| Many of the physical laws or ideas found in an introduction-level physics course can be cast as simple-looking equations or written about in one to two sentence descriptions. However, these ideas usually only apply to special cases where the fancy mathematics tends to be hidden. As we examine phenomena outside of these special cases, the mathematics becomes more complex. Consequently, we seek out methods of re-simplifying the mathematics, so that it can be more easily managed. One such method, and arguably the most useful, is called Tensor Analysis. The talk will begin with a discussion of the basic idea of what tensors are and how they work. We will then consider a few applications of this method to real physical problems such as the moment inertia tensor for rigid bodies and the electromagnetic tensor.
Noon, Strong
339
Bring a sandwich!
Soda pop, juice,
and dessert will be provided.
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