[CS-FSLUG] Calculus

[Yama Ploskonka]

Thank you, Clinton, yet much of what you say is FOAF evidence.

As a physicist working in optics, do you have one - not asking for more 
of your time - one example of something specific _you_ have calculated 
using calculus?  Just one.  Equation very much appreciated.  To make it 
more enticing:  I will hang that one on my wall, by the computer, and 
get my wife to explain it to me until I get it.  I mean, I'm supposedly 
a bright kid, I should be able to get that Calculus...

I hope that NDA is not a problem with you as it is with Dave...

Thanks

Yama

Clinton Evans wrote:
> I use calculus routinely in the course of my work. 

<FOAF>

> It is an immensely useful 
> tool for a wide range of problems. Every time a mechanical engineer works out 
> a center of gravity or a moment of inertia he uses calculus. Every time an 
> electrical engineer works an AC network problem, he uses calculus. In terms 
> of dollars per equation, Every time an orbital mechanics person works out how 
> to get a space craft to Neptune, he uses calculus.
> 
> Maxwell's Equations are the most economically important piece of physics in 
> the past 200 years and calculus is at the heart of the theory. It is 
> fundamental to everything from radio through power generation and 
> transmission to physical optics. It also provided the most important clue 
> leading to relativity. Talking of relativity, calculus is also fundamental to 
> general relativity.

</FOAF>

> I am a physicist and work in optics.  My use of calculus is so diverse it is 
> hard to know where to start but here is a short list:
> 
> Optical Coatings
> Polarization
> Optimization
> Radiometry
> Diffraction Theory
> Geometric Optics (Fermat's Principle)
> 
> Quite apart from its utility, calculus is also interesting. It has its own 
> beauty and is as worthy of study as anything in literature, the arts or any 
> phenomenon of the physical world.
> 
> Clinton
> 
> 
> On Wednesday 24 May 2006 13:24, Yama Ploskonka wrote:
>> David Aikema wrote:
>> <snip>
>>
>>> With degrees in French Lang & Lit, and certification as an elementary
>>> school teacher, I'm unsurprised that you speak of not having used
>>> calculus outside of school.
>> ouch!