What is Confusion: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In medicine, confusion is the quality or state of being bewildered or unclear. The term "acute mental confusion" is often used interchangeably with delirium in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems and the Medical Subject Headings publications to describe the pathology. These refer to the loss of orientation, or the ability to place oneself correctly in the world by time, location and personal identity. Mental confusion is sometimes accompanied by disordered consciousness (the loss of linear thinking) and memory loss (the inability to correctly recall previous events or learn new material). The term is from Latin: confusĭo, -ōnis, from confundere: "to pour together", "to mingle together", "to confuse".

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  1. C

    Understanding Compression in Eccentrically Loaded Columns and Beams

    I'm a student taking a non-calculus strength of materials course, and I believe I have what is probably a very simple misconception. I'm wondering why in the "eccentrically loaded column" b), which has two point loads placed at distances of equal magnitude from a centroidal axis, the moments...
  2. J

    Confusion with non-head-on elastic collisions

    Homework Statement Two pucks of equal masses collide in a non-head-on collision. Puck 1 with a velocitiy ##u_1 = 2.50\ m/s## impacts puck 2 at rest, in a 28-degree angle. Assuming no friction between the pucks, find their final velocities. Data: ##m_1 = 5.00\ kg## ##u_1 = 2.50\ m/s##...
  3. L

    Can time dilation cause confusion in the twin paradox?

    Hi, In the often cited example of a person in a rocket traveling past Earth at high speed - I think I understand that both the person on Earth and on the rocket could view the other as being the party that's actually moving. And so if they could view the other party, they would both see the...
  4. J

    Confusion with Relative Extrema and Intervals

    I've been watching the Khanacademy videos on Calculus and in this video, at 4:18: He talks about relative minima and maxima in an interval. He says that the relative extrema can't be at the endpoints. As far as I understand, in that case the interval would have to be an open one, but my...
  5. E

    Confusion about parallel transport

    I am studying parallel transport in order to understand Berry curvature, but I know this topic is most commonly used in GR so I'm posting my question here. I do not know differential geometry. I am looking for a general explanation of what it means to parallel transport a vector. Mostly I am...
  6. K

    Confusion about bound surface current of a cube

    If the magnetization vector is in the z direction, is the bound surface current of a cube always 0, since z cross z is 0, and x and -x cancels and y and -y cancels out?
  7. R

    Why is the y-component of the electric field in a dipole cancelled out?

    Hi everybody. I noticed that I don't understand dipoles correctly. I just calculated the field of a dipole. There are two charges, one positive the other negative, in the distance of d. I got for the electric field: E=\frac{q}{4 \pi \epsilon} \binom{d}{0} The problem is, that there is only the...
  8. thegreengineer

    Directional derivative and gradient definition confusion

    Recently I started with multivariable calculus; where I have seen concepts like multivariable function, partial derivative, and so on. A week ago we saw the following concept: directional derivative. Ok, I know the math behind this as well as the way to compute the directional derivative through...
  9. ShayanJ

    Confusion about position operator in QM

    In quantum mechanics, the position operator(for a single particle moving in one dimension) is defined as Q(\psi)(x)=x\psi(x) , with the domain D(Q)=\{\psi \epsilon L^2(\mathbb R) | Q\psi\epsilon L^2 (\mathbb R) \} . But this means no square-integrable function in the domain becomes...
  10. E

    Why does it take more fuel to accelerate a body to a higher speed?

    I apologise for what is probably merely stupidity on my part, but has been vexing me for rather a while, and no one I ask can provide any insight. A body undergoes two accelerations. The first is from 0 to 10 m/s, the second from 10 to 20 m/s. For simplicity's sake I will say F= 1N, a= 1 m/s2...
  11. thegreengineer

    Clarifying Hooke's Law: Understanding the Formula and When to Use the Negative

    Well, I know that Hooke's law establishes that the force applied on a spring is proportional to the displacement. However, I've got a little bit confused about the formula. My textbook manages the formula as the following: F=-kx Whereas some websites manage it as this: F=kx I still don't...
  12. F

    Definition of a limit of a function confusion

    Homework Statement Show that ##\lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L## if and only if ##\lim_{x \to 0} f(x+a) = L## Homework Equations - The Attempt at a Solution For the forward direction (ie ##1 \Rightarrow 2##), I tried to first assume that 1. holds true (ie ##\forall \epsilon>0, \exists \delta>0...
  13. R

    How Many Non-Confusing Codes Can Be Formed from Distinct Digits?

    Homework Statement An intelligence agency forms a code of two distinct digits selected from 0, 1 , 2…, 9, such that the first digit of the code is nonzero. The code, handwritten on a slip, can, however, potentially create confusion when read upside down - for example; the code 91 may appear as...
  14. H

    Confusion regarding Standing Waves and Reflection resulting in Phase Change

    So a standing wave is one which looks to be standing still at certain harmonic frequencies. At these frequencies, when the wave reflects off the end, it will undergo a phase change of 180 degrees. This creates constructive interference as shown below: In the case of a wave on a string, since...
  15. K

    Spherical coordinates confusion

    I am accustomed to ##x=rcos(\theta)sin(\phi)## ##y=rsin(\theta)sin(\phi)## ##z=rcos(\phi)## ##-\pi<\theta<\pi##, ##-\pi/2 < \phi < \pi/2## but see some people using these instead ##x=rcos(\theta)cos(\phi)## ##y=rsin(\theta)cos(\phi)## ##z=rsin(\phi)## ##-\pi<\theta<\pi##, ##-\pi/2 < \phi <...
  16. ShayanJ

    Confusion about gravitational potential

    I thought I know introductory physics well but now I'm confused about simple things! Imagine a pendulum. Its released from rest from a height. We take that height to be the zero level of the gravitational potential. But that means its total energy is zero at the beginning and because of the...
  17. B

    Electricity Question Amps & volts confusion

    Homework Statement [/B] A) If a laptop computer charger is designed for use in a country where mains voltage is 230V. Will the user still be able to charge the laptop computer in a country where the mains supply is 110V? B) Also what happens if a 110V charger is used in a country where the...
  18. Matterwave

    Solving Makefile Confusion for Fortran Code

    Hello guys, I am trying to run a pretty substantial piece of code, coded in Fortran. There are many many modules (~10) and the dependencies of one module/piece of code on another is quite complex. As I am not the original author of the code, I am still not intimately familiar with every single...
  19. L

    Midpoint rule causing confusion

    Homework Statement A Cat scan produces equally spaced cross-sectional views of a human organ that provide information about the organ otherwise obtained only by surgery. Suppose that a CAT scan of a human liver shows cross sections spaced 1.5cm apart. The liver is 15cm long and the...
  20. Calpalned

    Confusion over the reduction of force for pulleys

    Homework Statement A window washer pulls herself upward using the bucket-pulley apparatus shown in the figure. How hard must she pull downward to raise herself slowly at constant speed? The mass of the person plus the bucket is 71kg . Homework Equations F of gravity = mg F effort = mg/2 The...
  21. Demystifier

    A confusion about Godel theorem and real numbers

    I am confused, since some claims about the first Godel incompleteness theorem and real numbers seem mutually contradictory. In essence, from one point of view it seems that the Godel theorem applies to real numbers, while from another point of view it seems that the Godel theorem does not apply...
  22. E

    A little confusion on reference frames

    In college physics 1, I think I'm confusing myself on reference frames, and would like for one of you significantly smarter persons to let me know if I'm on the right path with understanding it, and if not, could point me in the right direction :) We're just beginning inertia and momentum in...
  23. R

    Is it possible to determine the value of static friction with unknown forces?

    Actually I've been thinking about friction lately and it got me a bit confused I was always taught that friction is in the direction that opposes motion, however whenever I learned about static friction I sort of just went with it. It made sense, but I never actually thought about vectors (which...
  24. Pezz

    Relativistic Conservation of Momentum Confusion

    Hey all, Simple question yet it creating a lot of confusion in me and I need some clarification. This is an example given in a book I'm reading and I just don't understand one piece of it. In the S frame a completely inelastic collision between two particles traveling at each other at speed u...
  25. T

    Confusion with the centrifugal foce and potential energy

    When we release a suspended object, we recover the potential energy due to gravity as the object travels back through the height raised. When we release an extended spring, we recover the potential energy as the object travels back through the distance stretched. But when we release a rotating...
  26. R

    Confusion with Nodal Analysis w/ Sources

    Hi , I'm currently stuck on a problem that requires to be solved with nodal analysis. I'm confused to what signs should I use when there's a voltage source in the loop. The problem: I already know the answer from the solutions but what I found is at V_0 : (V0 - 60V)/12 + V0/12 + (V0...
  27. N

    Confusion with integration of sums

    Hello guys, since I am new at sums and multivariable calculus I faced a problem when I stumbled upon this: \sum_{r=0}^{k} \binom{n}{4r+1} x^{n-4r-1} y^{4r+1} = \sum_{r=0}^{b} \binom{n}{4r+3} x^{n-4r-3} y^{4r+3} Well, the problem is that I don't know if it's possible to put a limit in every...
  28. M

    Transformers Confusion: P=IV, V=IR Explained

    I know that in a step down transformer the voltage is reduced and therefore current has to increase because P=IV. But potential difference is what drives the current so when the voltage decreases it seems strange for the current not to decrease too. Another why of putting it is if both coils...
  29. E

    Engineering Understanding Opamp Circuit Gain Calculation: Ideal vs. Practical Analysis

    Hi! My task is to calculate gain A=Vo/Vin for circuit on scheme (OPAMPS are ideal): Since OPAMPS are ideal, input currents are zero and V1=V2=Vin, V11=V22=0: KCL for node 0 suggests us that current through R4 (I4) must be zero: On the other hand, we can calculate I4 as: :confused...
  30. N

    Time Dilation in General Relativity: Twins Paradox Explained

    I have always been confused about time dilation in General Relativity. In the twins paradox, it is the traveling twin that ages slower. However, could you not just as easily say that it is the non-traveling twin that is moving away from the other? So why is it the traveling twin and not...
  31. M

    Limit Proof Confusion: How does sN+2 cancel with sn-1 in this limit proof?

    Hello Folks, I am solving a limit proof that has the following attached solution. Question: Assume all sn ≠ 0. and that the limit L = lim abs(sn+1/sn) exists. Show that if L<1. the lim sn=0 I Understand the solution except for one part which is also attached.. sn = sN*sN+1/sN*** sn/sn-1 Can...
  32. F

    Confusion about gradient in classical mechanics

    I'm currently going over some mechanics notes and am confused about the following situation: In the book I'm looking at, it describes two particles absent of external forces, only exerting a force on each other. In deriving a potential energy equation for the two, it goes on to say that if the...
  33. M

    How Do I Correctly Calculate Height Over Time for an Object on a Ramp?

    Homework Statement time = 1 seconds, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds acceleration due to gravity = -9.8 m/s^2 Max. Height = 3 meters Homework Equations d = vit + 1/2at^2 v = d/t The Attempt at a Solution I actually have to create values myself, so that the as the...
  34. 9

    Calculus Confusion: limit of sin(x)/x

    Today was our first lesson in our high school's accelerated calculus class. The class is our school's most second most difficult math (behind multivariable calc), and prepares you for the AP BC calc exam, but material not present on the BC test is covered in class. It is really a college level...
  35. P

    Confusion with train collision with constant acceleration

    The problem statement A train starts out from Stavanger at 8.14, in direction of Kristiansand. It goes with constant speed, 80.0km/h until Sandnes, a distance of 15.0 km. Then it accelerates (instantaneously) to 120 km/h and proceeds towards Kristiansand. Kristiansand is 250 km from...
  36. A

    What is the explanation for the confusion in Griffiths' energy derivation?

    In Griffiths section 4.4.3, he derives the energy in a dielectric system as W=0.5∫D.Edτ. Part of the derivation involves the relation 0.5Δ(D.E)=0.5Δ(εE2)=ε(ΔE).E=(ΔD).E for infinitesimal increments, using D=εE. Now the part 0.5Δ(εE2)=ε(ΔE).E loses me so I was wondering if anybody could explain...
  37. DiracPool

    Confusion over relativistic mass equations

    I'm trying to reconcile the two relativistic mass equations and I 'm getting different results as I push the velocity towards c. In the first equation, E=mc^2/√(1-v^2/c^2), I'm getting that E approaches infinity as v approaches c. In the second equation, E=√(m^2c^4+p^2c^2), I'm getting...
  38. Nathanael

    Confusion about the boundary of a simple set

    Homework Statement Determine the boundary of the following set. As usual, z=(x,y). 0<\left| z-z_0 \right|<2 2. The attempt at a solution The book's solution says "The circle \left| z-z_0 \right|=2 together with the point (0,0)" Why should the answer not be "... together with the...
  39. I

    Confusion about how electric charge is transferred

    I have a question about transfer of electric charge in metals. My understanding is that electrons move in and out of an object at an equal rate when current is flowing (i.e., net change in # of electrons is zero). At the same time, it is possible for an object to become positively or negatively...
  40. Y

    Confusion about electron energy levels

    If 4s orbital is in the 4th shell and 3d is in the 3rd shell and if the Principal Quantum Number is the direct indication of the amount of energy in of the electrons in that shell. Then, why according to Aufbau principle is 4s filled before 3d?
  41. J

    Train thought experiment confusion

    I'm seeing examples where for the person in the train the offset of both lights at the end of the train are not seen as simultaneous, while for the observer on the platform it is seen as simultaneous - and vice versa from other sources. What's going on? Furthermore, if my school textbook is...
  42. L

    Confusion Over Same Energy Level Transitions

    Homework Statement This is more of an understanding issue than a homework problem, but if I don't understand, I can't prepare for homework. With regard to energy level transitions, the text states almost as an afterthought that "Transitions between the same energy levels always produce the...
  43. M

    Confusion with Dot Product in Polar Coordinates with the Metric Tensor

    Alright, so I was reading up on tensors and such with non-Cartesian coordinate systems all day but now I'm a bit tired an confused so you'll have to forgive me if it's a stupid question. So to express the dot product in some coordinate system, it's: g(\vec{A}\,,\vec{B})=A^aB^bg_{ab} And, if...
  44. electricspit

    Future Confusion: Should I Pursue a PhD in Astrophysical Simulation?

    Hello, I just got an interesting offer and I'm not sure quite what to do. I've always been interesting in theoretical physics, but I've been doing some cosmological simulation research this summer and my advisor was impressed with my work enough to offer me a position as a grad student at my...
  45. M

    Electromagnetic induction confusion

    I was just thinking about the "changing magnetic field through a loop induces an EMF" and thought of a conceptual question I'm having trouble with. So, imagine you have an open surface where there's a changing magnetic flux that you know (say its a plane of magnetic field coming toward you...
  46. S

    Why Is Average Velocity Calculated Differently in Various Scenarios?

    I'm trying to understand the kinematic equations well enough to explain to someone else, but the analogies I've come up with don't seem to be working well. 1) If a car travels 25 km/h for a certain distance, turns around in the opposite direction, and then turns back on its original path yet...
  47. A

    Confusion in understanding how electric heating works

    I'm working on a project in which I have to build a tiny 4 cm long heater. I did this with copper-windings stuffed in a tiny steel rod. Now I know the power input into this heater is 0.368W, at constant voltage 1.5 volts and the resistance of the heating element is 6.1ohms for a time of...
  48. T

    What is the explanation for the null result of the Michelson-Morley experiment?

    hi, i am stucked with a confusion about michelson-morley experiment. I am not going into mathemtaical detail, the result of the experiment indicates that vertical and horizontal light waves meet at the same time not producing any shift. In an inertial reference frame that's very obvius but in a...
  49. BrainMan

    Confusion on a diagram in a scientific journal

    Homework Statement I am not sure if this goes here but I am doing research on solar panels and am confused on some of the physics in a particular scientific journal I am reading. More specifically I am having trouble with the equations on the last part of page 1 and the entire second page. I...
  50. S

    Confusion on Einstein's Continuously Accelerating Rocket

    I’ve been thinking about Einstein’s gedankenexperiment (because I’m meta like that) regarding the sealed room on Earth, and the sealed room on a steadily accelerating rocket. And the result of this thought process is… I’m confused, probably because I do not correctly understand the parameters...
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