CTs and MRIs? Atom spin/relax releasing detectable energy waves that are somehow able to be read and aggregated by algorithms into a high detail image of the inside of a human body? Tell me that isn't magic and I'll call you a liar.

[–] Hazzia@discuss.tchncs.de 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I majored in Computational Physics and I can tell you with certainty that electromagnetism is magic, and any machine utilizing said magic must be, by definition, magic themselves. You're right not to trust any of those "oh it's actually very well understood" snakes

Fun fact: According to Einstein's equations, electromagnetism arises when you add a fourth spatial dimension to your assumptions. String theory assumes between 9 and 11 and hypothesizes that the extras are curled up into tiny string that manifest as forces such as electromagnetism. HOW MUCH MORE MAGIC WOO-WOO CAN YOU GET

[–] TheGreenGolem@lemm.ee 9 points 1 year ago

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C. Clarke

[–] kakes@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Surprisingly I've never heard of "computational physics" (as a specific field), but it sounds intensely interesting.

I completely agree, though. You can't look at a modern transistor (no really - you can't) and tell me it isn't some form of sorcery.

[–] Hazzia@discuss.tchncs.de 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Don't tell my parents, but "Computational Physics", at least as implemented by my uni, was just a random mashup of physics, "pure" math, and programming classes. The idea is supposed to be specialization in creating simulation software, but unfortunately bridging the gap between intro to Java and C++ classes, and creating sophisticated simulation software does not really happen naturally for most people (me, I'm specifically talking about me)

It sounds very impressive on a resume though.

[–] kakes@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Well I'm still impressed, honestly. I took computer science, and I would have loved to lean further on the math/physics side. I'm one of those people that wants to know how a machine works from scratch, as foolish as that is, haha.

[–] ICastFist@programming.dev 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I recently saw a video that showed how the lightbulbs led to the invention of transistors, can't remember the title or channel, but it was really interesting.

Seems that starting with 1800's early electric technology makes it much easier to understand current, super miniaturized and specialized tech

[–] kakes@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

Oh hey, I think I've seen the video you're talking about (and also can't remember the channel). Super interesting for sure.

I've always wanted to know how to create a simple computer entirely from scratch (in case of a time machine situation), but creating even a crude transistor from scratch is actually really hard, it turns out.

[–] marcos@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

Ironically, that's the part we understand better.

You break a bone, we put something to keep it in place and 3 weeks later it is unbroken? That is magic.