1. The Development of Physics

The Development of Physics

Physics

Widely regarded as the “fundamental science” because all other natural sciences obey its principles and laws. Additionally, it’s very dynamic and ever-evolving with challenging existing theories.

Albert Einstein

Well-known personality in the foundations of modern physics, famous for:

1. E = mc²

2. Theory of Relativity

3. The Photoelectric Effect

4. The Mathematical Theory of Brownian Motion

The Photoelectric Effect

Light can behave both as a wave and a particle (through photons)

The Mathematical Theory of Brownian Motion

Justifies the presence of atoms and molecules through the random movement of particles in a fluid

1905

The single year when Einstein accomplished great things is known as Einstein’s Annus Mirabilis or Year of Miracles

Einstein’s Annus Mirabilis or Year of Miracles

1905 is the year Einstein achieved great things

The Nature of Physics

It is the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. It is succintly expressed through mathematical equations and is an experimental science.

James Clerk Maxwell

Developed the fundamentals of electromagnetic equations through a set of mathematical equations, which form the basics of electromagnetism.

“ A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field”

Where James Clerk Maxwell published his papers in 1865 in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society

Heinrich Hertz

He performed the experimental proof of Maxwell’s equations and validated the existence of electromagnetic waves and that the waves travel at the speed of light

Branches of Physics

1. Classical Physics

2. Modern Physics

1. Classical Physics

Refers to physics that was developed before the 20th century and describes observable phenomena and macroscopic objects

Sub-Branches of Classical Physics

1. Mechanics

2. Thermodynamics

3. Acoustics

4. Optics

5. Electromagnetism

1. Mechanics

Focuses on the study of the relationship and interaction of force and motion

2. Thermodyanmics

Focuses on the interaction of heat, temperature, and energy and how they are converted into work

3. Acoustics

Deals with the study of mechanical waves in different media and encompasses production, control, transmission, reception, and effects of mechanical waves

4. Optics

Deals with the study of the nature and properties of light, its behaviors, and interactions

5. Electromagnetism

Deals with the study of how electricity and magnetism are interrelated with one another

2. Modern Physics

Refers to the body of physics knowledge that emerged from the 20th century up to the present and includes quantum physics and relativity. It primarily deals with the study of particles that are smaller than the atomic size and are moving at the speed of light

Sub-Branches of Modern Physics

1. Atomic Physics

2. Nuclear Physics

3. Quantum Mechanics

4. Relativistic Physics

1. Atomic Physics

Focuses on the nature and properties of the atom with respect to the electron configuration

2. Nuclear Physics

Focuses on the interaction and activities in the nucleus of an atom

3. Quantum Mechanics

Deals with the interaction of matter and energy within the constructs of quantum physics, such as the wave-particle duality

4. Relativistic Physics

Deals with the study of the universe’s space, time, mass, and energy at every high speed (i.e, the speed of light)

Hypotheses

Proposed solutions/testable explanations

Technology

Refers to the application of scientific concepts and principles for practical purposes

3 Classifications of Technology

1. Tools

2. Processes

3. Products

1. Tools

Refer to any tangible or intangible product that helps in performing a task. (Ex. Lab Apparatus and Software Programs)

2. Processes

Refer to any specific steps, actions, or changes that lead to a result or transform raw materials into functional products. (Ex. Modern Manufacturing Techniques—Robotics and 3D printing, and Chemical Processses - Oil Refining and the Solvay Process)

3. Products

Are any tangible and intangible outputs that are created from the utilization of both tools and processes

Airbag

Impulse and momentum

Skeletal Traction Device

Mechanics - An orthopedic treatment that makes use of a system of weights, ropes, and pulleys that are positioned systematically to create tensional force,

Air Conditioners and Refrigerators

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Noise-canceling device

Sound waves - Uses destructive interferences to cancel noise

Bullet trains

Aerodynamics - Are designed with a very pointed front end to help reduce air resistance, leading to faster travel compared to other types of trains.

Space Telescopes

Optics and the Electromagnetic Spectrum - Are among the most powerful telescopes in the world. The most common, the reflecting telescope, works by using curved mirrors to focus light to a focal point for recording and analysis

Computer Chips

Quantum Mechanics - are now smaller due in part to the advances in the process called photolithography, a process that uses light to engrave more complex and smaller patterns on a chip

Magnetic Separation

Magnetism - Separation of ferrous metal involves magnetic wheels running under a moving belt