Q1 - GenPhy1 ⚛️ Flashcards
- Is the branch of science that studies matter, energy, and the interactions between them.
- It seeks to understand how the universe behaves, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies.
Physics
Branches of Physics (3):
- Classical Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, & Electromagnetism
- Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics, & Relativity
- Other Branches: Optics, Acoustics, & Astrophysics
Study of motion & forces (e.g., Newton’s Laws).
Mechanics (Classical Physics)
Study of heat, work, & energy (e.g., Laws of Thermodynamics).
Thermodynamics (Classical Physics)
Study of electric & magnetic fields (e.g., Faraday’s Laws).
Electromagnetism (Classical Physics)
Study of particles at the atomic & subatomic levels (e.g., Schrödinger’s cat).
Quantum Mechanics (Modern Physics)
Study of objects moving at high speeds and the effects of gravity (e.g., Einstein’s Theory of Relativity).
Relativity (Modern Physics)
Study of light and its properties.
Optics (Other Branches)
Study of sound and its propagation.
Acoustics (Other Branches)
Study of the physics of the universe, stars, and galaxies.
Astrophysics (Other Branches)
5 items - in order
The Scientific Method in Physics:
- Observation: Identifying a phenomenon to study.
- Hypothesis: Proposing an explanation based on prior knowledge.
- Experiment: Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
- Analysis: Interpreting the data gathered from the experiment.
- Conclusion: Accepting or rejecting the hypothesis based on the results.
Fundamental Quantities & Units
Basic Physical Quantities:
- Length (meter) - Unit of distance.
- Mass (kilogram) - Unit of mass.
- Time (second) - Unit of time.
- Temperature (kelvin) - Unit of thermodynamic temperature.
Discuss the ________________ and why it is used globally in scientific studies. Mention other derived units like Newton (force), Joule (energy), and Watt (power).
International System of Units (SI)
Technological Advances:
Physics is the foundation of many modern technologies, including:
- Smartphones
- Computers
- GPS Systems
- Medical Imaging Devices (MRI & X-rays)
- Renewable Energy Solutions
Understanding Natural Phenomena
- It helps us explain why the sky is blue, how rainbows form, and what causes lightning.
- It also helps us comprehend natural forces like gravity, which keeps us grounded on Earth, and how energy is transferred when we cook food.*
Physics
Example of Physics in Action:
Explain the concept of inertia and how it is related to seatbelts in cars. Seatbelts prevent injury by restraining our motion when a car suddenly stops (Newton’s First Law of Motion).
- Is the change in position of an object.
- It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
Displacement
Can be calculated by measuring the final distance away from a point, and then subtracting the initial distance.
Displacement