Physics
Introduction
1.1 What is Science
• “Science is the process of seeking and applying knowledge
about our universe.”
• Science is a process.
•
Science is knowledge, often as opposed to intuition,
belief, etc.
•
Science is Systematized knowledge derived from
observation, study and experimentation carried on in
order to determine the nature or principles of what is
being studied.
•
A Science must have PREDICTIVE power
1.2 The Science of Physics
Three fundamental aspects of Physics:
1. Describing the organization of the universe.
•
matter and energy
2. Understanding the natural laws that govern the universe.
•
belief that all events follow a set of laws that do not change
3. Deducing and applying natural laws.
•
science as a process
Physics is natural sciences or natural philosophy
1.3 Mathematics is the natural language
of Physics
Engineering
Biology
Geology
Chemistry
Astronomy
Physical
Reality
Abstraction
Spring 2008
Our
Universe
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1.4 Areas within Physics
Area
Mechanics
Subject
Examples
Professions
motion and its causes
falling objects, friction, weighrt,
spinning objects
mechanical engineer, roller coaster
designer, aerospace engineer
Thermodynamics
Physics that deals with the
relationships and conversions
between heat and other forms of
energy.
Roller Coasters. Anything that has
friction. Cell Respiration.
Engineer, Materials Scientists,
Thermodynamics Specialist, Welders,
Brake Press Operators,
Vibrations and wave
phenomena
Specific types of repetitive motions
... the study of visible sound and
vibration.
Music, people talking, springs,
pendulums
Seismologist, audiologists, Physicists,
Astromomers, Astrophysicists
Optics
deals with light, reflection and
refraction
mirrors, lenses
Electromagnetism
Branch of physics which deals with
elecricity and magnetism and the
interaction between them.
doorbells, electric motors
Relativity
particles moving at any speed,
including very high speeds
particle collisions, particle
accelerators, nuclear energy
Quantum mechanics
behavior of submicroscopic particals. the atom and its parts.
Mechanics,
Electricians
electronics, aerospace, engineering,
telecommunications.
1.5 Mechanics
•
Physics is science of measurements
•
Mechanics deals with the motion of objects
o
What specifies the motion?
o
Where is it located?
o
When was it there?
o
How fast is it moving?
 Before we can answer these questions
 We must develop a common language
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2. Physics: Like a Mystery Story
•
Nature presents the clues
•
Experiments
•
We devise the hypothesis
•
Theory
•
A hypothesis predicts other facts that can be checked
- is the theory right?
•
Right - keep checking
•
Wrong - develop a new theory
•
Physics is an experimental science
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1.1 The Science of Physics
2.1 Matter and Energy
*The universe consists of only matter and
energy
1.1 The Science of Physics
Inquiry and Observation
*We will explore Physics using inquiry through
observation.
2.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Models, Evidence, Analysis and Theories
2.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Importance of Experiments
• We use experiments to test and evaluate theories.
2.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Scientific Evidence
Images and sketches
Measurements and data
Graphs and charts
2.2 Development of Scientific
Knowledge
Scientific Knowledge and the Solar System
Early civilizations
believed the Earth
was covered by a
dome on which the
sun, stars and
planets moved.
In the Middle Ages,
people thought the
sun, stars and
planets circled the
Earth.
Today we know the
earth and planets
orbit the sun.
3. Physics is Useful
• Engineering
• Medicine and health
professions
3 Physics is Useful
• Business and finance
• Art, music, and food
3 Physics is Useful
• The relationship between
physics and other fields of
science