Download Welcome to the world of

Welcome to the world of
PHYSICS
What exactly is physics?
• Physics is the branch of science
that utilizes a small number of
basic concepts, equations, and
assumptions to describe the
physical world.
• Physics principles can be used
to make predictions about a
broad range of phenomena.
Physics for everyday…
• Physics discoveries often end
up having unexpected practical
applications and advances in
technology can in turn lead to
new physics discoveries.
Areas within Physics• Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Vibrations and
wave phenomena
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Optics
Electromagnetism
Relativity
Quantum
mechanics
Areas within Physics…
Name
Subjects
Examples
Mechanics
Motion,
Interactions
Falling objects,
weight, friction
Thermodynamics
Heat and
Temperature
Melting, freezing,
engines
Vibrations/Wave
Phenomena
Specific types of
repetitive motion
Springs, Sound,
pendulums
Optics
Light
Mirrors,
astronomy lenses,
color
ElectroMagnetism
Electricity, light,
and magnetism
Electrical charge,
circuits, magnets
Relativity
Particles moving
at any speed
Particle collisions
and accelerators
Quantum
mechanics
Submicroscopic
particle behavior
The atom and its
parts
Physics is Scientific Method
based like all other sciences.
• Physicists, scientists who study
physics sometimes utilize
models to describe phenomena.
• Models may assist in building
hypotheses.
Scientific Method Steps:
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Observe something.
Formulate an hypothesis.
Test the hypothesis via experimentation.
Interpret results and revise the hypothesis if
necessary.
• State conclusions in a way that others may
evaluate them.
Scientific method review• What is a(n) hypothesis?
• What are variables?
• What is a controlled experiment?
• Differentiate among dependent and
independent variables.
SI: The Standard Measurement for
Science…
• The SI unit of length is the ______.
• The SI unit of ______ is the kilogram.
• The SI unit of time is the __________.
Example problems:
• 1. A human hair is approximately 50 micrometers
in diameter. Express this diameter in meters.
• 2. A hydrogen atom has a diameter of about 10 nm.
• Express this diameter in meters.
• Express this diameter in millimeters.
• Express this diameter in micrometers.
Accuracy & Precision:
• In describing imperfections in
measurement, one must consider
accuracy and precision.
• Experimental work is never free of
error, but it is important to minimize
error in order to obtain the most
accurate results.
Accuracy & Precision:
• Precision describes the limitations of the
measuring instrument.
• Significant figures help keep track of
imprecision.
• The significant figures of a measurement
include all of the known digits plus a last
digit that is estimated.
Rules for deciding whether zeros are
significant:
• Zeros between other nonzero digits are significant.
• Zeros in front of nonzero digits are not significant.
• Zeros that are at the end of a number and also to
the right of the decimal are significant.
• Zeros at the end of a number but to the left of a
decimal are significant if they have been measured
or are the first estimated digit; otherwise, they are
not significant.