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Re: [Phys-l] What comes first, the equation or the explanation?



Perhaps, Feynman has answered Peter's question?

Omni: Do physicists vary greatly in their ability to see the qualitative consequences of an equation?

Feynman: Oh, yes — but nobody is very good at it. Dirac said that to understand a physical problem means to be able to see the answer without solving equations. Maybe he exaggerated; maybe solving equations is experience you need to gain understanding — but until you do understand, you’re just solving equations.

alphonsus

On 12/21/2011 03:05 PM, Peter Schoch asked:
"Professor, when we ask you a question, do you see the formulas first
and then create the explanation or get the explanation first and then
see the related formulas?"