PHYSICAL

WORLD
CONTENTS

• Definitions of science
and physics
• Scope of physics
• 2 broad principles of
physics
SCIENCE
It originates from Latin word ‘Scientia’ which means ‘to know’.
The Sanskrit word Vijnan and Arabic word Ilm convey similar meaning.

Science is the systematic attempt to understand natural phenomenon

in as much detail and depth as possible and use the knowledge so
gained to predict, modify and control phenomena.
 SCIENCE

PHYSICAL SCIENCE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

The science which deals with non The sciences which deal with living
living things. beings.
Ex – physics, chemistry, geology, oceanology etc. Ex – botany, zoology, ornithology,
anthropology, forensic science
 φύση meaning nature PHYSICS
(Greek word)

Physics is the branch of science which is devoted to the study

of nature and natural phenomena.
 SCOPE OF PHYSICS
Mechanics

Thermodyn
Classical amics
MACROSCOPIC
DOMAIN physics Electrodyna
mics

Optics

MICROSCOPIC Modern Quantum

DOMAIN physics physics
Scientific methods involves the following steps :-
SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATIONS

CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTS

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING

MATHEMATICAL MODELLING

PREDICTION AND VERIFICATION/FALSIFICATION OF

THEORIES
TECHNOLOGY PHYSICS

Technology Physics
To increase efficiency of A new branch in physics
Steam engines was created which was
technology was needed called thermodynamics

Physics
1)Study of semiconductors
2)Study of electromagnetism
Technology
1)Lead to development of
computers, laptops, LEDs
etc.
2)Communication system
 UNIFICATION REDUCTIONISM
Attempting to unify various, Attempting to derive the
diverse physical phenomena, properties of a bigger, more
by the help of a single law. complex system from the
properties of its constituent
simpler parts.
2 principal For example, For example, suppose a bullet
thrusts in 1. Lenz’s law hits a block and the block is in
physics :- 2. Principle of calorimetry contact with a pendulum
3. Kirchoff’s 2nd law which then starts moving.
4. Bernoulli's theorem Calculate how much the
All are explained by a single pendulum rises. We have to
law ‘Law of conservation of break the problem into
energy’. smaller parts and attempt it.
RECAPITULATION

•What is science and

physics?
•Macroscopic and
microscopic domains of
physics
•Physics and technology