INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
What is physics?
Physics is the branch of science which deals with matter in relation to energy.
Matter is anything which occupies space and it has weight.
Energy is the capacity or ability to do work.
What is science?
Science is the systematic study of nature.
A person who studies physics is called a physicist.
Branches of physics
Physics is divided into various branches such as;
i. Mechanics – this is the study of motion of bodies in the frame of reference.
ii. Optics – this is the study of physical properties of light.
iii. Atomic physics – this is the study of atoms specifically the electrons and its properties.
iv. Electromagnetism – this is the study of electrical and magnetic fields as two aspects of the same phenomenon.
v. Geophysics – this is the study of physical properties of the earth.
vi. Astronomy – this is the study of celestial bodies such as stars, galaxies, planets, etc
vii. Electronics – this is the study of the flow of electrons in a circuit.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICS AND OTHER SUBJECTS
1. Chemistry – devices used in studying chemistry such as Bunsen burner and centrifugal device are made from the application of physics. The study atomic physics is also very useful in chemistry.
2. Biology – physics has simplified the study of living things. Those powerful microscopes used in studying biology are made from the application of physics. Different instruments for measuring blood pressure, body temperature, etc are also made by using physics laws.
3. Geography – various devices used in geography to study whether and climate are made from application of physics. Example of these devices are barometers, thermometers wind vane.
4. Mathematics – physics are usually simplified by using mathematics expressions. Thus, Mathematics is the language used by physicist to simplify its information and communication.
5. History – the study radioactivity in physics has enabled the use of Carbon 14 to determine dates in historical excavation.
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING PHYSICS
1. Knowledge expansion
The study of physics expands our knowledge. We learn about how different machines work and also understand how some natural phenomena such as earthquake, floods and winds occur.
2. Carrier development
People who study physics may further study to be doctors, engineers, computer scientists and many other carriers which require the knowledge of physics.
3. Basic for most modern technology
Studying physics gives a better understand on a modern technology. Devices such as x-ray machines, gas cookers, refrigerators are made from the principles of physics.
APPLICATION OF PHYSICS IN DAILY LIFE
1. Communication – we use radio, television, telephone for communication among us every day.
2. Entertainment – we use music players, Dvd players, computer games, etc. for entertainment.
3. Transportation – we use cars, airplane, and ships for traveling from one place to another place.
4. In medicine – we use various machine in hospitals for diagnosis and treatment e.g. x-ray machine, ultra sound machine, thermometers, etc
5. Agriculture – we use farm equipment's such as tractors, harvester, sprinklers, etc
