Physics is the branch of natural science that studies the nature and properties of matter and energy. The term ‘physics’ is derived from the Ancient Greek word i.e. Physics is one of the most significant disciplines of natural science, which describe the nature and properties of matters.
(Click hereto see how unit mismanagement caused the loss of a valuable spacecraft.) So whether we are working in meters/second or furlongs/fortnight, we need Not keeping track of units can have tragic repercussions. Number, we are unsure of what quantity we are talking about. For a more in-depth look at the SI system, click here. Technology which keeps track of everything from time to calibration procedures. In the United States, we have the National Institute of Standards and Worldwide, the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (International Bureau of Standards and Measures) has the final authority on the SI system. There are other standard units for various things that we will use as well. The standard unit for time is the second. Our standard unit of length will be the meter. This is a metric system and will be used almost exclusively in our course. International (International System) or SI system. International conventions have established standards that are used everywhere in science so that we have a common frame of reference to compare things with each other. ForĮxample, Bernoulli's Principle deals with pressure and velocity of fluids as they flow through a tube.Ī unit is a standard that tells us what we are measuring. Principle - A principle is a statement that is essentially a law in that it always appears to hold, but applies to a specific area. We have not seen anything that disproves this and it is accepted under all conditions. Of Conservation of Energy - Energy is neither created nor destroyed. Law - A Law is a broad statement that has been proven time and again to stand up under all circumstances. I'm not smart enough to argue with it, though. We believe it holds, but we do not have enough evidence of objects traveling at or near the speed of light to be sure that itĪlways is true. Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity is an example. It may also be impossible to prove within our ability to It covers a larger area and may beĭetailed. Theory - A theory is an idea that seems to be true based on careful observation and date. For example, we use a wave model to talk about the behavior of light because light acts like a wave and we can physically see and study It may be a mathematical model, such as an equation, or it may be anĪctual physical model.
Model - A model is used to represent an idea or a concept. But here are a few of the terms we will be emphasizing: You are probably already pretty familiar with the Scientific Method from past courses in Science that you have Modern Physics - includes a variety of modern topics including special relativity, quantum.Electricity and Magnetism - the study of each of these and the interactions between the.Waves - the study of wave motion and sound.Thermodynamics - the study of heat and heat transfer.Fluids - the study of how fluid substances (liquids and gases) behave.Mechanics - the study of objects at rest and in motion.It is the basis for all other sciences, and can be divided into several areas: Physics is the study of the physical universe, from the basic structure of the atom to how objects behave at OK - these classes will seem fast-paced so we might as well set the tone now! This lesson sets the ground rules and provides some background Week's worth of information into a day's worth of lessons. Nearly all of the Physics text books I've dealt with have an opening chapter that tries to cram a
Material that you learn early in the year, including the information in this introductory lesson. As you progress through the year, you will be introduced to a wide range of topics. Physics covers a variety of areas that deal with the way the natural universe works. To Physics at Kents Hill School! Whether you are taking the Conceptual course, the Regular course, the Honors course, or the second-year Advanced Placement Physics B course, we are glad that you are