How has e+mc2 affected you?
This equation explains how energy is released when mass is broken down. Examples of this relationship between mass in energy can be seen every day: the light and heat we get from the sun; the energy that is generated from nuclear power stations. In fact, our very existence depends upon this equation. Paradoxically,nuclear warfare, which has the potential to wipe out life as we know it, is also an example of this equation.
How would you compare the four forces?
In terms of magnitude, the strongest of the four forces is the strong nuclear force. The weakest magnitude is gravity (which seems paradoxical when one considers that we need something the size of earth to hold down!). In terms of distance, the strong and weak nuclear forces are stronger than the electromagnetic or gravitational forces.
Personally, I had some difficulty understanding each of these forces during class. So I looked at several definitions on the Web until I found some to which I could relate. They're listed below for those who may be interested.
Electromagnetic force: This force gives material objects the illusion of solidity, even though they are composed primarily of empty space. James Clark Maxwell discovered that magnetism, electricity, light, radio waves, x-rays and properties of solids, liquids, and gases were different aspects of the electromagnetic force.
Strong force: This force is responsible for the binding of protons and neutrons into atomic nuclei. It also underlies interactions between all particles containing quarks (an elemental subatomic particle).
Weak force: This force relates to some forms of radioactivity and is responsible for the nuclear fusion reaction that fuels the sun.
Gravity: This is a natural force of attraction exerted by a celestial body, such as the earth, upon objects that are near its surface.
What is the function of gravity?
Gravity is the force that keeps earth and all of the planets in their orbits around the sun. It holds celestial bodies in place. It helps to make life as we know it possible. Without it, we would not exist.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Assignment 3
What Evidence Can You Find for Synchronicity?
Synchronicity shows up for me in fairly mundane ways. For example, as we discussed in class, I think about someone and the next thing I know that person is calling me. Or I will call a friend, and he or she will say to me, “ I was just thinking about you.” Most recently, I've woke up one morning between 2-2:30 am and my dear friend, Mahate, had just begun labor. I was supposed to see her at 11:00 that very morning, immediately following my class, but for some reason I decided to call her before I left for school. This is when I found out that she was in labor. Although her boyfriend told me it was OK for me to go to class and come over afterwords, I felt I couldn't wait. And it was a good thing too, because if I hadn't gotten there when I did, I would have missed the whole thing. Is this synchronicity or simply intuition? I'm not sure. But, it seems to me that my need to be with Mahate (inner event) and Mahate’s labor (outer event) are acausally related in a meaningful way.
Based on what you know, how would you explain connectivity?
The concept of connectivity is illustrated in quantum entanglement, wherein a measurement on one part of a quantum system has an instantaneous effect (faster than the speed of light) on another part of the system, regardless of the distance between the two parts. An example of this concept is illustrated in the reading about The Sphinx. The identity of the Sphinx was completely determined by the observer’s selection of a lens.
I think of connectivity in the sense that we are all connected in some way or another by our life experiences. For example, having children helps one connect with others who have children. This connection can be physical (the kids play together) and also emotional (the parents can relate to one another because of their shared experiences concerning child-rearing).
I am now experiencing a new level of connectivity as the proud owner of a puppy. I've never understood the dog world, or the world of their owners and how they relate to their dogs. I've always been perplexed by how enthusiastic people get about their animals. But now I am so wildly in love with my new puppy that I can hardly contain myself. I find I am just like other obnoxiously proud dog owners who love to report on the funny things that their dogs do. Dog ownership has completely expanded my universe. Since getting my puppy one week ago, I am receptive to other dogs and enjoy talking with dog owners about their dogs. It's as if I'm seeing dogs and their owners through a new lens, if you will. I am now able to connect with other dogs and their owners in a profound and meaningful way because I have a dog of my own.
Synchronicity shows up for me in fairly mundane ways. For example, as we discussed in class, I think about someone and the next thing I know that person is calling me. Or I will call a friend, and he or she will say to me, “ I was just thinking about you.” Most recently, I've woke up one morning between 2-2:30 am and my dear friend, Mahate, had just begun labor. I was supposed to see her at 11:00 that very morning, immediately following my class, but for some reason I decided to call her before I left for school. This is when I found out that she was in labor. Although her boyfriend told me it was OK for me to go to class and come over afterwords, I felt I couldn't wait. And it was a good thing too, because if I hadn't gotten there when I did, I would have missed the whole thing. Is this synchronicity or simply intuition? I'm not sure. But, it seems to me that my need to be with Mahate (inner event) and Mahate’s labor (outer event) are acausally related in a meaningful way.
Based on what you know, how would you explain connectivity?
The concept of connectivity is illustrated in quantum entanglement, wherein a measurement on one part of a quantum system has an instantaneous effect (faster than the speed of light) on another part of the system, regardless of the distance between the two parts. An example of this concept is illustrated in the reading about The Sphinx. The identity of the Sphinx was completely determined by the observer’s selection of a lens.
I think of connectivity in the sense that we are all connected in some way or another by our life experiences. For example, having children helps one connect with others who have children. This connection can be physical (the kids play together) and also emotional (the parents can relate to one another because of their shared experiences concerning child-rearing).
I am now experiencing a new level of connectivity as the proud owner of a puppy. I've never understood the dog world, or the world of their owners and how they relate to their dogs. I've always been perplexed by how enthusiastic people get about their animals. But now I am so wildly in love with my new puppy that I can hardly contain myself. I find I am just like other obnoxiously proud dog owners who love to report on the funny things that their dogs do. Dog ownership has completely expanded my universe. Since getting my puppy one week ago, I am receptive to other dogs and enjoy talking with dog owners about their dogs. It's as if I'm seeing dogs and their owners through a new lens, if you will. I am now able to connect with other dogs and their owners in a profound and meaningful way because I have a dog of my own.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Assignment 2
Reflections on Uncertainty
I am fascinated by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. As I understand it, he said we cannot measure two qualities of an object at once with the same degree of precision. In other words, one has to choose which property to focus on and by doing so, the nature of the object changes. An example of this is when one tries to define light as a wave or a particle. As we read in class, Young thought light was a wave while Plank thought light was a particle. We now know that light is both a wave and a particle and it will behave one way or the other depending on how we measure it.
In a broader context, it seems that everything is uncertain, not just the behavior of subatomic particles. For when we choose to focus on a certain aspect of something, whether it is an object, a person, a religion or a culture, the nature of it changes. Our bias interferes with its very essence. Kristina Wirtz relates the Uncertainty Principle to what happens when humans observe other cultures. She says descriptions of other cultures are necessarily dependent on the observer’s point of view. Of course we all have our own biases which affect our perceptions. It's interesting to apply theories about quantum mechanics to human perception.
Comments on Causality
Can I cause a particle to come into existence just by measuring it? Does a tree fall in the forest just because I hear it? If I don't hear it, see it or verify it’s existence in some way, does this mean it doesn't exist?
I have a hard time believing that things are not happening unless I have something to do with it. While this is interesting to ponder, I think it is egocentric to believe that I or anyone else has this much power. I prefer to think that things exist just because they do, not because I or anyone else has anything to do with it.
Is the Universe Weird?
Yes, and it is awesome too! It is so complex and so miraculous. And, physics makes it seem even more weird. It's giving me all sorts of new ways to think about the universe, and at the same time is making it even more complex.
I am fascinated by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. As I understand it, he said we cannot measure two qualities of an object at once with the same degree of precision. In other words, one has to choose which property to focus on and by doing so, the nature of the object changes. An example of this is when one tries to define light as a wave or a particle. As we read in class, Young thought light was a wave while Plank thought light was a particle. We now know that light is both a wave and a particle and it will behave one way or the other depending on how we measure it.
In a broader context, it seems that everything is uncertain, not just the behavior of subatomic particles. For when we choose to focus on a certain aspect of something, whether it is an object, a person, a religion or a culture, the nature of it changes. Our bias interferes with its very essence. Kristina Wirtz relates the Uncertainty Principle to what happens when humans observe other cultures. She says descriptions of other cultures are necessarily dependent on the observer’s point of view. Of course we all have our own biases which affect our perceptions. It's interesting to apply theories about quantum mechanics to human perception.
Comments on Causality
Can I cause a particle to come into existence just by measuring it? Does a tree fall in the forest just because I hear it? If I don't hear it, see it or verify it’s existence in some way, does this mean it doesn't exist?
I have a hard time believing that things are not happening unless I have something to do with it. While this is interesting to ponder, I think it is egocentric to believe that I or anyone else has this much power. I prefer to think that things exist just because they do, not because I or anyone else has anything to do with it.
Is the Universe Weird?
Yes, and it is awesome too! It is so complex and so miraculous. And, physics makes it seem even more weird. It's giving me all sorts of new ways to think about the universe, and at the same time is making it even more complex.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Assignment #1
The following attracts me to Chinese medicine:
1. It is a comprehensive and very well integrated healing modality.
2. It is highly regulated.
3. It is so interesting and the learning never stops.
4. I get to interact with people one-on-one and I do not have to sit at a desk all-day.
5. I enjoy the kind of people who work in this field.
6. It is extremely effective for a variety of heath problems.
What do I honestly think of physics?
I am intimidated by it and yet very interested in it. I enjoy finding rational explanations for how things work.
Now that I think about it, have I ever experienced time slowing down?
The only time I have been aware of this was when I was in labor. Time seemed more irrelevant than anything.
My reflections about time.
Usually when I think about time I am mostly concerned about not having enough of it or feeling like time is passing me by. Often I think about getting older. When my 92-year-old father became very sick and died last year, I started thinking about aging a lot. My dad had a long and very productive life, but his death made me acutely aware of the fact that life is relatively short in the grand scheme of things.
It was refreshing to think about time in a different context during last week's class. For example, I did not know that the Earth's rotation is slowing down. I also did not know about the incredible accuracy of atomic clocks and that they had to be set back by one second in order to accommodate the slowing down of the Earth's rotation. This was an interesting discovery!
I enjoyed contemplating the formation of the universe and the discussion about the first stars which formed in the universe. Of course I have contemplated this topic before, but have not thought about it in a longtime. It made me realize that my reflections about time are typically self-centered and very limited.
1. It is a comprehensive and very well integrated healing modality.
2. It is highly regulated.
3. It is so interesting and the learning never stops.
4. I get to interact with people one-on-one and I do not have to sit at a desk all-day.
5. I enjoy the kind of people who work in this field.
6. It is extremely effective for a variety of heath problems.
What do I honestly think of physics?
I am intimidated by it and yet very interested in it. I enjoy finding rational explanations for how things work.
Now that I think about it, have I ever experienced time slowing down?
The only time I have been aware of this was when I was in labor. Time seemed more irrelevant than anything.
My reflections about time.
Usually when I think about time I am mostly concerned about not having enough of it or feeling like time is passing me by. Often I think about getting older. When my 92-year-old father became very sick and died last year, I started thinking about aging a lot. My dad had a long and very productive life, but his death made me acutely aware of the fact that life is relatively short in the grand scheme of things.
It was refreshing to think about time in a different context during last week's class. For example, I did not know that the Earth's rotation is slowing down. I also did not know about the incredible accuracy of atomic clocks and that they had to be set back by one second in order to accommodate the slowing down of the Earth's rotation. This was an interesting discovery!
I enjoyed contemplating the formation of the universe and the discussion about the first stars which formed in the universe. Of course I have contemplated this topic before, but have not thought about it in a longtime. It made me realize that my reflections about time are typically self-centered and very limited.
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