## BIG IDEAS - The goal of physics is to describe nature using a small number of [[Scientific laws|scientific laws]] and equations. - Physics is a unique [[Science|science]] because it encompasses studying the very small, the very large, and everything in between. - Physicists rely on [[Models|models]]. - [[Physicists]] look for patterns. - Physics relies on abbreviations of ideas (symbols). >[!note] Definition >A branch of science that involves the study of the physical world: energy, matter ## About Physics Physics is an empirical [[Science|science]] and also a theoretical science.; physics is a hybrid. [[Albert Einstein]] and [[Richard Feynman]] were both theoretical physicists. [[Marie Curie]] and [[Ernest Rutherford]] were empiricists; they developed experiments to test ideas. >[!info] >The word physics comes from the Greek word *phusis*, meaning nature. The study of nature was eventually called *natural philosophy*. [[Physicists]] investigate fundamental reality and try to find patterns. This includes studying the very small to the very large; from the composition of the [[The Universe|universe]] to the interactions and motion of objects within the universe. ## Topics of Physics As technology evolved, physics expanded into many branches. - [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Kinematics/Kinematics|kinematics]], the study of moving objects - the apparent motion of objects in the sky, such as the [[sun]], [[moon]], and [[stars]] - statics - [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Dynamics/Dynamics|dynamics]] - response of an object to a push or a pull - [[Module 0 Sound|acoustics]], the study of [[Module 0 Sound|sound]] - optics, the study of light - [[Astronomy|astronomy]], the study of objects in [[Space|space]] - thermodynamics, the study of thermal energy and the transfer of heat - [[Electricity|electricity]], the study of electric charges and their movements - [[Magnetism|magnetism]], study of magnetized objects led to inventions of the electric motor and electric generator. - [[Nuclear Physics|nuclear physics]], the studying of nuclei of [[Atom|atoms]] - [[Quantum mechanics|quantum mechanics]], involves the mechanics of atoms and molecules. - [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Relativity/Relativity|relativity]], the laws of physics are the same in all [[Reference frame|frames of reference]]. - led to idea that the [[Speed of Light|speed of light]] is constant. ![[Topics of Physics.png]] # Ancient Philosophers Ancient Greek philosophers >[!info] Burned by Julius Caesar? >The Library of Alexandria burned in 48 BC or maybe it didn't. Some scholars placed the destruction in the 600 AD century. There are no primary sources which mention the destruction of the library. > >However, any understanding of the Ancient Greek philosophers relies on the surviving texts. There were other libraries, in fact, by 400 AD possibly one library per city. > >Source: [Daily History](https://www.dailyhistory.org/How_was_the_Library_of_Alexandria_Destroyed) ## Classical vs. Modern Physics - The concept of [[Time|time]] changed between classical and modern. ![[Classical Physics#^920fc4]] ![[Modern Physics^]] ## Video <iframe width="100%" height="480px" style="border:0;" scrolling="no" src="https://go.screenpal.com/player/cYQefxHqk5?width=100%&height=100%&ff=1&title=0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> ## Source [The Physicist's View Of Reality : 13.7: Cosmos And Culture : NPR](https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2013/09/13/222051406/the-physicists-view-of-reality) --- Return [[Home|Home]] | [[Science]] | [[Classical Physics]] | [[Modern Physics]]