In two previous posts I've described two different ways to span physics:
In this post I add a third: contrasting variables.
The "contrasting variables" and approaches compare extremes like
- fast (HEP) and slow (classical)
- large (relativity) and small (quantum)
The question in this approach is whether there is a derivation that spans each pair of the two extremes.
A starting point for this approach would be to identify a specific variable (mass, velocity, temperature) and find derivations that involve the variable at each extreme.
The "dichotomy of assumptions" involves distinct assumptions within a topic
- is the measure of energy discrete or continuous?
- point particle versus field
- quantum: particles or waves
- is speed limited or not?
- is space flat or curved?
The question in this approach is whether there is a derivation that bridges the assumption.
A starting point for this approach would be to identify a specific variable (mass, velocity, temperature) and find derivations that bridge the assumption.
For the "list of topics" approach, look for a derivation that spans any pair of topics:
- E&M -- thermal mechanics
- E&M -- relativity
- E&M -- material science
- relativity -- thermal mechanics
- relativity -- material science
- and so on
A starting point for this approach would be to identify named expressions in each topic, then identify variables that are common across topics (mass, velocity, temperature)
Perhaps best to start with the major topics in Physics:
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Relativity