The Science of Physics

Physics
 What We Want to Know…
 What topics does “physics” include?
 What is the scientific method?
 How do you identify what variables to
look at during an experiment?
What comes to mind when
you think of physics?
 Physics
 Physics uses and develops basic
concepts, equations, and assumptions to
explain/describe physical phenomenon.

 Physics is the study of our physical

environment.
 Physics
Area Subjects Examples
Mechanics Motion, interaction Falling objects, weight,
between objects friction
Fluid Dynamics Buoyancy, pressure Floating objects, pneumatics
Thermo- Heat and Melting, freezing, engines,
dynamics temperature refrigerators
Wave Vibrations and Springs, pendulums, sound
Phenomena repetitive motions
Optics Light Mirrors, lenses, color,
Electro- Electricity, Electrical charge, circuitry,
magnetism magnetism, light magnets
Relativity Particles moving at Particle collisions, particle
any speed accelerators, nuclear energy
 Physics
 Physics involves:
 Mathematics
 Experimentation
 Logic and Reasoning
 Gravity: objects with
different masses fall as fast
as each other.
 Born in 1564, started with
thought experiment.
 Previous Thought: more mass
 object falls faster
Question: an object with a large mass is dropped
while attached to a smaller mass.
A. Objects slow down
10
B. Objects
1
speed up (their
(their speeds average mass combine to be
Answer: all objects fall atgreater)
together) the same rate no
matter the mass
 Scientific Method
 Question
 Observe
 Hypothesize
Repeat if
 Design necessary
 Experiment
 Observe/Analyze
 Answer
 Scientific Method
 Hypothesis:
 An educated guess.
World Series Champs!
 Controlled Experiment:
 Tests hypothesis by comparing a control
group with an experimental group.
 Only test/change one variable at a time.
 Analyzing Events
 Model
 A description or representation designed to
help explain features of various objects,
systems or concepts.
 What works in one situation applies to
another similar situation.
 System
 A set of particles considered to be distinct
and separate for the purpose of study.
 What is being analyzed only
Questions?