Definition and Branches of Science and Physics
Definition of Science
Science
A systematized body of knowledge based on facts.
- Knowledge about the laws of the physical universe
as obtained and tested through the scientific
method
- From the Greek word scientia which means
knowledge
- Discipline or field of study which aims to explain
and describe a natural phenomenon
Definition of Physics
Physics
- Study of matter and energy, their relation and
interaction in space and time.
Branches of Physics
• Mechanics (motion of objects and systems under the influence
Classical
of force)
(motion
• Themodynamics (heat energy)
and
energy) • Acoustics (sound)
• Electrodynamics (electricity and magnetism)
• Optics (light)
• Quantum physics (based on quantum theory
• Atomic Physics (structure, properties and behavior of
atoms)
• Molecular physics (structure, properties and behavior
of molecules)
Modern • Nuclear physics (structure and properties of the atomic
nucleus and nuclear reactions
• High energy physics (behavior of elementary particles
that make up subatomic particles
• Solid state physics (physical properties of solid
materials
• Properties and behavior of highly ionized gases called
plasma
Scientific Method
 A logical and rational sequence of steps that
scientists follow before arriving at
conclusions
 It helps organize ideas and processes so that
scientists can arrive at more accurate
answers
Steps in Scientific Investigation
• Becoming aware of natural phenomenon that you
would like to investigate
Observation
• Gather as much data as possible about the
phenomenon under investigation
Research
• Formulate tentative, natural and rational
explanation about the phenomenon
Formulating
hypothesis
• Design an experiment by imagining the different
ways you can manipulate the variables
• Conduct an actual experiment
• Summarize the experimental results and how it
matches your hypothesis
Prediction
Experimentation
Conclusion
Hypothesis, Theory, Law and
Model
 Hypothesis – tentative explanation of a phenomenon;
an intelligent guess, natural explanation and not yet
subjected to any experiment
 Theory – explanation supported by several
experiments; flexible enough to be modified upon
discovery of a new phenomena; new theories normal
absorb and not disprove old theories
Hypothesis, Theory, Law and
Model
 Law – theories that stand for a very long time and
experimentally proven on several occasions; predict
events under different situations; uniform and
universal
 Model – scientific assumptions; has few experimental
evidences; contradicted by several other experiments;
not universal
Technology
 Related to science
 Involves design
 Involves making something
 It is multidimensional
 It is concerned with values
 It is socially shaped/shaping
 Kinds of technology: tools and gadgets,
products and processes
Thank you!