Chapter 1: A Physics Toolkit
Introduction To Physics
(What is Physics?)
Learning Intentions
I am learning to know more
about physics subject… what we
are going to study and why.
Success Criteria
Define I can define the term “Physics".
Identify I can identify different branches of physics.
Explore I can explore different physicist careers.
New Scientific Word to learn
Physics Mechanics Thermodynamics Optics
Acoustic Electromagnetism Astrophysics cosmology
Starter
What do you know about Physics?
Guess the definition.
List some physicists.
Why we study physics?
What will happen without physics?
Students’ Response
What is Physics?
Let’s watch the video together and discuss…
Video Link
The word physics
Physics is the branch of science that studies comes from the
Greek word
matter, energy and their relationships.
(φυσική), which
Physics tells us how things work and the means meaning
"nature".
reason behind it.
Try to Guess
List some branches of
physics.
Students’ Response
Branches of physics
Physics study all kinds of
matter from the tiniest (like
atom and its subatomic
particles) to the largest (like
stars, galaxies, and the
universe itself).
Different Branches of physics
Mechanics
Astrophysics and
cosmology Optics
Nuclear and particle
Acoustic
physics
Electromagnetism Thermodynamics
Mechanics
Mechanics is the branch of physics that
studies the motion of an object and forces.
It is divided into two branches:
Quantum Mechanics Classical mechanics
(deals with the behavior of smallest (deals with laws of motion of forces and
particles like neutrons, protons, and physical objects.)
electrons)
Real-Life Application of Mechanics
Fluid mechanics: studies the
movement of fluids.
Biomechanics: is the study
of the motion of living things.
Example: This researcher is collecting data about the motion of an athlete (to detect what’s going on
inside the body)
Optics
Optics is the study of the behavior
and properties of light.
It includes the generation, propagation,
transmission, and detection of:
• visible light
• Infrared
• Ultraviolet
• microwave radiation.
Some Real-Life Applications of Optics
• A system of mirrors is used to redirect Fever screen thermal cameras
laser light during an optics investigation. It detects infrared energy (heat) and
converts it into a visual image.
Acoustic
Acoustic is the study of sound and
its transmission, production, and
effects.
• It involves the study of mechanical
waves in gases, liquids, and solids
which includes vibration, sound,
ultrasound, and infrasound.
Real-Life Application of Acoustic
Architectural acoustics
• used to enhance the quality of music in a concert hall or recording studio.
• or suppressing noise to make offices and homes more comfortable.
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the study of
heat and its relationship with work
and energy.
It also deals with the transmission of
heat energy by means of convection,
conduction, and radiation.
Real-Life Application of Thermodynamics
This NASA model allows scientists to
predict how heat shields should
performed in the atmosphere.
• Thermal protection system or heatshields form the
outer surface of spacecraft to provide protection as the
vehicle plunges through planetary atmospheres.
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is the
study of electricity,
magnetism, and the
relationship between
them.
Some Real-Life Applications of Electromagnetism
Magnetic suspension trains MRI Electric fan
It uses a strong magnetic field It uses electric motor which
Instead of rolling on rails, the train is and radio waves to create
held in magnetic levitation by moves by the magnetic field
powerful electromagnets. detailed images of the organs produced by the electric
and tissues in the body. current.
Nuclear and Particle physics
Nuclear physics studies the
constituents of atomic nucleus
(protons and neutrons) and
interactions between them.
On 6th August 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima by US air forces. This was the first
time a nuclear weapon had ever been used.
Astrophysics and Cosmology
Astrophysics: is the study of the
physical properties of celestial bodies
such as stars and galaxies.
Cosmology: is the study of
development and overall structure
Image of black hole at the center of galaxy
of the universe. M87 in 2019 obtained by Event Horizon
Telescope.
Careers and Physics
• Accelerator Operator
• Applications Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Design Engineer
• High School Physics Teacher
• IT Consultant
• Lab Technician
• Laser Engineer
• Optical Engineer
• Research Associate
• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Specialist
• Web Developer
Check Your Knowledge
Define Physics and label some branches of physics involved in the figure.
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Check Your Knowledge
Define Physics and label some branches of physics involved in the figure.
Reflect
How do you feel about today’s lesson?