Conceptual Physics
Mr Evans
Rm 714
Objectives
•Define physics
•List the 6 branches of physics
•Define model
•Explain the importance of models
•Describe how models are used
What is Physics?
The goal of physics is to
understand the rules that govern the
way the natural world behaves.
I. The Nature of Physics and
Learning Physics?
• Physics is a process of learning about the
physical world by finding ways to make sense
of what we observe and measure.
• Learning physics requires that you
continually compare and contrast your
observations to your intuitions and
expectations.
• Physics helps you make sense of the physical
world.
• Physics is the refinement of common sense. It
is more than common sense.
• Physics is common sense made consistent by
continued reference to both theory and
experiment.
• Physics is not a jumble of separate equations
to be memorized.
The key to understanding physics is to learn
fundamental relationships and to apply them
to new scientific problems.
Conclusion…
Physics is defined as the study of matter
and energy…it is the study of everything.
True/False
1.Temperature is the same thing as heat
FALSE
True/False
6. To produce heat, the sun burns hydrogen
in a combustion reaction.
FALSE
True/False
8.If a feather and hammer are dropped on
the Moon at the same time from the same
height they will hit the Moon’s surface at
the same time.
TRUE
True/False
9. The Moon has no gravity.
FALSE
True/False
10. Mass and weight have essentially the
same meaning. To increase the weight of
an object requires an increase in the mass
of the object.
FALSE
True/False
12. An astronaut orbits the Earth 500 miles
above its surface. She appears to be
weightless because there is virtually no
gravitational force on her.
FALSE
True/False
22. If a car hits a tree, the car’s occupants
(assume no seat belts or air bags) will be
violently thrown forward due to a force
created by the car seats.
False
True/False
26. Iron can exist as a gas.
TRUE
What are the branches of
physics?
1.Mechanics
-The study of
motion and its
causes…kinematics
and dynamics.
2.Thermodynamics
-The study of
heat and
temperature.
Thermo = heat
3. Waves and Optics
-the study of specific
types of wave motion
and light
4.Electromagnetism
-The study of
electricity and
magnetism
Remember this by
breaking the word
apart.
electro (electricity) +
magnetism =
electromagnetism
5. Modern Physics
Include the areas of
1.Relativity -The
study of high speed
particles.
2. Quantum Physics and
Atomic Physics The study of the nature
of matter and light at
the microscopic level.
What do you think?
Which areas of physics deal with the following?
1. Cooling off on a hot day by diving into a
swimming pool.
2. Wearing a pair of sunglasses.
3. Building a louder stereo system in your car.
4. Bungee jumping
5. Playing in the high school band
How is physics distinct from
chemistry, biology or other
sciences?
Physics does not, nor is it
supposed to, describe reality
exactly as it is.
Part of the art of solving physics
problems or analyzing phenomena
is choosing the right model.
Lesson Objectives
At the end of the lesson you should be able
to:
1. Define model as it relates to science.
2. Explain how models are used in science.
3. List 3 types of models also known as
representations used in physics.
4. Provide examples of how each
representation is used in physics.
Models: A Vehicle for
Understanding
• Understanding Physics begins with building
models…mentally, that is!
• Modeling, in science, is a skill that takes
some practice and experience to acquire.
Model Building involves:
• Simplifying the situation
• Isolating the essential features of that
situation
• Developing a set of relationships (usually in
the form of equations) that provides an
adequate, although not perfect, description
of reality.
Think/Pair/Share
Consider the phrase,
“The quick brown fox
jumped over the lazy
dog.” Which details
of this situation would
a physicist who is
modeling the path of
a fox ignore?
What kinds of models will you
use in this course?
1. Pictures (pictorial representation)- shows
a sketch of the situation.
What kinds of models will you
use in this course?
2. Graphs (graphical representation)- graphs
are very useful for identifying trends and
drawing conclusions.
What kinds of models will you
use in this course?
3. Math (mathematical representation) –
demonstrates relationships in very brief
terms