TOPIC 1 - INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
• Physics is the study of the relationship between matter and energy.
• A person who studies physics is called physicist.
• A physicist undertakes the study and application of theories and laws of physics in a wide range of fields and industrial applications such as communication, electricity, electronics and nuclear energy.
Science
• Science is the study of nature.
Technology
• Technology is the application of science.
Branches of Physics
· We can best understand the scope of physics by looking at some of its branches .there is two main branches of physics namely classical physics and modern physics.
· Classical physics deals with the fields of study such as electricity, light, heat and mechanics. That is study of motion and energy.
· Modern physics deals with the study of atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. The modern physics emphasizes on the study of composition and structure of matter at the scale of atoms and nuclei.
The following are branches of physics
• Mechanics - This is the study of motion of bodies in the frame of reference.
• Optics - This is the study of physical properties of light.
• Atomic Physics - This is the study of atoms specifically the electrons and its properties.
• Acoustics - It deals with how sound is produced, transmitted ,received and controlled.
Thermodynamics - It deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work
Biophysics - It deals with the study of biological phenomena and problems using the concept of physics
Nuclear Physics - The study of forces ,structure and behavior of atomic nuclei
Astrophysics(Astronomy).- It deals with the study of celestial bodies in the universe
Electromagnetism - This is the study of electrical and magnetic fields as two aspects of the same phenomenon.
Geophysics - This is the study of physical properties of the earth.
Electronics - This is the study of the flow of electrons in a circuit.
Relationship between Physics and Other Subjects
1. Chemistry
Composition and decomposing of matter involves energy.
For example,
• Cooking stoves, fuel burn to release heat energy
• Insect killers and Perfumes packed in container by compressed which comes out with high pressure
N.B
• Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space
2. Biology
Since biology is the scientific subject, which involves living and non-living things, which may be micro and macro organism, it uses application of physics. For example,
• Microscope which made by physicist is used to observe micro organism
Syringe is based on pressure
3. Mathematics
Physicist should master mathematics because physics problems may involve calculations
4. Geography
Geography is the study of man and his environment. It includes soil, rainfall, mountains etc. It uses the application of physics, for example,
• Many instruments like rain gauge, wind vane developed by physicist
• Barometer which used to measure the atmospheric pressure made by physicist
Applications of Physics in Real Life
1. It is applied at home
• All tools and machinery: such as Crowbars, Hammers, door handles, cutlery, hinges, car jack, pulleys, tillage implements etc made by knowledge of physics
• Electrical appliances: such as cooker, iron, heater, electric lamps, washing machine etc made by knowledge of physics
2. It is applied in Medical field
• Machines such as laser, x-ray, incubators, ultrasound and infrared machines are used by using the knowledge and skills acquired in Physics.
3. It is applied when manufacturing different equipments of source of energy
• Batteries and generators provide electrical energy
• Bulbs they provide light energy
• Speaker gives us sound energy
4. It is used in transportation
• All vessels used in transportation is a result of concept of physics.
• For example cars, ships, aeroplane, trains etc
5. It is used in Communication
• All Devices used in communication systems is a result of concept of physics.
• For example, telephones, modems, television, cables etc
6. It is applied in entertainment
• Physics enable people to enjoy a variety of leisure activities as is evident in photography, digital appliances, exercises machines and other sport equipment.
7. It is applied in Industry
• Physicists have been able to come up with tools and process that have resulted in advanced technological equipment and new discoveries.
8. It is applied at schools
• Instruments and apparatus used at school laboratories are made from the application of the knowledge and skills acquired in Physics
Importance of Learning Physics
1. It enables us to answer many questions concerned with physical properties of matter
2. It enables different people to acquire skills that required in different professions. For example,
engineering, teaching and architecture
3. It enables us to design and manufacture different items. Eg Generators etc
4. It enables us to enjoy since we study practically ( Physics is fun )
Review exercise – 1
1. Define Physics.
2. What is science?
3. Define the following terms (a) Matter (b) Physicist
4. Mention and explain the branches of science.
5. How does Physics help in everyday life of an individual?
6. What are the career opportunities of a physicist?
7. Mention four transport vessels that relay on the laws of physics
8. Mention any two forms of energy and explain how they are useful in everyday life.
9. Why is it important to study Physics?
10. How does energy shape the surroundings of man?
11. Match the items in the table below
|
Item A |
Item
B |
|
(a)
Physics (b)
Chemistry (c)
Biology (d)
Geography |
(i)
Deals
with study of living things (ii)
Deals
with behavior of matter (iii) Study
of man and his environment (iv) Study of matter in relation to energy |
