Physics
The word science comes from a Latin word “scientia” which means
‘to know’. Science is nothing but the knowledge gained through the
systematic observations and experiments. Scientific methods include
the systematic observations, reasoning, modelling and theoretical
prediction. Science has many disciplines, physics being one of them.
The word physics has its origin in a Greek word meaning ‘nature’.
Physics is the most basic science, which deals with the study of nature
and natural phenomena. Understanding science begins with
understanding physics. With every passing day, physics has brought to
us deeper levels of understanding of nature.
Physics is an empirical study. Everything we know about physical
world and about the principles that govern its behaviour has been
learned through observations of the phenomena of nature. The ultimate
test of any physical theory is its agreement with observations and
measurements of physical phenomena. Thus physics is inherently a
science of measurement.
Scope of Physics
The scope of physics can be understood if one looks at its various sub-disciplines such as mechanics, optics, heat and thermodynamics, electrodynamics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, etc.
Mechanics deals with motion of particles and general systems of particles. The working of telescopes, colours of thin films are the topics dealt in optics. Heat and thermodynamics deals with the pressure - volume changes that take place in a gas when its temperature changes, working of refrigerator, etc. The phenomena of charged particles and magnetic bodies are dealt in electrodynamics. The magnetic field around a current carrying conductor, propagation of radio waves etc. are the areas where electrodynamics provide an answer. Atomic and nuclear physics deals with the constitution and structure of matter, interaction of atoms and nuclei with electrons, photons and other elementary particles. Foundation of physics enables us to appreciate and enjoy things and happenings around us. The laws of physics help us to understand and comprehend the cause-effect relationships in what we observe. This makes a complex problem to appear pretty simple. Physics is exciting in many ways. To some, the excitement comes from the fact that certain basic concepts and laws can explain a range of phenomena. For some others, the thrill lies in carrying out new experiments to unravel the secrets of nature. Applied physics is even more interesting. Transforming laws and theories into useful applications require great ingenuity and persistent effort.
Physics, Technology and Society
Technology is the application of the doctrines in physics for
practical purposes. The invention of steam engine had a great impact
on human civilization. Till 1933, Rutherford did not believe that energy
could be tapped from atoms. But in 1938, Hann and Meitner discovered
neutron-induced fission reaction of uranium. This is the basis of nuclear
weapons and nuclear reactors. The contribution of physics in the
development of alternative resources of energy is significant. We are
consuming the fossil fuels at such a very fast rate that there is an
urgent need to discover new sources of energy which are cheap.
Production of electricity from solar energy and geothermal energy is a
reality now, but we have a long way to go. Another example of physics
giving rise to technology is the integrated chip, popularly called as IC.
The development of newer ICs and faster processors made the computer
industry to grow leaps and bounds in the last two decades. Computers
have become affordable now due to improved production techniques and low production costs. The legitimate purpose of technology is to serve people. Our society is becoming more and more science-oriented. We can become better members of society if we develop an understanding of the basic laws of physics.
Scope of Physics
The scope of physics can be understood if one looks at its various sub-disciplines such as mechanics, optics, heat and thermodynamics, electrodynamics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, etc.
Mechanics deals with motion of particles and general systems of particles. The working of telescopes, colours of thin films are the topics dealt in optics. Heat and thermodynamics deals with the pressure - volume changes that take place in a gas when its temperature changes, working of refrigerator, etc. The phenomena of charged particles and magnetic bodies are dealt in electrodynamics. The magnetic field around a current carrying conductor, propagation of radio waves etc. are the areas where electrodynamics provide an answer. Atomic and nuclear physics deals with the constitution and structure of matter, interaction of atoms and nuclei with electrons, photons and other elementary particles. Foundation of physics enables us to appreciate and enjoy things and happenings around us. The laws of physics help us to understand and comprehend the cause-effect relationships in what we observe. This makes a complex problem to appear pretty simple. Physics is exciting in many ways. To some, the excitement comes from the fact that certain basic concepts and laws can explain a range of phenomena. For some others, the thrill lies in carrying out new experiments to unravel the secrets of nature. Applied physics is even more interesting. Transforming laws and theories into useful applications require great ingenuity and persistent effort.
Physics, Technology and Society
Technology is the application of the doctrines in physics for
practical purposes. The invention of steam engine had a great impact
on human civilization. Till 1933, Rutherford did not believe that energy
could be tapped from atoms. But in 1938, Hann and Meitner discovered
neutron-induced fission reaction of uranium. This is the basis of nuclear
weapons and nuclear reactors. The contribution of physics in the
development of alternative resources of energy is significant. We are
consuming the fossil fuels at such a very fast rate that there is an
urgent need to discover new sources of energy which are cheap.
Production of electricity from solar energy and geothermal energy is a
reality now, but we have a long way to go. Another example of physics
giving rise to technology is the integrated chip, popularly called as IC.
The development of newer ICs and faster processors made the computer
industry to grow leaps and bounds in the last two decades. Computers
have become affordable now due to improved production techniques and low production costs. The legitimate purpose of technology is to serve people. Our society is becoming more and more science-oriented. We can become better members of society if we develop an understanding of the basic laws of physics.
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