TOPIC: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
CONTENT
MEANING AND IMPORTANCE
BRANCHES
SCHIOLARS AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS
MEANING OF PHYSICS
Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy and how they interact with each
other. This energy can take the form of motion, light, electricity, radiation, gravity etc.
Physics deals with matter on scales ranging from sub-atomic particles (i.e. the particles
that make up the atom and the particles that make up those particles) to stars and
even the entire galaxies. It can also be defined as a natural science that involves the
study of matter and its motion through space-time, as well as all applicable concepts,
such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted
in order to understand how the universe behaves.
Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines, perhaps the oldest through its
inclusion of astronomy. Over the last two millennia, Physics had been considered
synonymous with Philosophy, Chemistry, and certain branches of Mathematics and
Biology, but during the scientific revolution in the 16th century, it emerged to become a
unique modern science in its own right. However, in some subject areas such as in
mathematical physics and quantum chemistry, the boundaries of physics remain
difficult to distinguish.
Physics is both significant and influential, in part because advances in its understanding
have often translated into new technologies, but also because new ideas in Physics
often resonate with other sciences, Mathematics, and Philosophy. For example,
advances in the understanding of electromagnetism or Nuclear physics led directly to
the development of new products which have dramatically transformed modern-day
society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear weapons;
advances in thermodynamics led to the development of motorized transport; and
advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.
IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS
1. Understanding the Universe: Physics explores the fundamental laws and principles
governing the universe, including gravity, electromagnetism, and the behavior of
matter and energy. It provides a framework for understanding natural phenomena, from
the motion of planets to the behavior of light and sound.
2. Technological Advancements: Physics is the basis for most modern technologies,
including electronics, computers, medical imaging, and transportation. It underpins
advancements in energy production, materials science, and many other fields that
shape our daily lives. For example, understanding electromagnetism is crucial for the
development of smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices. The study of
optics is essential for medical imaging technologies like MRI and laser surgery.
3. Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Physics education emphasizes critical thinking,
problem-solving, and analytical skills.
4. Enhancing other Sciences: Physics provides a foundation for other scientific
disciplines like chemistry, biology, and geology. For example, thermodynamics, a
branch of physics, is closely related to chemistry.
5. Everyday Life: Understanding how forces, motion, and energy interact helps us better
understand and interact with the world around us
6. Innovation and Future Progress: Physics research continues to drive innovation and
technological breakthroughs
BRANCHES OF PHYSICS
1. Mechanics: Deals with the motion of objects and the forces that cause them to move.
This includes classical mechanics (Newtonian physics) and covers topics like
kinematics, dynamics, and gravitation.
2. Thermodynamics: Focuses on heat, work, temperature, and energy transfer. It
explores concepts like entropy, enthalpy, and the laws of thermodynamics.
3. Electromagnetism: Studies the relationship between electric and magnetic fields,
including electric charge, current, and magnetic forces. This also encompasses optics,
which deals with light and its properties.
4. Quantum Mechanics: Explores the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and
subatomic levels, introducing concepts like quantization of energy, wave-particle
duality, and quantum entanglement.
5. Modern Physics: A broader category encompassing areas that developed after
classical physics, including relativity, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and particle
physics.
Other important branches:
Acoustics: The study of sound and mechanical waves.
Atomic Physics: Focuses on the structure and properties of atoms.
Astrophysics: Applies physics to celestial objects and phenomena.
Geophysics: Investigates the physical processes and properties of the Earth.
Condensed Matter Physics: Studies the physical properties of solid and liquid materials.
Some Scholars in the field of Physics and their Achievements
1. Albert Einstein: Albert Einstein was best known for his General and Special theory
of relativity and the concept of mass-energy equivalence (E = mc2.)
2. Isaac Newton: Isaac Newton’s discoveries created a launchpad for future
developments in science. His most noteworthy innovations were as follows:
Newton’s three laws of motion set the foundation for modern classical mechanics.
The discovery of gravitational force gave us the ability to predict the movement of
heavenly bodies.
His discovery of calculus gave us a potent mathematical tool, aiding the precise
analytical treatment of the physical world.
Isaac Newton is one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time, and his
inventions and discoveries widened the reach of human thoughts.
3. Charles-Augustin de Coulomb is best known for what now is known as the
Coulomb’s law, which explains electrostatic attraction and repulsion. He formulated this
law to study the law of electrostatic repulsion.
4. Georg Simon Ohm, a German Physicist, discovered the law named after him, known
as the “Ohm’s Law” which states that the current flowing a conductor is directly
proportional to its voltage and inversely proportional to its resistance.
5. James Chadwick, a British physicist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1935 for his
discovery of the neutron. Bombarding elements with neutrons can result in the
penetration and splitting of nuclei generating an enormous amount of energy. This way,
Chadwick’s findings were pivotal to the discovery of nuclear fission and ultimately, the
development of the atomic bomb.
6. Michael Faraday: Michael Faraday is one of the revered scientists of all time.
Below is the list of his few noteworthy discoveries:
Discovery of Electromagnetic Induction
7. Thomas Edison made a lot of key inventions and discoveries. Here, we have listed a
few noteworthy ones:
Invented the carbon rheostat
Discovered incandescent light
Invented the motion picture camera
Invented the fluorescent electric lamp
Discovered thermionic emission
Discovery of Benzene
Faraday’s Laws of Electrolysis
Gas Liquefication and Refrigeration
PHYSICS SCHOLARS AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS