Introduction To Physics

Physics is often described as the study of matter and energy.

Physics is fundamentally the study of matter and energy, exploring the intricate relationship between these two essential components. Physics seeks to understand how matter—anything that has mass and takes up space—interacts with energy, which is the capacity to do work or produce change.

Physicists grapple with profound questions that delve into the nature of existence, such as: How did the universe originate? This inquiry leads to investigations into the Big Bang theory and the subsequent evolution of the cosmos. Moreover, they ask what the universe is composed of, examining everything from subatomic particles to vast galaxies, thus uncovering the fundamental building blocks of matter, including atoms, molecules, and more exotic entities like quarks and leptons.

Another vital aspect of physics is understanding how the universe changes over time. This involves studying the laws of motion, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, which describe how objects move, how energy transfers, and how matter behaves under various conditions.

Finally, physicists seek to uncover the fundamental laws that govern the behaviour of the universe. These laws, such as Newton's laws of motion, Einstein's theory of relativity, and the principles of quantum mechanics, provide a coherent framework for predicting and explaining natural phenomena.

In summary, physics is not only about observing and measuring the physical world; it is a quest for a deeper understanding of the universe, asking critical questions about its origin, composition, dynamics, and the principles that underlie its operation. Through this exploration, physics provides profound insights into the nature of reality itself.

 

The Concepts of Physics

Physics is one of the branches of science which explains how things behave or occur in our environment. For example, how an aeroplane flies, how sound travels, why ice melts, how things move, and how they come to a stop.

Physics enables us to know the uses of concepts of force, energy, motion, structure, size and shape of materials and the way they affect each other, behave or change.

Therefore, Physics is defined as the study of the relationship between matter and energy.

A person who studies and deals with physics is known as a physicist.

Physics uses scientific methods to form theories and concepts which can be used by different scientists to design, make, create, use and change different kinds of technology so as to make life more useful as well as simplify work.

The Relationship between Physics and Other Subjects

Physics is one of the wide fields of study, and it relates to other subjects as follows:

i. Chemistry – Chemistry deals with matter and its properties. Chemistry uses the idea of Physics in many aspects such as: measurement of mass, volume and density of chemicals; designing of apparatus for storing chemicals; designing high pressure cans that can store gases or liquids such as perfumes, mosquito repellents, and air fresheners so that when they come out, they can spread over large distances.

 

ii. Biology – Biology deals with living things and life. It requires knowledge of Physics to know how sunlight (light energy) is transmitted to green plants to make them produce their own food in a process known as photosynthesis.

 

iii. Mathematics – Mathematical concepts and formulas are widely used in teaching and learning Physics. Formulas like Distance travelled = Speed x Time simplify the way Physics concepts can be applied and understood.

 

iv. Geography – Geography deals with the study of man and his surroundings. Physics has a big relationship with Geography, such as in the technology used for measuring weather and climate. Also, nature, structure and components of the universe are well explained using Physics concepts. Physics explains how the formation of rocks takes place and the way the rocks disintegrate to form soil.

Importance of Studying Physics

Why Study Physics?

1. Physics helps us to understand how the world around us works, from bottle openers, light bulbs and cell phones to muscles, lungs and brains; from paints, musical instruments and movements, to cameras, cars and buildings; from earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes to thunder and lightning, and from our DNA genes, to the earth formation.

2. Physics helps us to organise the universe. It deals with fundamentals, and helps us see the connections between seemly disparate phenomena. Physics gives us powerful tools to help us express our creativity, to see the world in new ways and then to change it.

3. Physics provides quantitative and analytic skills needed for analysing data and solving problems in science, engineering and medicine, as well as in economics, finance, management, law and policy.

4. Physics is the basis for most modern technology, and for the tools and instruments used in scientific, engineering, medical research and development. Manufacturing is dominated by physics-based technology.

5. Physics helps you to help others: Physics is an important part of the Medical Field. Medicine without Physics technology would be impossible. Schools without qualified Physics teachers cut their students off from a host of well-respected, well-paying careers.

 

The Applications of Physics in Real Life

Discoveries in Physics have led to various inventions that influence our lives.

1. At home: All tools and machinery that we use in our homes to make work easier are made in accordance with the laws of Physics. They include hoes, hammers, door handles, knives, spoons, hinges, car jacks, pulleys, tillage implements, and so many other things. For example, it would be difficult for us to try to lift a car so as to change its tires. However, using a car jack makes this task easy. Electrical appliances such as a cooker, hot iron, heater, electric lamps, washing machines and so on are a result of the application of the knowledge of Physics.

2. Medical field: A variety of medical processes and machinery rely on the application of the knowledge of Physics. Some of these machines are used in the diagnosis and treatment of various ailments as well as sustaining the lives of patients through certain forms of therapy. Examples of machines used in hospitals include laser, X-rays, incubators, ultrasound and infrared machines. The knowledge used in handling and even the actual use of these machines is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in Physics.

3. Source of energy: Some processes and machines help us obtain energy for our daily use. These machines make use of various laws of Physics to give us different forms of energy. For example, batteries and generators provide electrical energy that is readily used in radios and televisions. A car battery provides the energy needed to drive a car. When devices like bulbs are connected to these sources, they provide light energy for daily use.

4. Transport: Application of laws of Physics governing concepts such as friction and frictional forces ensures that human beings and animals can walk, run and stop without falling over. Vessels used in transportation such as cars, ships, aeroplanes and trains are also able to move, brake and stop when necessary. This is all because the laws related to friction, flotation and balance are observed and applied accordingly. When these laws are disobeyed, ships sink and trains derail.

5. Communication: Devices used in communication systems, such as telephones, modems for accessing the internet and television, use cables, telecommunication transmitters and receivers to relay information. The knowledge of Physics is essential because these instruments make use of fiber optics and radio waves in order to relay messages. Newspapers, letters, electronic mail (email), fax messages from fax machines and short messages (SMS) through mobile phones are reliable means of communication. All these things require knowledge of Physics.

6. Entertainment: Physics enables people to enjoy a variety of leisure activities as is evident in photography, digital appliances, exercise machines and other sports equipment.

7. Industry: Physicists have been able to come up with tools and process that have resulted in advanced technological equipment and new discoveries. These include highly accurate skills such as computer assembly and computer programs used in design, and instruments like binoculars and telescopes. The ability to land on the moon and measure the temperature of bodies is a few examples.

8. In schools: The instruments and apparatus used in school laboratories are made through the application of the knowledge and skills acquired in a Physics class. These apparatus have to meet certain specifications or standards that are universally accepted.

 

Physics in Our Daily Life

Apply physics in daily life

Each of us applies Physics in our day-to-day activities.

Having an understanding of Physics may also help an individual to lift something heavy. For example, by using a simple machine such as an inclined plane or a lever, an individual can make the load easier to lift. Physicists study simple machines extensively and use the lessons they learn to make increasingly efficient tools.

 

It is not easy to walk on a slippery floor unless we wear shoes made with a rough sole.

To stay warm in the winter, people up turn the heat up or use the principles of physics to understand how to make better use of the heat that is already in their homes. Heat flows via conductive, radiant and convective means. Understanding the differences between the three forms will allow an individual to insulate a house better. For example, by using ceiling fans intelligently, someone can make the convective heat flow in a house work to their advantage.

 

• A car driver must be aware of the forces around them to keep the car in position when moving and to avoid overturning when moving around corners. 
• A football player knows that for a ball to go a far point, he must kick it with an extra force so that it absorbs enough energy.
• A cook knows that he/she must use a sharp knife when cutting a piece of meat so as to avoid the application of greater force.
• A person swimming has to displace a large volume of water to continue floating.

Therefore, in one way or another, Physics is essential in our daily life.