in theory there is no difference between theory and practice
a theorist can derive the Lie algebra for the non-commuting differential operators that describe the two axle parallel parking problem, and derive the constraint equations that determine the smallest space that can be parallel parked in
an experimentalist can parallel park
in practice there is a difference between theory and practice
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It turns out that parallel parking is surprisingly simple.
In theory.
I first encountered this as a homework problem in general relativity. Graduate level.
Since I believe it is still assigned as a homework problem, I will merely highlight the key points, and not provide the solution.
Consider the…
(With apologies to Georg Cantor)
Theorem: There are an infinite number of stupid ways to park.
Definition: We define as stupid any parking method that places any fender of a car outside the legal lines bounding the space.
Proof:Consider a line L through the center of a legal parking space, parallel…
I'm teaching Physics 350: Quantum Mechanics this term, which is a junior/senior level elective course using Townsend's book which deals with quantum mechanics in the state vector formalism. The room in which the class meets is the only one in the department that contains a whiteboard (using dry-…
I distinctly recall reading a quote from somebody talking about the debates between Bohr and Einstein, in which Einstein invented ingenious thought experiments to measure two non-commuting observables (position and momentum, or energy and time) and Bohr poked holes in them. The comment was…
Something happen to your car, theorist??
;)
Oh my god, that is hilarious. Glorious, even. The little thrill I get when my mind jumps from one level of understanding to another gets me every time.
Lovely, lovely, absolutely wonderful. post of the year. haha.
that was the most amazing post ever
in practice there is a difference between theory and practice
On my blog I have a post titled, Abstract or concrete, which is more important? I think we need them both and they are both just as important. I love Albert Einstein for his theoretical work and also Thomas Edison for his practical work. Being able to sit here in the light, and discuss the theoretical is attributable to both of them! LOL!
Very nice post. Thanks very much!
Dave Briggs :~)
The way to express that thought is that in theory the experiment worked.
We have a great deal of practice to back it up