Chapter 1: Physics in Daily Life

Physics in Daily Life: Essential Questions and Fundamentals

• The study of Physics is guided by the essential question: "How does physics improve the quality of life of Filipinos?"

• Physics is defined as a branch of science concerned with the study of the nature and properties of matter and energy, as well as their interactions across various fields.

• Classification of Physics:

  • Classical Physics

  • Modern Physics

SI Basic Units of Measurement

• System International (SI) units provide a standard for measurement across all scientific disciplines:

  • Length: meter ($m$)

  • Mass: kilogram ($kg$)

  • Time: second ($s$)

  • Temperature: Kelvin ($K$)

  • Amount of Substance: mole ($mol$)

  • Electric Current: ampere ($A$)

  • Luminous Intensity: candela ($cd$)

Lesson 1.1: Physics in Household Activities

• Electricity

  • Electricity is a phenomenon associated with stationary (static) or moving (current) electric charges.

  • Etymology: The word "electricity" originates from the Greek word "ēlektron," which means "amber."

  • Historical context: Ancient Greeks first observed static electricity by noticing that rubbing amber could attract light objects.

• Thermal Energy

  • Definition of Thermal Energy: Refers to the internal motion of particles within a substance.

  • Definition of Heat: Refers to the flow or transfer of thermal energy between systems.

  • Behavior of Molecules:

    • The hotter a substance becomes, the faster its molecules travel.

    • When the temperature is reduced, molecules slow down, resulting in lower thermal energy.

• Light

  • Light is a type of energy that enables visual perception. It travels from sources such as the Sun or artificial light bulbs.

  • Wave-Particle Duality of Light:

    • Light acts as a wave when it is moving or spreading out through space.

    • Light acts as a particle when it interacts with matter, bounces off surfaces, or exchanges energy.

• Simple Machines

  • These are mechanical devices that perform work by changing the direction or magnitude of an applied force. They typically involve very little internal motion.

  • Six types of simple machines commonly found in households:

    1. Pulley

    2. Wheel and Axle

    3. Inclined Plane

    4. Lever

    5. Screw

    6. Wedge

Energy Conservation and Legislation in the Philippines

• Republic Act No. 11285

  • Known as the "Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act."

  • Signed into law on 12 April 2019.

  • Purpose: To institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation, enhance the efficient use of energy, and provide incentives for energy efficiency projects.

• National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NEECP)

  • Includes a comprehensive Roadmap spanning from 2023 to 2050.

Lesson 1.2: Physics in Health and Safety

• Medicine (Medical Physics)

  • Medical Physics applies the principles of physical sciences to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases.

  • Key focus areas include:

    • Ionizing radiation measurement.

    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

    • Application of physics-based technologies such as lasers and ultrasound.

• Safety Devices

  • Mechanical safety devices are practical applications of Newton’s Laws of Motion and the Impulse-Momentum Theorem.

  • Core Goal: To minimize the impact force acting on the human body during a sudden stop by increasing the duration of the stop ($F \times \Delta t = \Delta p$).

• Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP) 2023-2028

  • Target: Aiming for at least a $35\%$ reduction in road traffic deaths by the year 2028.

  • Vision: A Philippine society with zero road deaths.

  • The Five Pillars of PRSAP:

    1. Road Safety Management

    2. Safer Road

    3. Safer Vehicles

    4. Safer Vehicle Users

    5. Post-crash Response

Lesson 1.3: Physics in Work and Productivity

• Physics in Modern Workplaces

  • Physics serves as the "invisible backbone" of efficiency and safety in the professional environment.

  • Key areas of application:

    • Machines and Automation: Streamlining repetitive tasks.

    • Power Tools: Enhancing human physical capabilities.

    • Transportation Systems: Managing the movement of goods and personnel.

    • Agricultural Technologies: Applying physics to food production and harvesting.

• Physics in Industry

  • Industrial application scales physics for production and energy:

    • Manufacturing Processes: Utilizing mechanics and thermodynamics.

    • Renewable Energy Technologies: Harnessing natural forces (solar, wind, etc.) for electricity.

    • Engineering Innovations: Developing new materials and structures.

• Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) and Phase Transformation

  • SMAs represent engineering innovation through temperature-controlled shape changes:

    1. Original Shape: The metal exists in a specific state at low temperatures.

    2. Deformed State: The metal is bent or reshaped while at a low temperature.

    3. Heating: When heated, the material reverts to its original shape over time.

    4. Cooling: The material returns to a low-temperature state, maintaining its "memory."

Lesson 1.4: Physics in Entertainment

• Physics in Sports

  • Athletes intuitively manipulate physical forces to maximize performance:

    • Gravity: Managing jumps and projectile motion.

    • Fluid Drag and Aerodynamics: Reducing resistance in movement.

  • Applied Examples:

    • Basketball Shooting: Achieving the ideal arc and trajectory.

    • Volleyball Serving: Controlling force and spin.

    • Cycling: Overcoming air resistance and friction.

    • Swimming: Managing buoyancy and water resistance.

• Physics in Modern Media and Leisure

  • Entertainment technology relies on the manipulation of waves, light, and data:

    • Sound Systems: Controlling acoustic waves.

    • Mobile Phones: Utilizing electromagnetic waves and data processing.

    • Gaming Devices: Rendering physics-based simulations in real-time.

    • Amusement Park Rides: Utilizing centripetal force, gravity, and mechanical energy for immersive experiences.