Introduction to PhysicsIntroduction to Physics

Chapter OneChapter One

What is Physics?What is Physics?

• Physics is the branch of science that Physics is the branch of science that studies the physical world.studies the physical world.

Major Disciplines of PhysicsMajor Disciplines of Physics

• MotionMotion

• ForcesForces

• EnergyEnergy

• MatterMatter

What is the language of science?What is the language of science?

• Math is the language of science Math is the language of science because:because:– Nature can be analyzed, modeled, and Nature can be analyzed, modeled, and

described mathematically.described mathematically.– Math is unambiguous.Math is unambiguous.– Mathematical equations are easier to Mathematical equations are easier to

prove or disprove.prove or disprove.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

• Is a method of gaining, organizing, and Is a method of gaining, organizing, and applying new knowledge.applying new knowledge.

Steps of the Scientific MethodSteps of the Scientific Method

• Identify the problemIdentify the problem• Make your educated hypothesisMake your educated hypothesis• Predict the consequencesPredict the consequences• Test predictions via experimentationTest predictions via experimentation• Formulate the simplest general rule that Formulate the simplest general rule that

organizes the hypothesis, the organizes the hypothesis, the prediction, and the experimental prediction, and the experimental outcome.outcome.

HypothesesHypotheses

• Are educated theories.Are educated theories.

• They must be testable.They must be testable.

Science vs. TechnologyScience vs. Technology

• Science deals with theoretical Science deals with theoretical problems.problems.

• Technology deals with practical or Technology deals with practical or actual problems.actual problems.