Re: Pure mathematics and problems for physicists too?

["William J. Larson" <bill_larson@CSI.COM>]

Ten great unsolved problems in physics:
quantum gravity
understanding the nucleus
fusion energy
climate change
turbulence
glassy materials
high-temperature superconductivity
solar magnetism
complexity
consciousness

According to a poll of scientists conducted by Physics World magazine,
printed in the 1999 December issue. Physics World is published by the
Institute of Physics, the British professional organization of physicists,
celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

Also see:
What Remains to Be Discovered   John Royden Maddox   Free Pr $18.20
Hardcover   1998

Cheers,
Bill Larson
Geneva, Switzerland



----- Original Message -----
From: Lerner Desks <lerndesk@SPRYNET.COM>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: 1999 November 30 5:42 PM
Subject: Pure mathematics and problems for physicists too?


> Dear Colleagues,
>
> I sometimes wonder if we as scientists and teachers of science become too
> concerned only with "prerequisite math" that enables students to solve
> problems.  During the course of the 19th century there was a  dramatic
> increase in the number of dedicated pure mathematicians with minimal
> interest in applications to science and technology.  Although, at that
time,
> this divergence was some concern to the scientific and mathematics
> communities, subsequent technological leaps made the divergence less real
> (i.e., some seemingly "pure" mathematical concepts were brought into the
> realm of applied mathematics).   I would suggest that the math experience
> bears only superficial resemblance to the divergence of theoretical and
> experimental physics but I'd appreciate any thoughts in this regard.
>
> Would there be any value of having physics students develop their logic
and
> reasoning skills by taking some pure mathematics in addition to the
standard
> fare of applied courses?  Should they at least take a peek at the lay of
the
> mathematical landscape?   Perhaps math departments should be encouraged to
> develop some math for scientists courses structured along the lines of
math
> for liberal arts majors courses.  Although this option might not help
lower
> level undergraduates or be accessible to brighter high school students in
> any formal way, what topics would be the best to steer motivated and
capable
> students with an interest in both science and math toward?
>
> As a divergent question or discussion suggestion:   Is anyone aware of a
> Hilbert-style listing of great problems for physicists to tackle during
the
> next century?  If not, besides the quest for a GUT what would the members
> think belonged on such a list?   If such a list isn't available perhaps we
> could discuss the parameters (theoretical vs. technological problems) and
> composition of such a list.  It might make an interesting archive entry.
>
> Best Regards,
> K. Lee Lerner