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1What is physics?All you need to know

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meaning of physics

Physics has created a strong foundation for other natural sciences such as biology and chemistry. When the word "physics is mentioned, most people run for cover due to the perception that it is hard. Physics is not only for rocket scientists! Funny enough, we are surrounded by physics all the time whether you realize it or not. Physics as an old and wide field of science deals with the study of matter and energy. The word "physics' originates from the Greek to mean "knowledge of nature". Generally, physics aims to understand and analyze the natural phenomena of the universe.

Characterized by many scientific laws, statements that describe natural phenomena that have been tested and confirmed over and over, physics is considered as the most fundamental science which provides a basis for all other natural sciences. Therefore, without physics, we are not sure if chemistry, biology or anything else would exist. Physics uses measurements, experiments and mathematical analysis to find quantitative physical laws for everything, from microcosmos nanoworld to galaxies, planets and solar systems that occupy the macro cosmos. Physicists try to precisely define the necessary measurable quantities of the universe such as electric field, velocity, kinetic energy etc. The quest to find the best original description of our universe has been a big part of physics throughout history. Physicists also try to establish the relationships between these fundamental measured quantities such as Newton's laws, special relativity, conservation of energy etc. These correlations and patterns are well expressed by the use of equations, charts, words, graphs, models, diagrams and other methods which express a relationship in the best way that human can easily understand and use.

History of Physics

Physics was first studied by the Ancient Greeks who are considered as the 'founders' of the early physics due to their push to understand better the natural world around them. Some of the great players of early physics are Aristotle, Socrates and Plato. The modern physics came later with the likes of Newton, Copernicus and Galileo between the 1500s and 1600s. Modern physics has seen many crucial scientific breakthroughs since many individuals discovered more and more about the universe. E.g., it is in this era of scientific revolution that Copernicus first demonstrated how the earth revolves the sun, and not the other way around (the sun revolves around the earth, No!)

Galileo made many astronomical discoveries and described many fundamental physics concepts. By perfecting the telescope, Galileo discovered the planetary satellites and sunspots. Today's physics would not be cool and fun without our genius, Isaac Newton. He is probably the most famous physicist due to his law of universal gravitation and the three laws of motion. As we have learnt more in our physics studies, Newton is credited with his invention of calculus which we may or may not agree as being a good thing!

Branches of Physics

Although more branches of physics sprout out due to the progress of science and technology, there are generally 11 main categories of physics namely:

  • Classical physics
  • Modern physics
  • Atomic physics
  • Nuclear physics
  • Biophysics
  • Geophysics
  • Acoustics
  • Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Astrophysics

Continue reading to explore in depth about these branches.

Classical physics

This is the branch that deals with the laws of motion and gravitational as suggested by Sir, Isaac Newton and kinetic theory and thermodynamics as outlined by James Clark Maxwell. Classical physics date back before 1900. In this branch of physics; matter and energy are treated as separate entities. One of the major features of classical physics is Newton's three laws of motion as outlined below.

  • Law of inertia
  • Action=Reaction
  • Force=Mass x Acceleration

Modern physics

This is a branch of physics that deals with the theory of relativity and the theory of quantum mechanics. Here, the matter and energy are not considered as two separate entities. Two pillars of modern physics are

  • Albert Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Max Plank's quantum theory

Nuclear physics

Nuclear physics is concerned with the structure, constituents, interactions and behaviour of atomic nuclei.

Atomic physics

Atomic physics majorly deals with all the components of an atom except the nucleus. It mostly examines ions, electrons and neutral atoms.

Geophysics

This is the branch of physics that is concerned with the study of the earth.

Biophysics

Biophysics uses physics concepts to study the structure and biological problems of molecules in living organisms.

Mechanical physics

Mechanical physics is concerned with how forces influence the motion of material objects.

Acoustics

Acoustics majorly studies sounds and their effects on various mediums such as solid, liquid and gases.

Optics

Optics is concerned with the study of electromagnetic radiations such as infrared and light radiations with their relation to the matter.

Thermodynamics

It is a branch of physics that is concerned with the relationship between temperature and heat with work and energy.

Astrophysics

Derived from two Latin words, Astro(star) and phisis(nature), astrophysics deals with the study of the universe such as planets, stars and galaxies with the use of physics laws.

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