Online Class: Introduction to Physics

Welcome to the world of Physics! Here, we will explore the natural laws of how the universe operates. This introductory course covers all the fundamentals of Physics, and is comprehensive enough for students already familiar with the subject. Join now, and together we'll learn about momentum and energy, force and motion, gravity, particles, the five states of matter, temperature and heat, sound waves, electricity, magnetism, and light.

 

Today, much of technology and our lifestyles are brought to us by the laws of Physics, yet surprisingly, most people don't understand the fundamentals. Acoustics, astronomy, electromagnetism, electronics, nuclear power, optics, nanotechnology are just a few of the industries requiring an understanding of Physics.

 

Physics: Definition

When discussing and learning about physics, we focus heavily on 'energy' for it is the core element of the science. To better understand the connection, it helps to refer to a solid working definition of physics.

Physics: The science in which matter and energy are studied both separately and in combination with one another. 

And, for a more detailed working definition of physics: The branch of science of nature, or that which pertains to natural objects, which deals with the laws and properties of matter and the forces which act upon them. Quite often, physics concentrates upon the forces having an impact upon matter, i.e., gravitation, heat, light, magnetism, and electricity).

Physics: Orientation

Because physics utilizes elements of other branches of sciences, biology and chemistry just two of many, it has the reputation of being more complicated than other sciences.

Physics, as opposed to natural philosophy (with which it was grouped until the 19^th century), relies upon scientific methods in order to describe the natural world.

In order to understand the fundamental principles of the universe, physics utilizes many workings from other natural sciences. Because of this overlap, e.g., phenomena studied in physics (conservation of energy for one) are common to all material systems. The specific ways in which they apply to energy (hence, physics) are often referred to as the 'laws of physics.'

Because each of the other natural sciences, i.e., biology, chemistry, geology, material science, medicine, engineering, etc., work with systems which adhere to the 'laws of physics,' physics is often referred to as the 'fundamental science'.

For an example of how the 'laws of physics' apply to all of the other sciences consider the fact that chemistry--the science of matter which works with atoms and molecules--complies with the idea of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism of physics in order to produce chemical compounds.

Physics versus Mathematics

As a whole, physics is closely related to mathematics, for it provides the logical structure in which physical laws may be formulated and their predictions quantified. A great many of physics' definitions, models and theories are expressed using mathematical symbols and formulas.

The central difference between physics and mathematics is that ultimately physics is concerned with descriptions of the material world whereas mathematics is focused on abstract logical patterns that extend beyond the real world.

On account of physics 'material world' concentration, it tests its theories through the process known as observation or experimentation. In theory, it may seem relatively easier to detect where physics leaves off and mathematics picks up. However, in reality, such a clean cut distinction does not always exist.  Hence, the gray areas in between physics and mathematics tend be called 'mathematical physics.'

Engineering and technology also have ties to physics. For instance, electrical engineering studies the practical application of electromagnetism. That is why quite often you will find physics to be a component in the building of bridges, creation of electronic equipment, nuclear weaponry, lasers, barometers and other valuable measurement devices.