Definition of Physics

Physics, the most fundamental science, is concerned with the basic principles of the
Universe. It is one of the foundations on which the other physical sciences astronomy,
chemistry, and geology are based.
Physics is the study of the properties and nature of matter, the different forms of
energy and the ways in which matter and energy interact in the world around us. To
understand physics, we need to know Model, Theories and Laws in describing a
phenomenon.
The study of the laws that determines the structure of the universe with reference to
the matter and energy of which it consists. It is not concerned not with chemical
changes that occur but with the forces that exist between objects and the
interrelationship between matter and energy.

The goal of Physics

The goal of Physics is to provide an understanding of

nature by developing theories based on experiments

The beauty of Physics

The beauty of Physics lies in the simplicity of its
fundamental theories and in the way just a small
number of basics concepts, equations, and assumptions
can alter and expand our view of the world

The areas of Physics

Physics can be divided into five areas:
Mechanics :- which is concerned with the effects of forces on material objects. Also covers the
main concepts of physics, e.g. forces, energy and the properties of matter.
Thermodynamics :- which deals with heat, temperature, and the behavior of large numbers
of particles. Also explains heat energy in terms of its measurement and the effects of its
presence and transference. Includes the gas laws.
Electromagnetism :- which deals with charges, currents, and electromagnetic fields. Also
explains the forms, uses and characteristics of these two linked phenomena.
Relativity (Year : 1905) :- a theory that describes particles moving at any speed, and
connects space and time
Quantum Mechanics (Year: 1900) :- a theory dealing with behavior of particles at the
submicrospic level as well as the macroscopic world
Since the turn of the century, however, quantum mechanics and relativistic physics have
become increasingly important; the growth of modern physics has been accompanied by the
studies of atomic physics, nuclear physics (1896) and particle physics.

Some terms of Physics

Astrophysics : - The Physics of astronomical bodies and

their interactions. Astrophysics also studies the physical
and chemical processes involving astronomical
phenomena. Astrophysics deals with stellar structure
and evolution (including the generation and transport of
energy within stars), the properties of the interstellar
medium and its interactions with stellar systems, and
the structure and dynamics of systems of stars and
systems of galaxies.

 Geophysics : - The branch of science in which the principles of

mathematics and physics are applied to the study the earths
crust and interior. It includes the study of earthquake waves,
geomagnetism, gravitational fields, and electrical conductivity
using precise quantitative principles. In applied geophysics the
techniques are applied to the discovery and location of economic
minerals (e.g. petroleum).

 Biophysics :- The study of the physical aspects of

biology.
Theoretical Physics : - The study of physics by
formulating and analyzing theories that describe natural
processes. Theoretical physics is complementary to the
study of physics by experiment.
Experimental Physics : - The study of physics by
experiment
Mathematical Physics :- The branch of theoretical
physics concerned with the mathematical aspects of
theories in physics

 Laws :- A law is a descriptive principle of nature that holds in all

circumstances covered by the wording of the law. Some laws are named
after their discoverers (e.g. * Boyles law); some laws, however, are known
by their subject matter to describe them (e.g. * the law of conservation of
mass), while other laws use both the name of the discoverer and the subject
matter to describe them (e.g. * Newtons law of gravitation).
Theory :- A description of nature that encompasses more than one law but
has not achieved the uncontrovertibly status of a law . Theories are often
both eponymous and descriptive of the subject matter (e.g. Einsteins
theory of relativity and Darwins theory of evolution).
Hypothesis :- A theory or law that retains the suggestion that it may not
be universally true. Some hypothesis about which no doubt still linger have
remained hypotheses ( e.g. Avogadros hypothesis ) for no clear reason.

Dimensions : complete the table

Derived
quantity

Equation
/relation/
formula

Derived Unit

SI Unit

Dimension

Velocity

Displacement /
time

ms-1

ms-1

LT-1

Mass x
acceleration

Kg ms-2

Newton

Acceleration
Force
Pressure
Energy / work
Strain
Power
Electrical
potential
difference

The uses of Dimension

Checking the homogeneity of an equation
Dimensional analysis Derivation of physical equation

Check dimensionally consistent /

homogeneous
v = u + 2as
v2 = u + 2as
v = 2as
v2 = u2 + 2as