What I do:
I’m an undergrad student of theoretical physics. I deeply connect with attempts to understand how the universe works. Our world is so diverse yet deep inside everything seems to be made of the same stuff. So is there something we can pinpoint as the essence of it all? What is space? What does it mean for space to bend? What is matter? Many around the world are trying to answer these questions and I wish to join the effort too
What I currently do mainly consists of a lot of studying to catch up with where theoretical physics is today. Apart from that, I get my feet wet in introductory research work in GR and Cosmology to gain experience and I do some coding projects for fun. Science communication is also something I'm very passionate about.
How can you do Physics?
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Level 1: Beginner
Physics is all about coming up with the right explanations to how the world works. Sometimes it is also about solving the mystery behind certain physics-defying things. (It does that weird thing because of physics)
You’re going to want to be very observant of the world then from now on, so you are able to spot physics in action.
Perform a tech detox if required, form the habit of asking a lot of questions, finding answers by asking others or surfing the internet or reading.
Another important prerequisite to learning physics, especially formal physics, is having a good command over the English language. (since it is the current lingua franca) Physics is much easier if you know English well as most physics words and definitions are just English and they mean exactly what the name suggests. They often become in that sense self explanatory to native English speakers but seem harder to non-native level speakers.
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Level 2: High school (with Calculus)
Learn math. Go through vectors and calculus (lot of single variable and a slight introduction to multivariable should suffice)
High school level physics done perfectly is a pretty good description of most things around you. You will learn how to think physically and be able to explain most* things around you that you can see directly with your eye. I present you two resources where you can approach high school physics from (you can ofc use any other you find)
- Fundamentals of Physics by Ramamurti Shankar I & II (I personally studied from this in High School. This has my heart)
- Physics Vol. I and II by Halliday, Resnick and Krane (Lovely book too. It has everything a high-schooler needs. I have recommended this many times)
*only most. not all. if you’re astute enough you will inevitably tread into the waters of college physics at some point
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Level 3: On the road to becoming a physicist
Starting here, you’d need to read a lot and spend long hours referring to countless sources and not just one. I’ll link you to Gerard Hooft’s page for what to expect. It is a great guide to follow. However, I do encourage you to be on your own journey :)
How to become a GOOD Theoretical Physicist
Heard of the Ig-Nobel?
The Ig-Nobels are my favourite! It answers all sorts of silly questions and achieves new silly original feats. To me, it serves as a statement that science is largely about having fun too just like how playing outside in your backyard is!
Keep checking the Ig-Nobel to remind yourselves what science is really about!
https://improbable.com/ig/about-the-ig-nobel-prizes/