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How often is Physics used in programming? What are some jobs that utilize both physics and computer science?
I am currently taking AP Physics 1. I love physics and I would love to apply it in computer science.
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Waleed’s Answer
Hello Ching!
As a Mechanical engineering student, engineering studies are very close to each other. Engineering focuses more on mathematics and its fields, such as trigonometry, calculus, vectors etc...
physics is often used in programming in some cases,
Physics is used in games design because most games engines are built on real-life physics laws, and the job for it is a game designer.
Another example of using physics in programming is simulation, by simulating objects or real-life situations such as simulation of aeroplanes aerodynamics. The job is an aeroplane designer or tester.
As a Mechanical engineering student, engineering studies are very close to each other. Engineering focuses more on mathematics and its fields, such as trigonometry, calculus, vectors etc...
physics is often used in programming in some cases,
Physics is used in games design because most games engines are built on real-life physics laws, and the job for it is a game designer.
Another example of using physics in programming is simulation, by simulating objects or real-life situations such as simulation of aeroplanes aerodynamics. The job is an aeroplane designer or tester.
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Bridget’s Answer
That's awesome that you enjoy AP Physics, I found that class really challenging!
As for your question about how often physics is used in programming, it really depends on the job. As a web developer I don't really use any physics, but the way of thinking about a problem and how to solve it is very similar to how you approach solving a math or physics problem.
There are probably many different tech jobs that use physics but the first that comes to mind is in video game development, rendering characters correctly and simulating jumping takes a lot of physics knowledge. One quick way to take a look into this kind of development is by exploring Unity and tutorials on Youtube about video game development.
As for your question about how often physics is used in programming, it really depends on the job. As a web developer I don't really use any physics, but the way of thinking about a problem and how to solve it is very similar to how you approach solving a math or physics problem.
There are probably many different tech jobs that use physics but the first that comes to mind is in video game development, rendering characters correctly and simulating jumping takes a lot of physics knowledge. One quick way to take a look into this kind of development is by exploring Unity and tutorials on Youtube about video game development.
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Greg’s Answer
Hi Ching,
First, as Waleed has mentioned, mechanical engineer solve problems of systems in motion. A good mechanical engineer will have a firm grasp of calculus and differential equation (both first and second order), a solid understanding of at least Newtonian physics, and then the tools diverge. I was Applied Math (applied to Physics) into my senior year of college. I found that I liked solving problems rather than discussing the esoteric benefits of the different mathematically systems so I changed majors to Computer Science and graduated with that degree a year and half later.
So for tools, I modelled shadows, reflections, partial reflections, and diffusion of light on a variety of surfaces using a graphics package for rendering and the mathematical rendering of light rays using math formulas and C. There is currently software call MatLab which is used to solve mathematical models of physical systems. Some problems that could be solved is modeling the behavior of a single wheel on a vehicle (motorcycle, car, or truck) hitting a pothole or driving over one or more speed bumps and modelling the oscillation of the system as the springs / shocks (hooks law) react to the object the tire strikes. Another problem may be calculating the amount of force a fiber optical cable can withstand while still being adhered to by a glue dot. There are many examples in the medical devices space too, such as has a prosthetic behaves under torque and how many newtons it can safely handle without deformation or shearing. All of these examples would pair physics with computer science.
First, as Waleed has mentioned, mechanical engineer solve problems of systems in motion. A good mechanical engineer will have a firm grasp of calculus and differential equation (both first and second order), a solid understanding of at least Newtonian physics, and then the tools diverge. I was Applied Math (applied to Physics) into my senior year of college. I found that I liked solving problems rather than discussing the esoteric benefits of the different mathematically systems so I changed majors to Computer Science and graduated with that degree a year and half later.
So for tools, I modelled shadows, reflections, partial reflections, and diffusion of light on a variety of surfaces using a graphics package for rendering and the mathematical rendering of light rays using math formulas and C. There is currently software call MatLab which is used to solve mathematical models of physical systems. Some problems that could be solved is modeling the behavior of a single wheel on a vehicle (motorcycle, car, or truck) hitting a pothole or driving over one or more speed bumps and modelling the oscillation of the system as the springs / shocks (hooks law) react to the object the tire strikes. Another problem may be calculating the amount of force a fiber optical cable can withstand while still being adhered to by a glue dot. There are many examples in the medical devices space too, such as has a prosthetic behaves under torque and how many newtons it can safely handle without deformation or shearing. All of these examples would pair physics with computer science.
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Caroline’s Answer
Hey Ching, I think the other answers given here have given really good advice but a different way to approach this is by the industry. I am involved in a research lab where we use coding to design the sensors for a particle accelerator. Once you are able to get the proper coding skills, there are many areas and jobs that need programmers to allow the physics applications for work. Designing sensors or doing data recording are just some examples. Keep up the physics learning and with your coding skills you will be able to find a great position!
Thank you for your insight! It is very inspiring!
Ching