TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS | PHYSICS FORM 1
Physics is often described as the study of matter and energy. It is concerned with how matter and energy relate to each other, and how they affect each other over time and through space. Physicists ask the fundamental questions how did the universe begin? how and of what is it made? how does it change? what rules govern its behavior?
The Concepts of Physics
Explain the concepts of physics
Physics, therefore tries to explain how things happen around us or why
they happen the way they do. For example, how a car moves from one point
to another? Why unlike poles of magnets attract? Why does a mango fall?
How is a rainbow formed? And so on.
as a subject uses concepts like force, energy, mass, power among others
to explain different phenomena. Energy, for example, may take the form
of motion, light or electricity. In so doing, students of Physics get to
learn more about matter and energy and how they interact with each
other.
is an experimental science subject, which creates theories that are
tested against observations of the natural world. Theories are used to
explain why things behave the way they do. This is why physicists always
insist on accurate measurements and a record of results during each experiment.
these results are in precise mathematical forms, technologists make use
of such data when designing devices such as radios, televisions, mobile
phones, computers, and artificial satellites. All these things are for
the betterment of human life.
of physics is also applied in other subjects. The principles of
electrostatics and particulate nature, for example, are used to explain
reactions in chemistry. The tools, implements and farm machinery learnt
in agriculture as well as the process of dating historical remains are
applications of physics.
provides the basis for biology. Without space, matter, energy and time
— components that make up the universe — living organisms would not
exist. Physicist Richard Feynman said that everything on earth is made
of atoms, basic units of matter, that constantly move. Since biology has
its foundation in physics, it applies physical natural laws to the
study of living organisms, according to Muskegon Community College. For
instance, physics helps explain how bats use sound waves to navigate in
the dark and how wings give insects the ability to move through the air.
The American Physical Society shares that many flowers arrange their
seeds or petals in a Fibonacci-like sequence to maximize exposure to
light and nutrients. In some cases, biology helps prove physical laws
and theories. Feynman states that biology helped scientists come up with
the law of conservation of energy.
Importance of Studying Physics
State the importance of studying physics
Why Study Physics?
Physics helps us tounderstand how the world around us works,
from can openers, light bulbs and cell phones to muscles, lungs and
brains; from paints, piccolos and pirouettes to cameras, cars and
cathedrals; from earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes to quarks, DNA and
black holes. From the prosaic . . . to the profound . . . to the
poetic. . .
Physics helps us toorganize the universe.It deals with fundamentals, and helps us tosee the connectionsbetween seemly disparate phenomena.Physics gives us powerful tools to help us toexpress our creativity, to see the world in new ways and then to change it.
Physics providesquantitative and analytic skillsneeded foranalyzing data and solving problemsin the sciences, engineering and medicine, as well as in economics, finance, management, law and public policy.
Physics is the basis for most modern technology,
and for the tools and instruments used in scientific, engineering and
medical research and development. Manufacturing is dominated by
physics-based technology.
Physics helps you to help others.Doctors
that don’t understand physics can be dangerous. Medicine without
physics technology would be barbaric. Schools without qualified physics
teachers cut their students off from a host of well-respected, well
paying careers.
Applications of Physics in Real Life
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 crowbars,
hammers, door handles, cutlery, hinges, car jack, 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 tyres. However, using a
car jack makes this task easy. Electrical appliances such as cooker,
iron, heater, electric lamps, washing machine and so on are a result of
the application of the knowledge of physics.
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 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-ray, incubators, ultrasound and infrared
machines. The knowledge used in handling and even actual use of these
machines is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in Physics.
Source of energy;
Some processes and machines help us to 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 energy needed to drive a car. When devices like bulbs
are connected to these sources, they provide light energy for daily use.
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.
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 mails (email), fax massages from fax machines and short
messages (SMS) through mobile phones are reliable means of
communication. All these things require the knowledge of Physics.
Entertainment;
Physics enables people to enjoy a variety of leisure activities as is
evident in photography, digital appliances, exercise machines and other
sport equipment.
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 are a few
examples.
In schools;The instruments and
apparatus used in school laboratories are made through the application
of the knowledge and skill acquired in a Physics class. These apparatus
have to meet certain specifications or standards that are universally
accepted.
Physics in Daily Life
Apply physics in daily life
a car requires a basic understanding of the principles of physics,
whether the driver is conscious of them or not. For instance, the
balance of a car changes as the car accelerates, decelerates or turns.
To keep the car on the road, the driver must anticipate these forces
acting on the car and make adjustments.
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.
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.
Recommended:
- TOPIC 2: INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY PRACTICE | PHYSICS FORM 1
- TOPIC 3: MEASUREMENT | PHYSICS FORM 1
- TOPIC 4: FORCE | PHYSICS FORM 1
- TOPIC 5: ARCHIMEDES’ PRINCIPLE AND LAW OF FLOTATION | PHYSICS FORM 1
- TOPIC 7: PRESSURE | PHYSICS FORM 1
- TOPIC 8: WORK ENERGY AND POWER | PHYSICS FORM 1
- TOPIC 9: LIGHT | PHYSICS FORM 1
