Introduction to Physics as a subject

Here is a brief introduction to physics as a subject. I hope you will enjoy this?

Introduction to physics as a subject, analyzing the different aspects of physics;
Economic importance of physics;
Scholars and achievement in the field of physics.

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
• Define Physics and state its branches or aspects using well detailed modern classification
• State at least 5 economics importance of Physics
• Mention at least 10 scholars in the field of physics stating their respective achievements

WEEK 1 

Topic: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS AS A SUBJECT

Subtopic: 

• Analyzing the different aspects of physics

• Economic importance of physics

• Scholars and achievement in the field of physics

INTRODUCTION

Physics aims to describe the function of everything around us, from the movement of tiny charged particles to the motion of people, cars, and spaceships. In fact, almost everything around you can be described quite accurately by the law s of physics

DEFINITION OF PHYSICS

Physics (from the ancient Greek: ϕύσις physis “nature”) is a part of natural philosophy and natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.

Also, physics can be defined as the study of the laws governing the structure of the universe in terms of the interaction between the energy and matter of which it contains.

BRANCHES OF PHYSICS

Branches of Physics (Simple Categorization for Senior Secondary Education)

1. Mechanics and properties of matter

2. Heat and thermal physics (or heat and thermodynamics)

3. Electricity, magnetism and electronics (semiconductor devices)

4. Optics and waves

5. Modern Physics (Atomic and Nuclear)

IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS TO SOCIETY

A statement adopted by IUPAP, March 1999 was

“Physics – the study of matter, energy and their interactions – is an international enterprise, which plays a key role in the future progress of humankind. The support of physics education and research in all countries is important because:”

1. Physics is an exciting intellectual adventure that inspires young people and expands the frontiers of our knowledge about Nature.

2. Physics generates fundamental knowledge needed for future technological advances that will continue to drive the economic engines of the world.

3. Physics contributes to the technological infrastructure and provides trained personnel needed to take advantage of scientific advances and discoveries.

4. Physics is an important element in the education of chemists, engineers and computer scientists, as well as practitioners of the other physical and biomedical sciences.

5. Physics extends and enhances our understanding of other disciplines, such as the earth, agricultural, chemical, biological, and environmental sciences, plus astrophysics and cosmology – subjects of substantial importance to all peoples of the world.

6. Physics improves our quality of life by providing the basic understanding necessary for developing new instrumentation and techniques for medical applications, such as computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasonic imaging, and laser surgery.