PHYSICS 12: Introduction to Physics

Science

It is a systematic way of gaining knowledge about the physical and natural world through observation and testing.

Social Science

Science for human behavior, society, and social relationships. Examples include:

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Economics

• Political Science

• Anthropology

Formal Science

Science for abstract systems, logic, and structures. Examples include:

• Logic

• Mathematics

• Statistics

• Computer Science

Natural Science

Science of the natural world and the physical universe.

• Life Science

  • Biology

  • Botany

  • Zoology

  • Microbiology

• Physical Science

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Earth Science

  • Astronomy

  • Geology

Physics

It is a branch of science that studies:

• Matter

• Energy

• Motion

• Forces

The key idea here is that physics explains how and why things happen in the physical world.

• Explain every phenomenon

• Helps develop new technology

• Improves transportation and communication

• Supports medicine and engineering

• Builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Importance of Physics

Classical Physics

• Includes topics that were developed up until the 1920s and recognized before the beginning of the 20th century.

• Focuses on Newtonian Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Electromagnetic Theory.

Modern Physics

• These are concepts that were developed and recognized since the beginning of the 20th century.

• This includes topics concerned with the behavior of matter and energy under extreme conditions (very large or very small)

Isaac Newton

Father of Classical Physics

Albert Einstein

Father of Modern Physics

Mechanics

• Study of forces acting on bodies at rest or in motion.

• It is divided into the following:

  • Kinematics – study of the quantitative description of motion.

  • Statics – deals with the study of forces at rest.

  • Dynamics – tackles how motion is brought about

Optics

Study of light

• Physical Optics – deals with the study of the nature, properties, and propagation of light.

• Physiological Optics – deals with the study of the part played by light in vision.

• Geometrical Optics - deals with the application of reflection and refraction of light in mirrors and lenses.

Accoustics

The study of nature and propagation of sound

Thermodynamics

The study of temperature and energy; heat flow and transformation of heat energy.

Electromagnetism

The study of the properties and relationship of electric current and magnetism

• Electrostatic - the study of electric charges at rest.

• Electrodynamic – deals with the study of moving charges.

Atomic Physics

Deals with the study of the components, structure, and properties of atoms.

Nuclear Physics

Deals with the structure, properties, reactions, and evolutions of atomic nuclei.

Quantum Physics

Deals on the invisible units of energy called quanta as described in the Quantum Theory.

Solid State Physics (Condensed Matter Physics)

Deals with the study of solid materials, which include semiconductors and superconductivity.

Plasma Physics

Deals with the study of ionized (electric charge) gases.

Relavistic Physics

Deals with phenomena that take place in a frame of reference that in motion with respect to an observer.

Astrophysics

Applies physics to stars, galaxies, and the universe.

Geophysics

Studies the physical properties of the Earth.

Biophysics

Applies physics to biological systems.