Physics

Physics

Branch of science that deals with matter, energy, motion, force, space, and time.

Mechanics

Branch of physics that deals with the motion of physical objects and the forces acting on them.

Thermodynamics

Branch that studies the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy.

Electromagnetism

Study of interactions between electrically charged particles and electromagnetic fields.

Optics

Branch of physics that studies the behavior, properties, and manipulation of light.

Acoustics

Branch of physics that studies sound and mechanical waves.

Quantum Physics

Branch that studies matter and light at atomic and subatomic levels.

Nuclear Physics

Study of the constituents, structure, behavior, and interactions of atomic nuclei.

Astrophysics

Branch of space science that applies physics and chemistry to understand how the universe works.

Scientific Method

Process scientists use to solve problems and answer questions.

Observation

First step of the scientific method.

Problem Identification

Second step of the scientific method.

Formulation of Hypothesis

Third step of the scientific method.

Experimentation

Fourth step of the scientific method.

Data Collection

Fifth step of the scientific method.

Analysis of Data

Sixth step of the scientific method.

Conclusion

Seventh step of the scientific method.

Communication of Results

Eighth step of the scientific method.

Physics and Technology

Technology is highly dependent on physics, which engineers and scientists apply to improve inventions and solve societal problems.

Physics and Society

Physics contributes to transportation, electricity, communication, healthcare, space exploration, renewable energy, and disaster preparedness.

Kinematics

Branch of physics that describes the motion of objects without considering the causes of motion such as force.

Motion

Change in the position of an object with respect to time.

Distance

Total path traveled by an object.

Displacement

Shortest straight-line path from the initial position to the final position.

Scalar Quantity

Quantity that has magnitude only.

Vector Quantity

Quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Speed

Rate of change of distance.

Speed Formula

Speed = Distance ÷ Time.

Velocity

Rate of change of displacement; it includes direction.

Velocity Formula

Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time.

Acceleration

Rate of change of velocity.

Acceleration Formula

Acceleration = (Final Velocity − Initial Velocity) ÷ Time.

Acceleration SI Unit

Meters per second squared (m/s²).

When does an object accelerate?

When it speeds up, slows down, or changes direction.

Displacement-Time Graph

A graph where the slope represents velocity.

Horizontal Line on a Displacement-Time Graph

Means the object is at rest.

Velocity-Time Graph

A graph where the slope represents acceleration and the area under the graph represents displacement.

Acceleration-Time Graph

Shows changes in acceleration over time.

Kinematic Equations

Equations used for uniformly accelerated motion.

u

Initial velocity.

v

Final velocity.

a

Acceleration.

t

Time.

s

Displacement.

Real-Life Application of Kinematics

Measuring the time it takes a person to walk a certain distance using a stopwatch or cellphone timer.