Improving Science on Brilliant.org. My First Suggestion.

I recently saw a note titled "Poor Physics", which talked about the low level of physics on brilliant.org. I actually think it's not that bad, yet, as some other people also said, some other topics would make the website better. For instance, separate topics on particle physics, waves, optics, astronomy and cosmology, relativity, fields, thermodynamics, physics of materials and communications, quantum physics (including quantum field theory for those who like it (like me)), statistical mechanics and applied physics. This is me being a bit wishy and bossy but I'm sure this would be a huge gift for many other members. Looking around at profiles, most people here are interested in modern physics: classical mechanics itself isn't a separate field of research anymore, it has changed to studies in string theory, relativity and quantum physics. Next, I also believe that biology and chemistry should be included, as chemistry and biology are both important and form part of our exams. The recent addition of economics is a good idea, BUT I think the time creating it would have been better spent creating one of the categories listed above. Although YES, I know quantum physics and relativity are very hard, but who cares? There has been several sets and problems about them, and many people answered them. Maybe some people don't share my passion in other areas of physics, but would still enjoy some chemistry or biology. And even later in the future maybe we could have separate topics for Music, English, Geography and Politics, and videos explaining all concepts, like on the website Khan Academy, which I used for quite a long time. Anyway, I also think Brilliant is an incredible website with lots of very clever people around (though I don't agree with the boundary of 13 years old for joining, I joined when I was still 12:)) but the problems and wikis could be improved. For a website that earns money, the wikis could indeed be even better. Also, I think we can haven rewardsforgtting to to a certain number of points, such as a free month of brilliant squared for 10,000 points, or a 50 day streak. It would motivate people even further. Also, how about Level 6 and 7(maybe for advanced mathematics and physics). Otherwise, it's brilliant! (Oh yes, and how about a brilliant the ant mascot, eh?)

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Remember to wrap math in `$` ... `$` or `\[` ... `\]` to ensure proper formatting.
`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
`a_{i-1}`	$a_{i-1}$
`\frac{2}{3}`	$\frac{2}{3}$
`\sqrt{2}`	$\sqrt{2}$
`\sum_{i=1}^3`	$\sum_{i=1}^3$
`\sin \theta`	$\sin \theta$
`\boxed{123}`	$\boxed{123}$

Comments

You have nicely explained whatever was in your mind , nicely done . Even I agree that Brilliant have further subdivisions other than Classical Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism as there should be a wider scope for learning Physics .

I just read that other note , dude it's an old note so I don't think it is applicable for today's Brilliant .

I agree with you again that points system for Chemistry , Biology should be introduced but why do you want Music , English , Geography and POLITICS !!! But then again, these are your views and I can't stop you from voicing out your opinions . Also I would love it if Brilliant would evolve into a community where we have educational Lectures by the Staff for viewing .

I think I'll keep quiet as far as the reward part is concerned as I'll again start regretting why did I join Brilliant so late (you see the reason being that the points exchange has been removed) .

Your idea of Level 6-7 is nice , I had discussed it with @Trevor Arashiro and @brian charlesworth sir , but as they pointed out , those questions will be monsters !!

A Former Brilliant Member - 6 years, 3 months ago

"Those questions will be monsters"- which is why I want them!:) Yes, the idea of lectures is also good, we could have something like on the MIT Website or Dr Physics' (I think) channel on YouTube.

I think that I'll suggest the ideas of video lectures to Calvin sir in his Message Board :)

Politics could be quite Mathematical. Government types, voting systems for a Democratic system etc.

Aaron Hoffman - 3 years, 3 months ago

I think it would be interesting to see physics broken down into categories as you mentioned: optics, relativity, quantum theory, etc. I'm all for expanding on chemistry and biology on Brilliant. Especially chemistry. I would really like to try and tackle an army of thought-provoking chemistry problems. I have a feeling that once music, history, and politics would be introduced, then Brilliant would become more about the points. Obviously, it will draw in a bigger crowd, but that would consequently allow Brilliant to evolve into a quiz/game website. Brilliant's main goal, in my eyes, is to provide a friendly, fun, and informative outlet for one to exercise his/her problem solving skills. I think Brilliant has such a unique and warm atmosphere, and it's incredibly conducive to learning. I have a feeling that adding those subjects would make it lose some of that mojo. As for the level 6 and level 7 problems... well, those would be terrifying. And awesome. I want to try one.

Ryan Tamburrino - 6 years, 3 months ago

Count me in for Chemistry too !! I too am fond of Chemistry (nearly to the same extent as Maths) . Currently there is no evolved grading/point system for Chemistry problems , else I would have bombarded Brilliant with Chemistry questions !!!

Don't wait for anyone else. Begin posting some questions. The staff won't be inclined to improve or add chemistry section unless it sees any interest from the community. Maybe you will motivate some other people who aren't posting problems for the same reason as you.

Sudeep Salgia - 6 years, 3 months ago

@Sudeep Salgia – Sure thing ! I'll start right away :)

Agreed. Quantum theory would be great. It isn't really possible to have a multiple choice level five history question, because anything that isn't a factoid would likely have no objective or clear answer. An age limit is a bad idea, yes. Any ten year old that can solve level five math problems kind of deserves to be on the website.

Cole Wyeth - 6 years, 3 months ago

Yes , I'am Truely Missing @David Mattingly Sir , a great Physicist ! I don't know why he don't present at brilliant now day's . In his absence I think Physics situation is serious .

Karan Shekhawat - 6 years, 3 months ago

Yes, I agree. His were some of the best physics problems on brilliant, and I really enjoyed solving them.

Yeah , his questions are the only questions that I had ever attempted , by my own free will !! Those questions were all based on things from everyday life .

I have written lectures on Quantum Mechanics. Click here

Steven Zheng - 6 years, 3 months ago

Thank you! They are truly amazing. Your physics problems are also very good! Keep going!

Physics plays a big part in quantum chemistry and mathematics in measurements . It should be an integrated science but not branches as physics, chemistry and maths

Prasath M - 4 years, 12 months ago

Math	Appears as
Remember to wrap math in `\(` ... `\)` or `\[` ... `\]` to ensure proper formatting.
`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
`a_{i-1}`	$a_{i-1}$
`\frac{2}{3}`	$\frac{2}{3}$
`\sqrt{2}`	$\sqrt{2}$
`\sum_{i=1}^3`	$\sum_{i=1}^3$
`\sin \theta`	$\sin \theta$
`\boxed{123}`	$\boxed{123}$