<p>I recently read Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" and was intrigued by the 10,000 hours section. He says that it takes 10,000 hours to master a task. My question is, would it be possible to achieve this feat in Physics independently? Could you teach yourself? (in addition to future classes) Or would the higher level stuff require too much Math to do without structured courses? Not really too serious s question, just thought it was an interesting topic.</p>
<p>I don’t think physics would fall into this category. Physics topics can get pretty difficult and abstract. It’s certainly not impossible to learn it independently, but it’s far more difficult. You’d have to teach yourself a lot of math as well. The majority of physics isn’t going to use much beyond an introductory calculus sequence, plus differential equations and linear algebra. But when you get to some of the more esoteric topics like quantum field theory, relativity, string theory, etc., the necessary math skills can go well beyond the topics that are required for the more traditional fields of physics. </p>
<p>Anything is possible. Courses are not the only way to learn physics but they help guide you in your study. after a certain point, and before you get to 10,000 hours, you will be doing independent research which will require mostly self-study.</p>
<p>Anyone can teach themselves anything they want! Physics comes more naturally to some people, but with hard work anyone can master the subject.</p>