Scope and excitement of physics

Let Us Learn About Scope and excitement of physics

Physics is exciting because, trains us in problem solving, It helps us to have an analytical outlook, to observe rather than see things. Everything is explained on the basis of the cause effect relationship, which helps us think logically and decide rationally

Whether or not, a students of plus two continue to learn Physics, the basic problem solving skill he has acquired during the PlusTwo Physics course will remain with him and will be constantly helping him in all walks of life.

The knowledge of physics accumulated till 1900 is called classical physics that deals with macroscopic phenomena. It includes subjects like:

1)Mechanics

2)Thermodynamics

3)Electromagnetism, and

4)Optics

The recent knowledge (beyond 1900) is termed 'modern physics', consisting of 2 basic theories.

a) Relativity

b) Quantum mechanics

The scope of physics is very large. Physics deals with a wide variety of disciplines such as mechanics, heat and light. Study of mechanics helps us to know the forces involved in the flight of a bird, walk of a man and so on. The study of heat helps us to know the rise and fall of temperatures, working of heat engines and so on. Electricity helps to understand the basic principles involved in generators and motors. The exciting discipline of modern physics takes us into the microscopic world of atoms and electrons.

The distribution of charges proposed by Thomson in his model was tested by Ernest Rutherford in 1909 by using subatomic projectiles to bombard a target of atoms. These projectiles, called alpha (a) particles, were identified as one of the products of radioactivity.

Rutherford's famous a-particle scattering experiment is represented in the figure above. A stream of high energy a-particles from a radioactive source is directed at a thin foil (thickness-100 nm) of gold metal (having a circular fluorescent zinc sulphide screen round it). Whenever an a-particle strikes the screen, a tiny flash of light is produced at that point.

In our our next blog we shall about "Physics in relation to science, society and technology"

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