Name: how physics shapes science and technology
Uploaded: 2023-04-30T10:47:13.000Z
Duration: 1 min 17 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Alabama Course of Study Science

9-12

Earth and Space Science

Earth's Place in the Universe

9-12.ESS.1.3.a

The Scope of Physics

Physics is the study of nature and the laws that help us in understanding all natural phenomena. This is because everything consists of matter and energy and interacts in space and time.
Principles of physics are key elements in many scientific disciplines. In chemistry, they are applied to study the interactions of atoms and molecules. In many engineering branches, we use the laws of physics in designing new technologies and devices.
Physics also describes the chemical processes that take place in the human body, making possible the development of techniques and devices used in biological and medical sciences.
The laws of physics are used by all the disciplines, and the study of physics greatly contributes to our understanding of other sciences.
Many physical quantities that are defined by the laws of physics can be expressed as a combination of length, mass, and time quantities.
Length is a physical measurement of distance that is measured in the SI unit of the meter, mass with the unit of the kilogram, and time with the unit seconds.

the scope of physics

Physics is concerned with the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time, in order to discover the underlying mechanisms that underpin all phenomena. The word &#34;physics&#34; comes from the Greek word &#34;ph&#250;sis&#34;, which means nature. Physics seeks to comprehend the natural world around us at its most fundamental level. It emphasizes the use of quantitative laws to do this, which could be valuable in other fields that want to push the performance boundaries of present technologies.
Physics knowledge is vital, not only in scientific careers, but in everyday settings too. For instance, physics can help us understand how microwave ovens work, and why they might affect pacemakers. Many disciplines rely on physics, and it contributes directly to several more. For example, chemistry deals with the interactions of atoms and molecules, and so it has close ties to atomic and molecular physics. Similarly, most branches of engineering are concerned with designing new technologies, processes, or structures within the constraints set by the laws of physics.
It is not necessary to formally learn all applications of physics. Knowing the fundamental rules and having the analytical skills to apply them is the most valuable thing you can do. Physics can also help you enhance your problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, because physics preserves the most fundamental components of science, it is used by all sciences.
This text is adapted from <a href="https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/1-introduction">Openstax, University Physics Volume 1, Chapter 1: Units and Measurements.</a>

Physics is concerned with the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time, in order to discover the underlying mechanisms that underpin all phenomena. ...

Education

JoVE Core

Physics

Unit 1

Units, Dimensions, and Measurements

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

how physics shapes science and technology

Physics studies the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time. It looks for the basic mechanisms that explain natural phenomena. The word physics comes from the Greek word physis, which means nature.

Physics helps us understand the natural world at its most fundamental level. It relies on quantitative laws, or rules written in numbers and measurements, to describe how things behave. That approach can also help other fields improve the limits of current technology.

Physics matters in everyday life as well as in science careers. For example, it helps explain how microwave ovens work. It also helps explain why microwave ovens might affect pacemakers.

Many disciplines depend on physics, and physics also supports several others directly. Chemistry studies how atoms and molecules interact, so it is closely connected to atomic and molecular physics. Most branches of engineering also use physics because engineers design technologies, processes, and structures within the limits set by physical laws.

You do not need to learn every application of physics to use it well. It is more important to know the fundamental rules and use them to solve problems. That kind of analytical thinking can strengthen problem-solving skills. Because physics contains the most basic ideas in science, it is used by all sciences.

How Physics Shapes Science and Technology

how-physics-shapes-science-and-technology

Physics studies the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time. It looks for the basic mechanisms that explain natural phenomena. The word physics comes from the Greek word physis, which means nature. Physics helps us understand the natural world at its most fundamental level. It relies on quantitative laws, or rules written in numbers and measurements, to describe how things behave. That approach can also help other fields improve the limits of current technology. Physics matters in...

orders of magnitude

Estimating Scale with Powers of 10

Orders of magnitude help estimate the scale of a number using powers of 10. It is a simple way to round values to the nearest power of 10. This makes it easier to compare very large and very small numbers. To find the order of magnitude of a number, take its base-10 logarithm and round to the nearest integer. The result gives the power of 10 that most closely matches the original value. This method gives a consistent estimate of size without using exact digits. Orders of magnitude are useful...

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models, theories, and laws

Scientific Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientific models, theories, and laws help physicists describe natural phenomena. A model is a simplified version of a physical system that is too complex to study in full. It acts as a rough mental or visual picture of what may be happening. Good models keep the important parts and simplify the rest so the problem becomes workable. The light wave model is one example. Light waves are usually invisible, so they cannot be seen in the same way as water waves. Even so, it is useful to think of...

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units and standards of measurement

SI Units for Physical Quantities

SI units give a standard way to measure physical quantities. A physical quantity can be defined by how it is measured or by how it is calculated from other measurements. For example, the mass and dimensions of a metallic cube can be found with a weighing machine and a meter scale. Some quantities are built from others. The volume of a cube is the cube of its side length. The density of the cube is then found by dividing mass by volume. Measurements are written in units, which are standardized...

estimation of the physical quantities

Fermi Estimation for Physical Quantities

Fermi estimation helps physicists, scientists, and engineers make rough calculations for physical quantities. These estimates are also called guesstimates, order-of-magnitude approximations, back-of-the-envelope calculations, or Fermi calculations. Enrico Fermi was known for making these kinds of estimates with surprising precision. Estimation is not random guessing. It uses prior experience and sound physical reasoning to get a rough value for a quantity. This kind of reasoning helps build...

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base quantities and derived quantities

SI Base Units Behind Measured Quantities

SI base units are the starting point for measuring physical quantities. In any system of units, some quantities must be defined through direct measurement. These are called base quantities, and their units are base units. Other physical quantities are built from these base values by algebraic combinations. These are called derived quantities, and their units are derived units. For example, area comes from two lengths multiplied together. It is a derived quantity and is written in SI base units...

conversion of units

Unit Conversion Steps and Real-World Errors

Unit conversion lets you change a measurement from one unit to another. It is useful in everyday life, such as when a cookbook gives amounts in liters or ounces and you need cups instead. It also helps when directions use feet or meters, but you want to know the distance in miles. The first step is to list the given unit and the unit you need. The second step is to choose a conversion factor, which is a ratio that shows how many of one unit equal another unit. For example, 1,000 meters equal 1...

accuracy and precision

Repeated Measurements in Science

Repeated measurements help scientists check the quality of their results. They are used to judge both precision and accuracy. These two ideas are related, but they do not mean the same thing. Measurements are precise when repeated trials give very similar results. Precision shows how closely the values agree with one another. Measurements are accurate when the result is very close to the true value or the accepted value. Accuracy shows how closely the values agree with the real target. High...

random and systematic errors

How Measurement Errors Affect Results

Measurement errors can change how accurate and precise a result appears. Scientists try to record measurements as carefully as possible, but errors can still happen. These errors are usually random or systematic. Random errors come from inconsistency or fluctuation in the measuring process. They can also come from changes in the quantity being measured. In repeated measurements, random error may make a value appear greater than the true value one time and less than it the next. A simple...

rules for significant figures

Measurement Precision and Significant Figures

Measurement precision depends on the tool used, and significant figures show that precision. A ruler can measure length to the closest millimeter. A caliper can measure length to the nearest 0.01 mm, so it gives a more precise measurement because it can detect very small changes in length. When a value is written from a measurement, the last digit is not exact. The person making the measurement must estimate that digit. For example, a stick that seems to fall between 13.2 cm and 13.3 cm must...

significant figures in calculations

Rounding Rules for Significant Figures

Rounding rules for significant figures help show the right level of certainty in measured results. When a calculation is reported with the correct number of significant figures, it better matches the uncertainty in the measurements. The rounding rule depends on the type of math being done. For addition and subtraction, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the fewest decimal places. For multiplication and division, the result should have the same number of...

dimensional analysis

Dimensional Checks in Physics Equations

Dimensional consistency is a key check in physics equations. It means the dimensions on both sides of an equation must match. The idea helps show whether an equation can represent a real physical law. The first rule is simple: expressions on each side of the equal sign must have the same dimensions. That makes sense because you can only add or subtract quantities of the same type. The second rule says that the input to a standard mathematical function, such as a trigonometric function, a...

problem solving: dimensional analysis

Dimensional Checks for Physics Equations

Dimensional analysis helps check whether physics equations make sense. It compares the dimensions on each side of an equation and shows whether the units are consistent. This method is useful for spotting algebra errors, typos, and for remembering physical laws. A valid equation must follow two rules. First, both sides of an equality must have the same dimension, so only quantities with matching dimensions can be added or subtracted. Second, common math functions such as exponential,...

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solving problems in physics

Physics Problem Solving: Strategy to Check

Physics problem solving uses general physical principles to work out specific situations. It is a key skill in physics, and it can also help with everyday life. The same analytical skills can be used in new situations, while a list of facts can never cover every possible case. Solving physics problems also takes creativity and insight. These skills grow with experience and practice. There is no simple step-by-step method that works for every problem, but a three-stage process can guide the...

key terms and concepts

Learn how physics explains energy, matter, space, and time, and why its laws matter in chemistry, engineering, everyday life, and problem-solving.

How Physics Shapes Science and Technology | JoVE K12

physics

JoVE Core Physics introduces the theory and application of fundamental physics topics, including kinematics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, statics, waves, and acoustics, with concise and easy-to-understand animated videos. Additionally, the scientist-in-action videos demonstrate the application of related concepts in classical and original research experiments performed in today's laboratories worldwide.

Florida Department of Education

High School

Nature of Science

SC.912.N.2

SC.912.N.2.2

Nuclear Fusion

The process of converting very light nuclei into heavier nuclei is also accompanied by the conversion of mass into large amounts of energy, a process ...

Energy Basics

Chemical reactions, such as those that occur when you light a match, involve changes in energy as well as matter.

Chemical changes and their accompanying ...

Energy

The universe is composed of matter in different forms, and all forms of matter contain energy.&#160; The different forms of energy on Earth originate from ...

What is Energy?

The universe is composed of matter in different forms, and all forms of matter contain energy. &#xA0;The different forms of energy on Earth originate from ...

1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the connections among mass, gravity, and fusion in the life cycle of stars.

9-12.ESS.1.1

Nuclear Binding Energy

The difference between the calculated and experimentally measured masses is known as the mass defect of the atom. In the case of helium-4, the mass defect ...

a. Utilize models to explain the process of stellar evolution from star birth to star death.

9-12.ESS.1.1.a

Balmer Series

Source: Smaa Koraym at Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA

	Preparation of the LaboratoryExpand
	Here, we show the laboratory preparation for 10 students ...

Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy

Source: Laboratory of Dr. B. Jill Venton - University of Virginia
Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is one of the most popular analytical ...

Emission Spectra

When solids, liquids, or condensed gases are heated sufficiently, they radiate some of the excess energy as light. Photons produced in this manner have a ...

Introduction to the Spectrophotometer

The spectrophotometer is a routinely used instrument in scientific research.  Spectrophotometry is the quantitative measurement of how much a chemical ...

b. Interpret the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to analyze the properties of stars, including density, magnitude, temperature, rates of fusion, and spectral class.

9-12.ESS.1.1.b

Nuclear Transmutation

Nuclear transmutation is the conversion of one nuclide into another. It can occur by the radioactive decay of a nucleus, or the reaction of a nucleus with ...

Subatomic Particles

Dalton was only partially correct about the particles that make up matter. All matter is composed of atoms, and atoms are composed of three smaller ...

Atomic Structure

All matter is composed of atoms, the smallest individual units of elements. Each atom is made up of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and ...

c. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how nuclear fusion in stars and supernovas leads to the formation of all other elements.

9-12.ESS.1.1.c

d. Analyze and interpret data to quantify the energy produced in stars, using Einstein's theory of general relativity by applying $E=mc^{2}$ to show that the small amount of mass produced during hydrogen fusion produces a large amount of energy.

9-12.ESS.1.1.d

Classical Mechanics

Classical mechanics provides a mathematical description of the motion of bodies under the influence of forces. A key principle within this field is the ...

The Wave Nature of Light

The nature of light has been a subject of inquiry since antiquity. In the seventeenth century, Isaac Newton performed experiments with lenses and prisms ...

dual-nature-of-electromagnetic-em-radiation

Dual Nature of Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation consists of electric and magnetic field components oscillating in planes perpendicular to each other and mutually ...

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of all the types of electromagnetic radiation arranged according to their frequency and wavelength. Each of the ...

interaction-of-em-radiation-with-matter-spectroscopy

Interaction of EM Radiation with Matter: Spectroscopy

Electromagnetic (EM) radiation can be considered an oscillating electric and magnetic field propagating through a medium that can interact with matter in ...

2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the structure and motion of components of the universe and solar system.

9-12.ESS.1.2

Kepler's First Law of Planetary Motion

In the early 17th century, German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler postulated three laws for the motion of planets in the solar system. He ...

Kepler's Second Law of Planetary Motion

In the early 17th century, German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler postulated three laws for the motion of planets in the solar system. His ...

Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion

In the early 17th century, German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler postulated three laws for the motion of planets in the solar system. In ...

Newton's First Law: Introduction

Motion draws our attention. Motion itself can be beautiful, causing us to marvel at the forces needed to create spectacular sights, such as that of a ...

Newton's Second Law

Newton&#39;s second law is closely related to his first law of motion. It mathematically gives the cause-and-effect relationship between force and changes ...

Newton's Third Law: Introduction

Whenever one body exerts a force on a second body, the first body experiences a force equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, to the force that it ...

a. Use mathematics and computational thinking to predict the motion of natural and man-made objects in the solar system, using Kepler's laws, Newton's laws of motion, and Newton's gravitational laws.

9-12.ESS.1.2.a

Doppler Effect - I

The Doppler effect and Doppler shift were named after the Austrian physicist and mathematician Christian Johann Doppler in 1842, who conducted experiments ...

Doppler Effect - II

The Doppler effect has several practical, real-world applications. For instance, meteorologists use Doppler radars to interpret weather events based on ...

propagation-speed-of-electromagnetic-waves

Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves are consistent with Ampere&#39;s law. Assuming there is no conduction current Ampere&#39;s law is given as:


Consider a plane ...

Electromagnetic waves are categorized according to their wavelengths and frequencies, giving the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are classified as ...

Units and Standards of Measurement

A physical quantity is defined either by specifying its measurement method or by stating how it is calculated from other measurements. For example, ...

b. Use mathematics and computational thinking to explain the relationships between the properties of light and distances in the solar system and universe, including the Doppler effect, red shift, light years, and astronomical units.

9-12.ESS.1.2.b

The Bohr Model

Following the work of Ernest Rutherford and his colleagues in the early twentieth century, the picture of atoms consisting of tiny dense nuclei surrounded ...

Radiation: Applications

The average temperature of Earth is the subject of much current discussion. Earth is in radiative contact with both the Sun and dark space; it receives ...

c. Analyze spectroscopic data to determine the properties and motion of objects in space. Example: Use spectral lines to identify unknown elements in stars. Use a blackbody curve to determine the temperature of objects in space.

9-12.ESS.1.2.c

acceleration-due-to-gravity-on-other-planets

Acceleration due to Gravity on Other Planets

The gravitational acceleration of an object near the Earth&#39;s surface is called the acceleration due to gravity. It can be measured by conducting ...

Tidal Forces

The origin of Earth&#39;s ocean tides has been a subject of continuous investigation for over 2000 years. However, the work of Newton is considered to be ...

d. Investigate and communicate major properties of bodies in the solar system and the zones they inhabit. Examples: planets, dwarf planets, major moons, asteroid belt, comets, the Kuiper belt, the Öort cloud

9-12.ESS.1.2.d

Absorption of Radiation

The rate of heat transfer by emitted radiation is described by the Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiation:

where &#963; is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant, a ...

Geoid and Ellipsoid

The Earth's shape is best described as an ellipsoid, a slightly flattened sphere created by rotating an ellipse around its minor axis. This flattening ...

Survey Safety

Surveying near highways, rough terrain, or power lines involves significant risks. Working along highways is particularly dangerous and requires the use ...

Quantifying Heat

Thermal Energy&#160;

Microscopically, thermal energy is the kinetic energy associated with the random motion of atoms and molecules. Temperature is a ...

e. Use mathematics to explain how solar intensity and the tilt of the Earth's axis impact the distribution of sunlight on the Earth's surface, including zenith angle, solar angle, and surface area.

9-12.ESS.1.2.e

Newton's Law of Gravitation

Our everyday observation tells us that all objects close to the Earth naturally tend to fall to the ground. Early philosophers assumed that this downward ...

space-time-curvature-and-the-general-theory-of-relativity

Space-Time Curvature and the General Theory of Relativity

In 1905, Albert Einstein published his special theory of relativity. According to this theory, no matter in the universe can attain a speed greater than ...

Principle of Equivalence

According to Albert Einstein (1897-1955), free-falling and feeling weightless are intrinsically linked. If a person were in free-fall under gravity, for ...

Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical ...

circular-orbits-and-critical-velocity-for-satellites

Circular Orbits and Critical Velocity for Satellites

The Moon orbits around the Earth. In turn, the Earth (and other planets) orbit the Sun. The space directly above our atmosphere is filled with artificial ...

3. Research, evaluate, and communicate information about how the findings of early astronomers, including Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Brahe, Kepler, Newton, and Einstein, challenged the thinking of their time, allowed for academic advancements, and built a foundation for space exploration. Examples: Ptolemy supported a geocentric solar system with fixed stars, circular orbits of planets, and a perfect and unchanging universe. Kepler supported a heliocentric solar system, elliptical orbits of planets, and a changing universe; his laws predict the motions of satellites.

9-12.ESS.1.3

a. Obtain and evaluate scientific information that explains how the application of new knowledge and technological advances has improved human understanding of the universe. Examples: Annie Cannon designed a star classification system based on star color and temperature that is still used today. Edwin Hubble used Christian Doppler's research to determine redshift. Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias discovered Cosmic Background Radiation, providing evidence for an expanding universe. Stephen Hawking and Neil deGrasse Tyson made astronomy more accessible to the public.

Schwarzschild Radius and Event Horizon

No object with a finite mass can travel faster than the speed of light in a vacuum. This fact has an interesting consequence in the domain of extremely ...

Detection of Black Holes

Although black holes were theoretically postulated in the 1920s, they remained outside the domain of observational astronomy until the 1970s.
Their ...

b. Construct an evidence-based explanation of the connections among various cosmic phenomena, citing leading scientific theories.

9-12.ESS.1.3.b

Rocket Propulsion in Empty Space - I

The driving force for the motion of any vehicle is friction, but in the case of rocket propulsion in space, the friction force is not present. The motion ...

Rocket Propulsion In Empty Space - II

The motion of a rocket is governed by the conservation of momentum principle. A rocket&#39;s momentum changes by the same amount (with the opposite sign) ...

gis-software-hardware-and-sources-of-gis-data

GIS Software, Hardware, and Sources of GIS Data

A Geographic Information System (GIS) combines specialized software and hardware to effectively manage, analyze, and present spatial and related data. GIS ...

applications-of-gis-disaster-management-and-emergency-response

Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response

Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is essential for risk identification, action prioritization, and resource optimization in critical ...

c. Obtain and communicate information about Alabama's contributions to space exploration.

9-12.ESS.1.3.c

How Physics Shapes Science and Technology

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