Title: Welcome%20to%20the%20world%20of
1Welcome to the world of
2What 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.
3Physics for everyday
- Physics discoveries often end up having
unexpected practical applications and advances in
technology can in turn lead to new physics
discoveries.
4Areas within Physics-
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Vibrations and wave phenomena
- Optics
- Electromagnetism
- Relativity
- Quantum mechanics
5Areas 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
Electro- Magnetism 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
6Physics 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.
7Scientific Method Steps
- 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.
8Scientific method review-
- What is a(n) hypothesis?
- What are variables?
- What is a controlled experiment?
- Differentiate among dependent and independent
variables.
9SI 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 __________.
10Example 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.
11Accuracy 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.
12Accuracy 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.
13Rules 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.