ERIC Number: EJ998895
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Mar
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0926-7220
EISSN: N/A
The Pythagorean Roots of Introductory Physics
Clarage, James B.
Science & Education, v22 n3 p527-542 Mar 2013
Much of the mathematical reasoning employed in the typical introductory physics course can be traced to Pythagorean roots planted over two thousand years ago. Besides obvious examples involving the Pythagorean theorem, I draw attention to standard physics problems and derivations which often unknowingly rely upon the Pythagoreans' work on proportion, music, geometry, harmony, the golden ratio, and cosmology. Examples are drawn from mechanics, electricity, sound, optics, energy conservation and relativity. An awareness of the primary sources of the mathematical techniques employed in the physics classroom could especially benefit students and educators at schools which encourage integration of their various courses in history, science, philosophy, and the arts.
Descriptors: Music, Mechanics (Physics), Energy Conservation, Optics, Introductory Courses, Science Instruction, Geometry, Scientific Concepts, Acoustics, Scientific Principles, Teaching Methods, Interdisciplinary Approach, Physics
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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