Chapter 0:

An Introduction to Physics

Objectives:

● Determine what Physics governs and controls● Conclude that Physics is the building block of

all sciences● Identify areas in your life that will be impacted

by studying Physics● Differentiate between laws and theories● Provide reasons why problem-solving

techniques are vital to the study of Physics

Definition of Physics

● Physics is the branch of science that describes the motion and energy of all matter throughout the universe

● What are some examples of Physics in everyday life?

● Physics often considered the most fundamental of all sciences– Biology: study of living organisms – uses

principles of fluid movement in body– Chemistry: study of matter – Physics

explains why chemical reactions take place

– Geology: study of Earth – use Physics to analyze earthquakes

– Astronomy: study of everything outside of Earth's atmosphere – uses laws of gravity & relativity

● What are some careers that use Physics every day?

What is a Physicist?

● A person who is an expert in or who studies Physics

● Theoretical Physicist: researches previous theories and mathematical models to form new theories in Physics– Albert Einstein, Plato, Aristotle

● Experimental Physicist: focuses on performing experiments to develop and confirm physical theories (ex: Aristotle)

Physics and Technology● What is the difference between science and

technology?

– Science is a system of knowledge that is concerned with establishing accurate conclusions about the behavior of everything in the universe

– Technology is the field that uses scientific knowledge to develop material products or processes that satisfy human needs/desires

● What are some examples of how science has played a role in improving technology?

– Robotics, bridges, superconductors, liquid crystal displays (LCD's), magnetic levitation, etc.

Subdivisions of Physics● Mechanics ● Thermodynamics● Cryogenics● Plasma Physics● Solid state Physics● Geophysics● Astrophysics● Acoustics● Optics

● Electromagnetism● Fluid dynamics● Mathematical Physics● Statistical Mechanics● High-energy Physics● Atomic Physics● Molecular Physics● Nuclear Physics● Quantum Physics

Theories, Laws, & Problem-Solving● A theory is a scientific conclusion that attempts

to explain natural occurrences and typically has been tested in the lab but not proven with absolute certainty

● Laws are the final degree of scientific certainty● Scientific method is an orderly procedure

used by scientists

● Problem-solving method is a procedure that aids in solving problems