Department of Physics

Grade 12 Physics lecture note on

Applications of physics on other science
fields (Unit-1)
Contents:
Physics and other sciences
Physics and engineering
Medical physics
Physics and defense technology
Physics in communication

Compiled by: Mengesha W.

September 2023

1 Cruise Steps School, Addis Ababa | Applications of physics

 Unit 1
Application of physics in other fields

Introduction
 Science consists of the theories and laws that are the
general truths of nature as well as the body of knowledge
they encompass.
 Scientists are continually trying to expand this body of
knowledge and to perfect the expression of the laws that
describe it.
 Physics is concerned with describing the interactions of
energy, matter, space, and time, and it is especially
interested in what fundamental mechanisms underlie every Figure 1.1: Application of science in our
phenomenon. everyday life
 Physics is the foundation of many important disciplines
and contributes directly to others.

Note: You need not be a scientist to use physics. On the

contrary, knowledge of physics is useful in everyday situations as
well as in non-scientific professions.

Technology
Science
Technology concerns itself with
 The pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding how knowledge is
understanding of the natural and social world creatively applied to organised tasks
following a systematic methodology based on involving people and machines that
evidence. meet sustainable goals.
 Evidence is obtained by doing experiments. It is about taking action to meet a
 The systematic enterprise of gathering knowledge
human need rather than merely
about the universe and organizing and condensing
understanding the workings of the
that knowledge into testable laws and theories.
natural world, which is the goal of
 A system of acquiring knowledge.
science
 System uses observation and experimentation to
describe and explain natural phenomena.

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 Branches of science  Social science
 Is concerned with the study of people
 Natural science and social groups.
 Studies the natural world and everything in the  It includes subjects such as economics,
universe. psychology, Sociology,
 In the natural sciences, the scientific method is used Anthropology and history.
to increase our knowledge of the universe.  Formal science
1. Life science  is a branch of science studying
 is the study of living things disciplines concerned with abstract
2. Physical science structures described by formal
 non-living things systems, such as logic, mathematics,
statistics, theoretical computer
Chemistry, climate, earth, engineering, geology, materials, science, artificial intelligence,
manufacturing, mechanics, physics information theory, game theory
systems theory.

1.1. Physics and other sciences

Physics is the branch of science related to the study of basic
laws of nature and their manifestations concerned with the
different natural phenomena. It is also referred to as the
“fundamental science” because it constrains all the other
significant branches of the sciences.

It can be considered to be the study of the physical world and

matter along with its motion through space and time. It also
pertains to the concepts of energy and force as well.

Physics is a very significant branch of science that plays a

crucial role in understanding the developments pertaining to
the other branches of science, such as Chemistry, Biology, etc.
Figure 1.2: Relation between physics and other
fields

3 Cruise Steps School, Addis Ababa | Applications of physics

Physics and Mathematics
 The study of physical variables involved in
the study of mathematics has led to the
discovery of ideas of differentiation,
integration, and differential equations
involved in the estimation of quantities.
 Theories in physics and derivations in
mathematics coexist with each other.
 Math is considered to be a deterministic
tool for the development of modern
theoretical physics.
 It provides a way to formulate and
evaluate experimental results.

Physics and Chemistry

Thermodynamics explains:
 Chemistry is basically an extension of Physics.
 why graphite can be converted
 Physics and chemistry may overlap when the system
to diamond;
under study involves matter composed of electrons
 how chemical energy stored in
and nuclei.
molecules can be used to
 Fundamental laws that govern the behavior of
perform work; and
matter apply to both chemistry and physics.
 why certain processes, such as
 Both physics and chemistry are concerned with
iron rusting and organisms
matter and its interaction with energy.
aging and dying, proceed
 The concepts of thermochemistry to an exploration
spontaneously in only one
of thermodynamics.
direction, requiring no net
 Thermochemistry is the branch of chemistry which
input of energy to occur.
describes the changes occurring in the chemical
reaction due to the presence of heat.

4 Cruise Steps School, Addis Ababa | Applications of physics

Spectroscopy is defined as any measurement of
a quantity as a function of wavelength or
frequency.
During a spectroscopy experiment,
electromagnetic radiation of a specified
wavelength range passes from a source through
a sample containing compounds of interest,
resulting in absorption or emission.
 During absorption, the sample absorbs
energy from the light source.
 During emission, the sample emits light of
a different wavelength than the source’s
wavelength.
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Uses of spectroscopy
 Spectroscopy is used in physical and
analytical chemistry to detect,
determine, or quantify the molecular
and/or structural composition of a
sample.
 Each type of molecule and atom will
reflect, absorb, or emit electromagnetic
radiation in its own characteristic way.
 Spectroscopy uses these characteristics to
deduce and analyze the composition of a
sample.
In general, the study of matter and
electricity in physics is fundamental towards
the understanding of concepts in chemistry,
such as:
 atomic structure,
 molecular structure,
 X-ray diffractions,
 radioactivity,
 periodic properties of elements,
 nature of valency,
 chemical bonds in molecules,
 Crystal structure of solids and others.
This shows that chemistry is rooted in
atomic and molecular physics.
 Physics and Meteorology

 Meteorology holds an explicit part in the discipline

of physics.
 It tends to explain nature’s observed behaviour
through estimated hypotheses and conjectures while
taking into consideration the various relativistic
repercussions.
 Atmospheric physics and meteorology use both
mathematical and physical models to understand
the weather and climatic conditions.
 It also relates to the descriptive mathematical and
computer modelling of atmospheric dynamics.

Physics and Astronomy

 Astronomy is a unique subject because it deals with such a

vast mixture of topics and it is about the physics of the
whole universe and how everything in it works,
astronomers need to have a good knowledge of physics
and mathematics, and chemistry is pretty helpful too.

Astronomers use Newton‘s law of gravitation

 To describe the motion of astronomical objects around an

orbit
 Mass of astronomical objects

Astronomers use light to:

 Measure distance between astronomical objects.

 Study the properties of astronomical objects from the
properties of the light they emit. Figure: Planetary system
 The energy emitted by the astronomical objects
 Temperature of the astronomical objects

Astronomers use different telescope to detect the type of light coming

from the astronomical objects

Astronomers used light year as an astronomical distance measuring

unit.

Atomic physics plays a key role in astrophysics as light from

astronomical objects is emitted through atomic transitions.

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 Physics and Biology

Physics has great impact in biology. Its major contributions to

biology are through imaging techniques like X-rays, computed
tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
These imaging techniques use physics principles to create images of
the body’s internal structures, which are crucial for diagnosing and
treating diseases.

For example, MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to Figure 1.3: X-ray machine
produce detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues, making
them an essential tool for doctors and researchers.

Physics principles are used to develop new instruments and tools Figure 1.4: MRI machine
for studying biological systems. Atomic force microscopy (AFM),
for example, uses a tiny probe to measure the properties of surfaces
at the Nano scale.

AFM has been used to study the structure and properties of

biological molecules, including DNA and proteins, leading
to a better understanding of these essential components of life.

1.2. Physics and engineering

Engineering is a profession in which scientific knowledge and mathematics is used for

innovations, to develop new things that benefit mankind, which is important to society
and nature, making everything around us easier.

Engineering is the mind set to think over the use of scientific principles, to design and
build machines, structures, and other items. Engineering is basically physics applied to
create something more practical. It can be mechanical, electrical, civil, etc., but they’re
all basically governed by physics. There’s no way you would solve complex engineering
problems without understanding the physics behind it.

Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to
understand how the universe behaves. Physics generates fundamental knowledge
needed for the future technological advances.

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 Physical concepts, such as

 Classical mechanics,
 Thermodynamics and Statistical mechanics,
 Electromagnetism,
 Quantum mechanics,
 Atomic physics,
 Molecular physics,
 Optics,
 Condensed Matter Physics,
 Nuclear Physics etc., play a vital role in the process of innovation, which is,
crucial in the development of engineering branches.

Civil engineering
In Civil Engineering, the laws of physics can
tell us about forces, tension, harmonic
vibrations and oscillations, tensile strength,
elasticity, and all kinds of other concepts that
you can use to make calculations about your
designing and construction work

Figure: The role of physics for civil engineering

Mechanical engineering

Engineering and physics are closely related

disciplines. Mechanical engineering
combines engineering physics and applied
mathematics with materials science to design
mechanical systems and novel materials

For every subject of Mechanical Engineering,

we need the help of physics in dealing with
aircraft, watercraft, engines, robotics, weapons,
cars, pneumatics, hydraulics and others by using
core areas including mechanics, dynamics,
thermodynamics, materials science, structural
analysis, and electricity.
Figure: Mechanical systems of gears

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 Electrical engineering
 Electrical engineering involves designing
electrical circuits including motors,
electronic appliances, optical fiber
networks, computers, and communication
links.
 Electrical engineers often need to convert
electrical energy to other forms of energy,
with the understanding of mechanics and
thermodynamics.
Figure: Electrical engineering and physics
 Knowing the fundamentals of Electrical
Engineering, in addition to, how small-
scale components like integrated circuits
and various types of transistor logic, all
functions require at least an intermediate
understanding of Electromagnetism, which
we learn from Physics.

Electronics include the workings of transistors, diodes and semiconductors. Integrated

circuit uses physics to study how various tiny transistors are connected in circuits.
Electromagnetism is used for antennae design, RF signals, wireless communications,
etc. The field of robotics relies on a lot of things physics such as dynamics, chaos,
mechanics, motors, etc. as well as optics (for cameras for computer vision).

Since Electrical engineering leads to Electronics engineering and finally to Computer

engineering & Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, it can be concluded
that the mother of all engineering branches is Physics.

Chemical engineering

Combining expertise in math, chemistry, physics, and biology with engineering science,
design, and even economics, chemical engineers are well-versed in multiple areas of
study. With their multi-disciplinary knowledge, a chemical engineer’s work could
include:

 Designing processes to turn raw materials or chemicals into products

 Developing new advanced materials
 Designing chemical processes for large-scale manufacturing plants
 Seeking new sources of clean energy, managing renewable and non-renewable
energy resources, and developing sustainable processes
 Treating harmful waste and emissions and purifying drinking water
 Designing life-saving medical devices

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 1.3. Medical physics
 Medical physics is applied in medicine to prevent, diagnose and treat human
diseases.
 Medical physics can be classified into several subgroups including:
 Medical imaging physics,
 Radiation oncology physics,
 Non-ionizing medical radiation physics
 Nuclear medicine physics.
 Medical physics is studied by medical professionals with specialized training in
physics, specializing in the study of the application of physics in health care.
 The main role of physics in medicine is based on the principles of ion, ultrasonic
waves, laser and X-ray in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.

Note: Many remarkable medical technologies, diagnostic tools, and treatment

methods have emerged as a result of modern physics discoveries in the last century
including

 X-rays,
 radiation treatment,
 laser surgery,
 high-resolution ultrasound scans,
 computerized tomography (CT) scans, and
 magnetic resonance imaging.

Figure: CT scan machine

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 1.4. Physics and defense technology
Defense technology is the intersection of commercial innovation and national security.
Physicists in military science conduct researches in variety areas of physics like lasers,
electro-optics, semiconductors, materials science, aerodynamics, etc. The findings of the
research are directly applied in the advancement of the defence technology.

All of these defense forces demand different knowledge and advancement of physics
like laser guidance and satellite technology, modern electronics, optics, sensing systems,
high-energy-density physics, atomic and nuclear physics, hydrodynamics, and physics of
advanced materials.

RADAR Technologies
 RADAR stands for RAdio Detecting And
Ranging and as indicated by the name, it is
based on the use of radio waves.
 RADAR is a device that sends out radio waves
for detecting and locating an object by the
reflection of the radio waves and that may use
this reflection to find out the position and speed
of the object.
 Range is the distance from the radar site to the
target measured along the line of sight. Let the
time taken for the signal to travel from Radar to
target and back to Radar be ‘t’.
 The two-way distance between the Radar and
target will be 2R. The range can be calculated
using the speed-distance formula with the speed
equal to the speed of light(c).
𝟐𝑹 𝟐𝑹
 V= ↔ c=
𝒕 𝒕

Missiles
Missile is a rocket-propelled weapon designed to deliver an explosive warhead with
great accuracy at high speed. Missiles vary from small tactical weapons that are effective
out to only a few hundred feet to much larger strategic weapons that have ranges of
several thousand miles.

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 A missile is a weapon propelled by either a
rocket or a jet. Cruise missiles are jet-
propelled throughout their flights. Ballistic
missiles are rocket powered only in the
initial phase of flight. There is continuous
radio communication between the internal
missile controlling unit and the launch
controller to track the target and the proper
functioning of each unit of the missile.

Infra-red wave detection for night vision

Infrared night vision technology uses the thermal radiation

signal emitted by the target, then the infrared detector converts
it into an electrical signal, and finally an infrared image that is
visible to the human eye is formed through steps such as signal
amplification, processing and imaging.

All people, places, and things give off infrared light in an

amount proportional to their temperature. Infrared devices will
typically use heat emissions to identify objects that cannot be
detected using available light sources.

Thermal imaging systems create an electronic image based on

the temperature differences in the radiating object; hotter objects
appear brighter than cooler objects. Temperature difference in
the target is represented by different colors that are not related
to the actual color of the target.

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 1.5. Physics in communication
This day, our lives would be very difficult without the use of the communication
technologies like telephone, cell-phone, mobile and computers. Communication is
transferring of information (message) from one point to another. To transfer the
information to the receiver, medium of transmission is required. Depending on the
communication medium, the communication system is classified as wired and wireless
communication system. Wireless communication systems use radio waves, microwaves
and infrared waves. Satellite communication and ground wave communication are
common examples of wireless communications. The wire communication system uses
wire and optical fiber.

For instance, in communication, physics has been utilized in different ways to develop
wireless communication, optical fiber technology, and satellite broadcasting.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

 In satellite communication, geostationary

communication satellites are used for the purpose of
communication.
 A satellite works as a relay station in space through
which communication takes place anywhere in the
world.
 It takes the signal from one earth station, amplifies it,
enhances the quality of signals, and transmits it back
to the receiving earth stations.
 Solar panels are mainly used in satellites for the
completion of power requirements.
 Satellite communication, in telecommunications,
the use of artificial satellites to provide communication
links between various points on Earth. Satellite
communications play a vital role in the global
telecommunications system.

Examples-

 TV
 Radio services
 Mountain terrains, etc.

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 Optical Communication

 Optical communication is broadly used in the

backbone of networks as data rates are very high.
 In optical communication, optical fibers are used
for the purpose of communication.
 The signals from the sender’s side to the receiver’s
side are carried through the light rays.
 The signals are not affected by electrical or
electromagnetic interference in optical
communication.
 It does not need amplifiers as transmission losses in
the fiber are low.

Examples-

 Landline phones
 Cable TV networks
 Gigabit LANs, etc.

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