General Science: The Nature and Applications of Physics

Vocabulary flashcards covering the branches of classical and modern physics, major historical scientific discoveries, technological application categories, and translational motion linear quantities.

Physics

The study of how matter and energy and their interactions interact, which is expressed in mathematical equations.

James Clerk Maxwell

Scientist who developed the fundamentals of electromagnetism through a set of mathematical equations published in 1895 in his paper "A Dynamic Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.

Heinrich Hertz

Scientist who performed the experimental proof of Maxwell's equations, validating the existence of EM waves and that they travel at the speed of light.

Classical Physics

The branch of physics developed before the 20th century (encompassing mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism) that describes the visible world.

Mechanics

The branch of classical physics that studies the relationship and interaction of force and motion.

Thermodynamics

The branch of classical physics that studies the interaction of heat and temperature and how it is converted into work.

Acoustics

The branch of classical physics that studies mechanical waves in different media, encompassing their production, control, transmission, reception, and effects.

Optics

The branch of classical physics that studies the nature and properties of light, its behaviors, and interactions.

Electromagnetism

The branch of classical physics that studies how electricity and magnetism are interrelated to one another.

Modern Physics

The body of physics knowledge that emerged from the 20th century up to the present, revealing the invisible world and revolving around particles smaller than atomic size moving at the speed of light.

Atomic Physics

A branch of modern physics that focuses on the nature and properties of the atom with respect to its electron configuration.

Nuclear Physics

A branch of modern physics that focuses on the interaction and activities in the nucleus of an atom.

Quantum Mechanics

A branch of modern physics dealing with the interaction of matter and energy within the constructs of quantum physics, such as wave-particle duality.

Relativistic Physics

The branch of modern physics that studies the universe's space, time, mass, and energy at very high speeds (i.e., the speed of light).

Scientific Method

A systematic process involving: ask a question -> collect information, make observations -> form a hypothesis -> conduct experiment -> record and analyze data, draw conclusions -> communicate results.

Technology

Refers to the way scientific concepts are applied for practical purposes.

Tools

Any tangible or intangible product that helps in performing a task, such as laboratory apparatus and software programs.

Processes

Specific methods or procedures used to transform raw materials into functional products, including robotics, three-dimensional printing, oil refining, and the Solvay process.

Products

Any tangible or intangible outputs created from the utilization of both tools and processes, such as a smartphone.

Airbag Technology

An application of physics relying on Newton's Laws of Motion, specifically impulse and momentum.

Skeletal Traction Device

A medical application relying on mechanics, specifically tension and equilibrium.

Noise Cancellation Device

A technology that relies on sound waves and wave interference.