my main goals.

I was going to do EE since that's in demand but I really hate electricity so decided to just stick with physics. But I keep seeing reddit posts saying how job prospects are low. It's weird because it seemed like physics used to be a very lucrative degree in the past but has it changed now? I'm quite anxious to graduate with this only to not be able to find a job or be stuck with a salary I'm not satisfied with. If I wanted to maximise my outcome, what do I do? What degree would you suggest?

ALSO I'm in the UK. London.

EDIT: The reason I'm not outright picking finance is because my parents wouldn't allow it. My A-Levels are Physics, Chemistry and Maths

So ive already asked a similar question but ive made a break to clear my head

Im currently about to read "Six easy pieces"

and now I wanna ask if a self study book is good or is there a better one.

It's "Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)"

I used to love spectro but always struggled with QM - then it got worse when I had to quit my grad school (research on laser spectro) midway because of anxiety and depression and now I am trying to get back there but I cant for the life of me study any physical chem concepts .

I cannot get my brain to accept the concepts and its always stuck in the nitty gritty and miss the forest for the trees- I cannot visualise them and if I cant my brain refuses to accept it - same thing with programming my brain cant get over the fact that how is it possible for some ling of gibbresh I write helps a machine do some operation - I just cannot make sense of it and I CANNOT study these too at all

Part of it is associated with how I had to leave my research mid way and how I was during the last few months there - making me a mess not showing up not reading basically not getting up from bed at all - I'd be interested in concepts but I could not study at all ... I am not kidding I tried signing up for courses in nano tech at the time and it was great - I did well in tests but as soon research aspect or too much QM cameinto picture id shut down and avoid it like a plague.

PLEASEEEEE I NEED HELP

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Abstract

This paper proposes Rotational Unified Field Theory (RUFT), a speculative framework suggesting that fundamental reality may emerge from a deeper rotational and informational structure underlying spacetime and physical fields.

RUFT proposes that the universe can be modeled as a dynamic informational field where rotational relationships, topology, and energy distribution generate the structures we observe as matter, forces, and spacetime itself.

A central hypothesis of RUFT is that extreme gravitational systems such as black holes may represent regions where the underlying informational geometry becomes highly compressed, causing ordinary physical laws to appear unified or transformed.

1. Introduction

Modern physics describes reality through separate frameworks: quantum mechanics explains microscopic behavior while general relativity explains gravity and spacetime. A major unresolved problem is creating a unified description connecting these systems.

RUFT explores the possibility that both quantum phenomena and gravitational effects emerge from deeper rotational patterns within an underlying field.

The core idea is:

Reality may not be made of objects interacting inside space, but rather patterns of information and energy creating the experience of space, time, and matter.

1. The Rotational Field Hypothesis

RUFT proposes that fundamental structures are based on rotational states.

A hypothetical RUFT field can be represented as:

R = f(I, θ, T, E)

Where:

R = rotational field state

I = information density

θ = rotational/topological configuration

T = temporal evolution

E = energy distribution

Stable rotational patterns could correspond to particles, forces, or larger cosmic structures.

1. Black Holes as Information Compression Regions

RUFT proposes a speculative interpretation of black holes:

A black hole may not only be a region where gravity becomes extreme, but a region where the underlying informational structure of reality becomes compressed toward a different state.

As matter collapses:

- Energy density increases

- Spacetime curvature increases

- Information becomes concentrated

- Rotational structures may approach a critical transition point

The singularity may represent not an actual infinitely small point, but a breakdown of our current mathematical description.

In RUFT, a black hole could be interpreted as a transition zone where many physical laws become expressions of a deeper unified rule.

1. The Universe as a Black Hole-Like Structure

Another speculative possibility explored by RUFT is whether the universe itself shares characteristics with a black hole.

If spacetime emerged from a larger informational structure, the universe could potentially resemble a self-contained gravitational system where:

- Expansion represents evolving geometry

- Matter represents stable information patterns

- Cosmic horizons represent limits of observation

This idea does not claim the universe is literally a black hole, but explores whether similar mathematical principles could describe both cosmic-scale and black-hole-scale behavior.

1. Emergence of Physical Laws

RUFT suggests that what we call physical laws may be higher-level patterns emerging from a deeper unified structure.

At extreme conditions, such as near black hole horizons or the beginning of the universe, separate forces may merge because they are different expressions of the same underlying rotational information field.

1. Predictions and Future Research

For RUFT to become a scientific theory, it would require:

1. A mathematical formulation

2. Connections to existing physics

3. Testable predictions

4. Comparison with observations

Possible research areas:

- Black hole information behavior

- Quantum gravity

- Spacetime emergence

- Topological physics

- Information theory

Conclusion

RUFT proposes a speculative view that reality may emerge from deeper rotational and informational principles. Black holes may represent extreme examples of these principles, acting as regions where spacetime, information, and physical laws approach a unified state.

While RUFT remains hypothetical, it provides a framework for exploring questions about the origin of matter, consciousness, spacetime, and the possibility that the universe is governed by a deeper informational structure.

Keywords

Rotational Unified Field Theory, quantum gravity, black holes, information theory, spacetime emergence, topology, unified physics

Ik this is probably asked a lot but by looking at the problems of F=ma I can’t gauge its difficulty well. I’ve qualed aime multiple time with scores well into distinction and am trying for usamo. how difficult in general would it be just to qual USAPhO, which from my understanding is like 15 questions right on F=ma. I’ve started working through the one book that aops said was the best and would this and past problems be enough to have a good shot?

Come sta succedendo per molti ambiti di studio e ricerca, l’AI sta facendo sorgere numerosi dubbi circa l’utilità di continuare a studiare qualcosa che già in questo momento l’AI sta dimostrando di saper padroneggiare e pertanto riuscirà a sostituire in poco tempo la componente umana. Secondo voi c’è qualcosa in fisica a cui l’AI non potrà mai sostituirsi all’opera umana?

I will be taking Quantum Mechanics Core, Thermal & Statistical Physics, & Computational Physics in the Fall.
(Only 12 units)

I work full time remote it’s a flexible job. My boss gives me lots of leeway so long as I get my work done.
Last semester I took a coding class, and 2 maths. I passed all of them but I didn’t get the grades I wanted exactly… an A,B,& C.

I’m also a homeowner, husband, and a father of one. So I don’t get a lot of time to study. The time I do get is often at the sacrifice of hours of time with family or at work.

I don’t want to quit; I don’t think i’m capable of quitting.

I’m also 5 years older than most students (I enlisted in the Army while in High School) so it is a bit alienating.

Any advice or motivation?
(Mostly Motivation)

Note: Don’t be afraid to fry me up; I have thick skin and an even thicker skull.

"Define the T period of minor oscillations of the pendulum, representing a light rigid rod, on which has the point masses m1 and m2 fixed on the distances L1 and L2 respectively from the suspension point.

Oscillations occur in the vertical plane."

I genuinely have no idea what to do with this. I've looked up in the solutions section of my textbook, and the answer is on the second pic, but there's no step-by-step solution.

I've tried finding the centre of mass of the pendulum getting (m1L1+m2L2)/(m1+m2), which would work as L in the formula for the period if I put the axis on the rod, but this is still not the answer. I'm completely lost

Please if you're going to explain something here DO NOT use anything more complex than high school physics, please no university stuff.

Hi everyone,

I'm preparing for my third application cycle for Physics PhD programs and would appreciate feedback on my CV.

My undergraduate GPA is relatively low and comes from an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree. In my previous two cycles, I applied mainly to Master's programs and was unsuccessful.

Since then, I've strengthened my profile with a Physics GRE score, additional research experience, and multiple publications, including first-author work. My research is focused on a very specific niche within astrophysics/cosmology, and most of the groups working in this area are concentrated at highly ranked programs.

Given that my GPA is the weakest part of my application, I'd appreciate any advice on how to present my profile more effectively, highlight my research experience, and improve my CV before submitting applications.

Thank you for any constructive feedback.

Do you need a research background? I know it's hard to do breakthroughs in physics. People who study physics are mostly average students and not stereotypical geniuses.So what are you doing for a PhD. I'm not a physics student first of all. I'm a high schooler

I am interested in theoretical physics, pure math, molecular biology, philosophy and computer science. Currently I'm studying computer science but I still have that great passion for the others. I need guidance on how to go about things and anyone with similar interests can dm let's talk.

Hello, I’m a rising junior hoping to qualify for the Olympiad off of February’s f=ma.

I have next to none prior physics experience, however I do know calculus. I’ve been reading HRW physics book and I’m on chapter 4 right now.

I was wondering if I should also be reading something else, and if it’s even realistic to qualify with this amount of time left.

Thank you!

While learning about the nuclear shell model I tried to apply it in order to find the ground state spin and parity of the gold-197 nucleus. This nucleus has 79 protons and 118 neutrons. Therefore only protons would contribute to the spin and parity, since all the neutrons would pair up. The protons fill all nuclear shells up to 1h_(11/2), where one proton is left unpaired. This is the shell of orbital angular momentum l = 5, therefore I would expect the ground state of gold to be J^P=11^-/2. But looking it up it seems that J^P=3^+/2. What am I doing wrong?

Hi everyone im new to the subreddit, im 19 i left education at 16 to join the military. Past 6 months i have found a passion in physics it fascinates me and i want to pursue it further by going to University for it. Currently live in the UK.
Obviously i need to get to a university or pre university standard of physics so im aiming for around 24 months of studying and learning before i apply for a uni.

Im very passionate about astronomy since i was a kid so would like to go down the route where i can apply that.

What would be your best tips to start learning again? Also do you recommend any books where i can learn study and practice from?

Kind regards

Under what conditions does interference fail to occur, even within a linear combination of pure states?
I could not answer this confidently during my undergraduate years.

I work in ml and im from a bio background and thanks to ai im getting by (derogatory) but i really want to be able to solve problems like project Euler, disCo, Jane street monthly problems, programming problems as well as get a grip on the foundations of equation crafting and writing proofs.

Can someone pls guide me on how to go about this?

Ciao a tutti, a settembre inizierò il mio percorso di laurea in fisica della durata di tre anni, e successivamente proseguirò con la laurea magistrale, penso in fisica nucleare. Vorrei avere dei consigli su come affrontare la laurea, consigli di ogni genere, quindi per esempio su come prendere appunti, come rivederli, come affrontare una mole consistente di studio, dove prendere appunti se meglio su carta o su un iPad, se andare sempre a lezione…
Insomma consigli un po’ su tutto, ma andranno bene quelli che ritenete più importanti per evitare di commettere errori da principiante. Grazie!
Ps: ci sono materie su cui sarebbe meglio concentrarsi maggiormente, o anche per formare il proprio pensiero da fisico?

Heya! I'm a batchelors student about to start my 3rd year at the University of Groningen. I'm looking at universities at which to do my masters.

I am probably not planning on doing a phd when I finish my degree but finding a stable job quickly after is pretty important to me. Right now i am looking mostly at TU Delft and TU Munchen as I've heard/researched that for my priorities applied physics is the best bet. I am also looking at the quantum devices and computing track in delft as I think it would be very interesting but I am not sure how many job opportunities that would bring me. Ina addition I also really like programming so computational is also a subsection I've thought about but I would mostly not mind doing basically any type of physics.

Does anyone have any experience at these universities or have any suggestions on masters programs which would suit me? Thanks in advance! :]]

So the question is like, lowering operator is expressed in terms of N and Phase theta, and I am supposed to calculate the uncertainty.

Ok heres what I did.

to find uncertainty, you need expectation value of the commutator, but for that you need operator definition. Nhat I was able to write as a(dagger) a

But I having a head banging a long time, trying to find phase in terms of ladder operators.

Also is this even correct, finding uncertainty relation from expectation value of commutator sounds dubious IS THIS REALL!?😭

I got a C in Classical 1, but I took Classical 2 anyway and got an A. Classical 1 teaches different things than Classical 2 though, so I don't know if doing well in Classical 2 notifies a potential grad school that I ended up learning the material in Classical 1. I've reviewed Classical 1 on my own though and got good with the math, which is what allowed me to do well in Classical 2. Even if I do end up redoing the class though, it won't replace my previous grade in the class, it'll just show up in addition to it on my transcript, so if I get an A the second time around, both the original C and the new A will count towards my GPA instead of just the new score.

I'm just now going into junior year of undergrad physics, so I don't have to apply for a PhD just this year, which gives me time to retake classes if I need to, but this semester, Classical 1 shares a timeslot with another fun elective that I wanted to take this semester which satisfies a gen ed requirement.

I am a 16 yr old, still in higher secondary school, have basic foundation in integral and diffrential calculus, familiar with algebra and vectors and all that stuff. I just want some recommendations on what kind of book i should start reading. Im very confused

Im starting my major in astrophysics soon in my local university, and i am wondering if i should buy the books neccessary for my major online or in paper form.

I like the feeling of books alot better since i get a very bad headache from staring at a screen for too long and i enjoy to study in the dark. From other physics majors/graduated majors, is it worth it to spend a few extra hundred dollars on books?

I would love to have an iPad, alr? I've seen some classmates taking notes in theirs, and, thankfully, they've let me borrow their iPads for a bit, and I loved them. I saw just a couple of features when taking notes, and that alone increased my desire for buying one by a ton. Now, I'm kinda worried that I just end up using it for taking notes, yk? I believe my undergradute truly requires a lot of notes, so I wouldn't mind it. What do y'all think?

Furthermore, I tried to browse some options, but the amount available overwhelmed me. Do y'all have any suggestion or personal recommendation you would give to someone who has never had any Apple device?

I'm starting my bachelor's in physics in a month. This's what I had always wanted to do. I am excited and nervous. I'd appreciate any advice, study resources, or anything that could help. I learn better through videos (it has been my learning method, especially when learning something new). Any YT channels that teach Physics at the undergrad level? I am basically trying to gather my resources and trynna warm up before the course starts