Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.?

Question

well i only want to study physics but my parents want me to do engineering so i thought go ahead with what they are saying. But still i would like to chose an engineering field which has maximum physics in it. I need to chose between mechanical or electricial what should i go with plz advice?

Answer 1

Both contain a lot of physics background information. It really depends on what aspect of the broad physics subject that you enjoy.

If you are into quantum physics, check out electrical eng since we are still developing solid state devices on the nano scale that take advantage of quantum weirdness. If you like the classical side of physics, go for mechanical. If you like electromagnetics/waves, try EE. If you like thermodynamics, look at ME. etc.....

It seems you would enjoy the science background in engineering. In that case, either major area of study works, or you could do engineering physics (if your university offers it). Whatever you choose, a good engineering background can sometimes lead to industrial research jobs much like those that are offered to the people that study the standard physical sciences. Or you could get into a variety of other jobs out there (and not just designing products either; sales, management etc).

Answer 2

Your parents are exactly right. When I was your age, I was an ignorant hillbilly and thought I would be a "mad scientist, brain surgeon, fry cook or a double naught spy. So I planned on a degree in chemistry, but during orientation I discovered that Chemical Engineers earn several times what chemist earn and study many of the same things. I switched and never regretted it.

Physics is a broad subject, I'd say mechanical if you're interested in mechanics or thermodynamics, electrical if your inclined that way. I wouldn't forget Chemical Engineering, if you like quantum physics.

Scientist try to push the frontiers of knowledge but they don't really care if there is a practical application for the knowledge or not. Engineers use the knowledge to produce useful, products.

Answer 3

I am an EE student and I am involved with mechanical student projects, so I get to try them both. Normally when someone say they are interested in both mechanical and electrical and I will recommand mechatronics (may not be offered in all universities). But if you are really interested in studying physics like theoretical physics, then I don't suggest going to engineering at all. Engineering does teach you those physics but it's more on the applied physics level. If you are in electrical you will probably learn about optics, electromagnetism, some quantum menchanics (for device level stuff), control system etc.

Answer 4

I am an electrical engineer. Like everything else it depends on exactly what you do. I know a lot of engineers that do not know much about physics and don't need to.

You will need to consider the specialties of both. For example semiconductor design will involve more physics then power plant design.

Similarly mechanical engineers designing bridges may not need as much physics as a mechanical engineer designing a turbo pump with never before used materials.

You decide...

Answer 5

Electrical engineering is probably the neatest as it is just that;Electrical Engineering. Mech engineering covers such a wide field of activity from engines to bridges and everything in between. Both require a high degree of maths knowledge as most of the courses are more like applied maths.

Answer 6

If you want some physics its more on mechanical but if you want to imagine go Electrical because in order to understand Electricity you need alot of imagination what a scientist do good luck on your undertaking by the way Im an Electrical Engineer.

Answer 7

Mechanical Engineering is based mostly on classical physics - Newton's Laws of Motion, Laws of Thermodynamics etc. There is more scope for the application of modern physics in Electrical Engineering, particularly Electronics.

Answer 8

Do a little bit of both.

Basic mechanical engineering is pretty much a dead science. Everything is governed by centuries old equations, and we can plug them into computers to model everything we'd need. Just about any engineer can do it.

The only aspect of mechanical that is still decent is aeronautics, but even then .. meh up to you.

EE however, if you go into the MEMS (nanoscale manufacturing and research) has some aspects of mechanical engineering on the nano-scale, and is also a very very good industry right now.

Answer 9

choose mechanical!
i am an electronics engineer, but i got into electronics because of and by learning mech things first. as a child, i caused fires, broke toys, put my finger into plug points, but was rewarded with NSTS, UPSC topping, silver medals in degree etc etc.
i make robots, because i like tinkering with mechanical things.
remember,
civil engg is the mother of engg sciences
mech followed, though the wheel left mech engg too quickly
mining came next
electrical came by and by
electronics was born yesterday
computers brag today
remember too, that as a succesful engneer, you cant scoff at any branch of engineering!
besides, my case apart, mech engg needs brains, physics included- for you move the world with it!
best of luck!

Answer 10

well mechanical is a proven field but on the other hand is a bit rough.
Electrical is vast and has got more job oppurtunities through its sister concerned branches like electronics, computers etc.
Thereof i would like you to go for Electrical.