Glossary

covers vast scales, from tiny atoms to massive galaxies. It's split into areas like mechanics, , and . These fields connect, giving us a fuller picture of how the universe works.

Scientists use tools like estimation to grasp huge numbers. They also create models, theories, and laws to explain what they see. The helps test ideas through experiments and analysis.

Fundamental Areas and Scales in Physics

Areas of physics and interconnections

Top images from around the web for Areas of physics and interconnections

  • Theories [The Physics Travel Guide] View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Fisica moderna - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Theories [The Physics Travel Guide] View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Areas of physics and interconnections

  • Theories [The Physics Travel Guide] View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Fisica moderna - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Theories [The Physics Travel Guide] View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3
  • studies the motion of macroscopic objects, including concepts such as , , and , providing the foundation for other branches of physics
  • Thermodynamics and deals with , , and the behavior of systems with many particles, explaining the relationship between microscopic properties and macroscopic behavior
  • studies electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with matter, describing phenomena such as light, radio waves, and electrical circuits
  • Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic scales, explaining wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle
  • Relativity includes , dealing with the behavior of space and at high speeds, and , describing gravity as a curvature of
  • Interconnections: thermodynamics and statistical mechanics rely on classical mechanics principles; electromagnetism and classical mechanics connect through force; quantum mechanics explains particle behavior in atoms and molecules; relativity is essential for understanding objects at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields

Order of magnitude estimation

  • Involves determining the approximate value of a quantity by expressing it as a power of 10 (Earth's radius: 6.4×103 km6.4 \times 10^3 \text{ km})
  • Helps understand the relative scales of different quantities (electron : 10−30 kg10^{-30} \text{ kg}, Earth mass: 1024 kg10^{24} \text{ kg})
  • Utilizes to represent very large or small numbers concisely

Scales across physical phenomena

  • scales range from subatomic particles (10−15 m10^{-15} \text{ m} to 10−10 m10^{-10} \text{ m}), atoms and molecules (10−10 m10^{-10} \text{ m} to 10−9 m10^{-9} \text{ m}), everyday objects (10−3 m10^{-3} \text{ m} to 103 m10^3 \text{ m}), to astronomical objects (106 m10^6 \text{ m} to 1026 m10^{26} \text{ m})
  • Mass scales span from elementary particles (10−30 kg10^{-30} \text{ kg} to 10−27 kg10^{-27} \text{ kg}), everyday objects (10−3 kg10^{-3} \text{ kg} to 103 kg10^3 \text{ kg}), to astronomical objects (1024 kg10^{24} \text{ kg} to 1030 kg10^{30} \text{ kg})
  • Time scales range from atomic and subatomic processes (10−18 s10^{-18} \text{ s} to 10−15 s10^{-15} \text{ s}), human perception (10−3 s10^{-3} \text{ s} to 103 s10^3 \text{ s}), to geological processes (1011 s10^{11} \text{ s} to 1017 s10^{17} \text{ s})

Models vs theories vs laws

  • Scientific models are simplified representations of complex systems or phenomena, used to make predictions and understand behavior (Bohr model of the atom)
  • Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations of natural phenomena based on evidence from multiple sources, used to make predictions (quantum )
  • Scientific laws are concise, universal statements describing the fundamental behavior of a system, often expressed mathematically for precise predictions ()

Scientific Method and Experimentation

  • The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating phenomena and acquiring knowledge
  • It begins with of natural phenomena or existing scientific knowledge
  • Formulation of a to explain the observed phenomena
  • Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis
  • Analyze results through and data collection
  • Draw conclusions and refine or revise the hypothesis based on experimental outcomes
  • is used to check the consistency of equations and convert between different units of measurement

Key Terms to Review (37)

Action-at-a-distance force: An action-at-a-distance force is a force exerted by an object on another object that is not in physical contact with it, acting over a distance through space. Examples include gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear forces.
Classical Mechanics: Classical mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of macroscopic objects, such as planets, projectiles, and everyday objects, under the influence of forces. It is the foundation for understanding the physical world around us and forms the basis for many other areas of physics.
Dimensional Analysis: Dimensional analysis is a problem-solving technique that uses the relationships between the dimensions of physical quantities to simplify calculations, check the validity of equations, and convert between different units of measurement. It is a fundamental tool in physics that helps ensure the consistency and dimensionality of physical expressions.
Elapsed time: Elapsed time is the total duration taken for an event to occur, measured from its start to its end. It is a scalar quantity typically measured in seconds, minutes, or hours.
Electromagnetism: Electromagnetism is the study of the fundamental interactions between electric and magnetic fields, and their relationship with the motion of electric charges. It is a unifying theory that explains the behavior of electric and magnetic phenomena, and their interconnectedness.
Energy: Energy is the fundamental quantity that describes the ability to do work or cause change. It is the driving force behind all physical and chemical processes in the universe, from the smallest subatomic interactions to the largest-scale cosmic events. Energy can take many forms, such as kinetic, potential, thermal, electrical, and more, and it is conserved in the sense that it cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one type to another.
Experiment: An experiment is a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. It involves carefully controlled conditions and observations to explore the relationships between different variables and phenomena in the physical world.
Force: Force is a vector quantity that represents the interaction between two objects, causing a change in the motion or shape of the objects. It is the fundamental concept that underlies many of the physical principles studied in college physics, including Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, and more.
General Relativity: General relativity is a theory of gravitation developed by Albert Einstein, which describes gravity not as a force, but as a consequence of the curvature of spacetime caused by the uneven distribution of mass/energy. It is a fundamental theory that revolutionized our understanding of the universe and its workings.
Heat: Heat is a form of energy that is transferred from a hotter object to a cooler object due to a temperature difference. It is a fundamental concept in the study of thermodynamics and plays a crucial role in the scope and scale of physics.
Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or observation, which can be tested through further investigation and experimentation. It serves as a starting point for scientific inquiry, guiding the research process and helping to uncover new knowledge about the physical world.
Kepler’s second law: Kepler's second law, also known as the law of equal areas, states that a line segment joining a planet and the Sun sweeps out equal areas during equal intervals of time. This implies that a planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun and slower when it is farther from the Sun.
Kilogram: A kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined by the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram, a platinum-iridium alloy cylinder kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.
Kilogram: The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is the only SI unit that is still defined by a physical object, rather than a fundamental physical constant. The kilogram is a crucial concept in physics, as it is used to quantify the amount of matter in an object and is a key component in the study of mechanics, thermodynamics, and other areas of physics.
Law: A law in physics is a statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the universe. It always applies under the same conditions and implies that there is a causal relationship involving its elements.
Length: Length is a fundamental physical quantity that describes the one-dimensional extent of an object or the distance between two points. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction. Length is a crucial concept in various areas of physics, including the scope and scale of physical phenomena, unit conversion, and dimensional analysis.
Mass: Mass is a fundamental physical quantity that represents the amount of matter in an object. It is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its state of motion, and it is a key concept in the study of mechanics and the behavior of objects under the influence of forces.
Measurement: Measurement is the process of quantifying the physical properties of an object or phenomenon using a standard unit or scale. It is a fundamental concept in physics that allows for the precise description and analysis of the natural world.
Milky Way: The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System, characterized by its spiral shape and vast number of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. It is part of the Local Group of galaxies within the universe.
Momentum: Momentum is a vector quantity that describes the motion of an object. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity, and it represents the object's quantity of motion. Momentum is a fundamental concept in physics that is closely related to other important topics such as forces, energy, and collisions.
Newton's Laws of Motion: Newton's Laws of Motion are a set of three fundamental principles that describe the relationship between an object and the forces acting upon it, governing the motion of objects in the physical world. These laws form the foundation of classical mechanics and are essential in understanding the behavior of objects in various contexts, including the Scope and Scale of Physics, Algebra of Vectors, Free Fall, Newton's First Law, Impulse and Collisions, and Center of Mass.
Observation: Observation is the act of carefully watching and noting a phenomenon or event in order to gather information and gain understanding about the physical world. It is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method and is essential for making accurate measurements, identifying patterns, and developing hypotheses.
Order of magnitude: Order of magnitude is a classifying scale that measures the size or quantity of something in terms of powers of ten. It helps to compare and understand the relative scale of different physical quantities.
Order of Magnitude: The order of magnitude of a quantity is the class of scale or magnitude of the quantity. It provides an approximate indication of the quantity's size, typically by rounding it to the nearest power of 10. This concept is used to make rough comparisons between vastly different quantities in the context of the scope and scale of physics.
Physics: Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. It examines how these elements interact through space and time.
Quantum mechanics: Quantum mechanics is a fundamental branch of physics that describes the physical properties of matter and energy on very small scales, typically at the level of atoms and subatomic particles. This field introduces concepts such as wave-particle duality and quantization of energy levels, reshaping our understanding of the universe's building blocks. It connects closely with various phenomena, including the behavior of electrons in atoms and the principles behind technologies like lasers and semiconductors.
Scientific Method: The scientific method is a systematic process of investigating and understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and the formulation of theories and hypotheses. It is a fundamental approach used in the field of physics to explore the scope and scale of physical phenomena.
Scientific Notation: Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers in a compact form, typically written as a product of a number between 1 and 10 and a power of 10. This notation makes it easier to handle calculations involving extreme values, which are common in fields that deal with the vast scales of physics and measurements. It also aids in standardizing units and simplifies the process of converting between them, while ensuring that significant figures are maintained in calculations.
Second: The second is the base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom. The second is a fundamental unit that is essential for measuring and understanding various physical phenomena across the field of physics.
Spacetime: Spacetime is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the unified four-dimensional continuum of space and time. It is the framework in which all physical phenomena, including the motion of objects, are described and understood.
Special Relativity: Special relativity is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the relationship between space and time, and the behavior of objects moving at high speeds relative to an observer. It was developed by Albert Einstein in 1905 and revolutionized our understanding of the physical universe.
Statistical Mechanics: Statistical mechanics is a branch of physics that uses statistical methods to study the behavior of large systems composed of many interacting particles, such as gases, liquids, and solids. It provides a framework for understanding the macroscopic properties of these systems in terms of the microscopic interactions between their constituent particles.
Temperature: Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, reflecting the degree of hotness or coldness of an object or environment. It is a fundamental concept in physics that is essential for understanding various physical phenomena.
Theory: A theory in physics is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate laws, hypotheses, and facts. Theories are developed based on extensive and reproducible observations and experiments.
Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy. It describes the fundamental physical laws governing the conversion of energy into work and heat, and the direction of such conversions.
Time: Time is a fundamental concept in physics that represents the duration or interval between events, the order in which they occur, and the measurement of their rate of change. It is a crucial factor in understanding the physical world and the laws that govern it.
Whirlpool Galaxy: The Whirlpool Galaxy, also known as M51, is a classic spiral galaxy located about 23 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. It is characterized by its prominent arms and interaction with its companion galaxy, NGC 5195.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Back
Practice QuizGlossary
Practice QuizGlossary
Next guide