How To Tell If Someone Is A Physics/Engineering Student

Andrew Dotson
12 Apr 201904:19
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script humorously outlines three tests to identify whether someone is an engineering or physics student without directly asking them. The first test involves presenting a physics problem with specific numerical values to gauge their reaction. The second test is to feign uncertainty on any topic and observe their response. The third test is to discuss the workload, noting their reactions. The video playfully suggests that engineering students are more likely to provide quick answers, while physics students may take time to establish assumptions, and math majors remain silent until they are certain.

Takeaways
  • 🔍 Use specific numerical values to identify a physics or engineering student; non-SI units are more conclusive.
  • 🎓 If your friend gets excited about using numbers, they're likely an engineering student.
  • 😟 A visibly annoyed friend at the mention of numbers might be a physics major or a math major.
  • 🤔 Sounding unsure about anything can reveal the student's type; engineering and physics majors will explain, while math majors will remain silent until certain.
  • 🗣️ Engineering students will provide quick answers as a defense mechanism, regardless of their confidence.
  • 🧠 Physics students will take time to establish assumptions before answering, using it as a defense mechanism.
  • 📚 Mentioning workload can trigger both engineering and physics students, but they will react differently based on the nature of their work.
  • 👓 An engineering student may show frustration with the difficulty of their work, often manifesting physically.
  • 🌌 Physics students may downplay the difficulty of their work, comparing it to others in the class.
  • 🤷‍♂️ Math majors are a different breed, focusing on rigorous proof and not easily agitated by challenges.
  • 💬 The video encourages viewers to share their experiences with these tests in the comment section.
Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of the video?

    -The main purpose of the video is to provide three tests to help viewers determine whether someone they know is an engineering or physics student without directly asking them.

  • What is the first test to identify a physics or engineering student?

    -The first test involves presenting a physics-related problem with specific numerical values. The reaction to using numbers to solve the problem can indicate whether the person is an engineering student (excited) or possibly a physics or math major (annoyed or hesitant).

  • How does the second test differentiate between an engineering student and a physics or math major?

    -The second test involves sounding unsure about a statement and observing the response. Engineering students will provide a quick answer regardless of their confidence, while physics students will take time to establish assumptions, and math majors will not commit to an answer until they are certain.

  • What is the third test for determining the student's major?

    -The third test involves mentioning the amount and difficulty of work one has to do. The reaction can indicate the major: engineering students may feel challenged and show physical signs of agitation, while physics students will focus on the quantitative aspect and mention that others had similar workloads.

  • How can you tell if the person you're testing is a math major?

    -Math majors may not show a strong reaction to the tests designed for engineering or physics students. They are characterized as docile and passive, only becoming dangerous when overconfident in their rigor.

  • What should you do if the tests do not provide a clear answer?

    -If the tests do not provide a clear answer, the video suggests that the person may identify themselves as a math major, which is a different breed and beyond the scope of the video.

  • What is the significance of not using SI units in the first test?

    -Not using SI units in the first test makes the results more conclusive, as it is a subtle way to observe the person's reaction to non-standard units, which could indicate a stronger inclination towards engineering.

  • How does the engineering student's response to uncertainty differ from the physics student's?

    -Engineering students feel the need to respond quickly to uncertainty as a defense mechanism, seeking to provide a conclusive answer. In contrast, physics students may take more time to establish assumptions before giving an answer.

  • What are some physical signs of an engineering student feeling challenged?

    -Physical signs of an engineering student feeling challenged may include taking off their orange or yellow sunglasses with the bottom part of the frame missing and clenching their jaw.

  • How do physics students handle the difficulty argument in the third test?

    -Physics students may focus on the quantitative aspect of the work and then assure that everyone else in the class also had that much work, suggesting that the difficulty is not unique or over complicated.

  • What is the role of the comment section in the video?

    -The comment section is where viewers can share their experiences with the tests, whether they worked as described or if they had to improvise their own methods to determine someone's major.

Outlines
00:00
🤔 Identifying a Physics or Engineering Student

The paragraph introduces a method to determine if someone is a physics or engineering student without directly asking them. It suggests three tests: the first involves presenting a physics problem with specific numerical values to see their reaction, which can indicate their major. The second test is to act unsure about any topic and observe their response, which can differentiate between an engineering student's quick, conclusive answer and a physics student's more cautious approach. The third test involves mentioning workload and difficulty, which can trigger different reactions from the two majors.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Physics major
A student specializing in physics, typically focusing on the fundamental principles of the universe, matter, and energy. In the context of the video, physics majors are characterized by their preference for using variables and equations, and their analytical approach to problem-solving. For example, they may become visibly annoyed when presented with specific numerical values instead of variables, indicating a preference for abstract thinking over quantitative calculations.
💡Engineering student
A student engaged in the study of engineering, which involves the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes. In the video, engineering students are portrayed as individuals who are excited to use numbers to solve problems and who respond quickly to provide conclusive answers, reflecting their practical and solution-oriented mindset.
💡Math major
A student specializing in mathematics, the study of numbers, quantities, and shapes. Math majors are characterized by their rigorous analytical thinking and their focus on proving concepts with absolute certainty. In the video, math majors are described as passive and docile until agitated by overconfidence in their own rigor, at which point they become dangerous. They are also depicted as being very cautious and requiring 100% proof before making a statement.
💡SI units
The International System of Units (SI) is the modern form of the metric system and is the most widely used system of measurement. It is composed of seven base units, which form the foundation for all other derived units. In the context of the video, using SI units is suggested as a way to identify an engineering student, as they would be more inclined to use standardized units for problem-solving.
💡Numerical values
Numerical values are specific quantities, often expressed as numbers, that represent measurements or data points. In the video, the use of numerical values is contrasted with the use of variables, with the preference for one over the other helping to distinguish between physics and engineering students. The script implies that a physics major might prefer to work with variables and equations rather than specific numerical values.
💡Assumptions
Assumptions are preliminary considerations or suppositions that are accepted for the sake of argument or investigation. In the context of the video, assumptions are used to illustrate the different approaches of physics and math majors when faced with uncertainty. Physics students are shown to want to establish assumptions before providing an answer, indicating a methodical and cautious approach, whereas math majors require absolute proof before making any assertions.
💡Defense mechanism
A defense mechanism is a psychological strategy that reduces anxiety or stress by denying reality or protecting a person from a threat or uncomfortable truth. In the video, the term is used to describe the instinctive reactions of engineering and physics students when faced with uncertainty or the need to provide answers. For instance, engineering students are said to respond quickly as a defense mechanism to feel safe, while physics students take time to establish assumptions as a way to protect their intellectual integrity.
💡Abstract thinking
Abstract thinking involves the ability to conceptualize ideas and principles that are not tied to concrete objects or situations. It is a higher-order cognitive process that allows individuals to work with concepts, ideas, and theories without the need for physical or tangible representations. In the video, physics majors are depicted as preferring abstract thinking, as they are more comfortable with variables and equations that represent abstract concepts rather than specific numerical values.
💡Problem-solving
Problem-solving is the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. It involves critical thinking, creativity, and the application of knowledge to reach a resolution. In the video, problem-solving is discussed in relation to the different approaches taken by physics, engineering, and math majors when faced with a challenge. Each group's unique methodology reflects their educational background and training.
💡Quantitative
Quantitative refers to the aspect of something that can be measured or counted, often involving numbers and statistical analysis. In the context of the video, the term is used to describe the type of work and challenges faced by physics majors, who are more likely to deal with numerical data and calculations in their studies.
💡Overconfidence
Overconfidence is a state of being excessively certain or confident in one's abilities, knowledge, or judgments. In the video, it is used to describe the attitude of math majors, who are depicted as being very confident in their analytical skills and rigorous approach to problem-solving. This overconfidence can lead to a passive demeanor until they are challenged, at which point they become more assertive.
Highlights

Three tests are introduced to determine if someone is a physics or engineering student without asking directly.

Test one involves presenting a physics problem with specific numerical values to gauge the person's reaction.

Avoiding SI units makes the results of the first test more conclusive.

An excited reaction to using numbers suggests the person is an engineering student.

Visibly annoyed reaction with a preference for variables over numbers may indicate a physics major or a math major.

Test two involves sounding unsure about anything to observe the person's response.

An engineering student will provide a quick, conclusive answer regardless of their confidence on the subject.

A physics student will also provide an answer but with a slower reaction time to establish assumptions.

A math major will not respond and will only speak when they have 100% proof.

Test three is about mentioning the amount and difficulty of work to observe the person's reaction.

Both engineering and physics students will feel challenged by the mention of hard work.

Engineering students may show symptoms like taking off sunglasses and clenching their jaw.

Physics students will focus on the quantitative aspect and assure that everyone else had the same amount of work.

The math major is a different breed and may not care about the specifics of the work.

The video aims to shed light on how to identify whether a friend is an engineering or physics student.

Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences with the tests in the comment section.

The video provides a humorous and innovative approach to differentiating between students of different STEM fields.

The tests are based on behavioral observations and reactions to specific scenarios.

The video acknowledges that the math major's response patterns are beyond its scope.

Transcripts

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