SFA Convent High School, Navsari Physics 1- Physical World

Physical World
The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical
and natural world through observation and experiment.

The word science comes from a Latin word “scientia” which means ‘to know’. The Sanskrit word Vijnan and the
Arabic word Ilm convey similar meaning, namely ‘knowledge’

Science means organized knowledge.

It is human nature to observe things and happenings around in the nature and then to relate them. This knowledge is
organized so that it becomes well connected and logical. Then it is known as Science. It is a systematic attempt to
understand natural phenomenon and use this knowledge to predict, modify and control phenomena.

Science is nothing but the knowledge gained through the systematic observations and experiments.
Scientific methods include the systematic observations, reasoning, modeling and theoretical prediction.
DISCOVERY: It consist of seeing that everybody has seen, but thinking what nobody has thought.
Science has many disciplines, physics being one of them.

Albert Einstein : “science is not just a collection of laws, a catalogus of unrelated facts. Its is a creation of human
mind with its freely invented idea & concept.”
Bruce Lindsay : “Science is a method for describing, creating & understanding human experience “.
Bertrand Russel : “We know very little & yet it is astonishing that we know so much & still more astonishing that so
little knowledge can give us so much power”.

Scientific Method
Scientific methods are used to observe things and
natural phenomena. It includes several steps:
➢ Observations
➢ Controlled experiments,
➢ Qualitative and quantitative reasoning,
➢ Mathematical modeling,
➢ Prediction and Verification or falsification of
theories.

There is no ‘final’ theory in science and no

unquestioned authority in science.
Observations and experiments need theories to support them. Sometimes the existing theory is unable to explain the
new observations, hence either new theory is formed or modification is done in the existing theories.
For example to explain different phenomena in light, theories are changed. To explain bending of light a new Wave-
theory was formed, and then to explain photoelectric effect help of quantum mechanics was taken.

Natural Sciences can be broadly divided in three branches namely Physics, Chemistry and biology

PHYSICS
The word physics has its origin in a Greek word meaning ‘nature’.
Physics is the most basic science, which deals with the study of nature and natural phenomena. Understanding science
begins with understanding physics. With every passing day, physics has brought to us deeper levels of understanding
of nature.
The ultimate test of any physical theory is its agreement with observations and measurements of physical phenomena.
Thus physics is inherently a science of measurement.

Physics is a study of basic laws of nature and their manifestation in different phenomena’s.
SFA Convent High School, Navsari Physics 1- Physical World
PHYSICS NATURE
The man is making continuous and serious attempts to understand the world around them.
The repetition of day and night, cycle of seasons, volcanoes, rainbows, eclipses and the starry night sky have always
been a source of wonder and subject of thought.
The inquiring mind of humans always tried to understand the natural phenomena by observing the environment
carefully.
This pursuit of understanding nature led us to today’s modern science and technology.

What is physics & scope & Excitement: The physics comes from the Greek word “fusis” meaning nature.

There are two principal thrusts in Physics; 1. Unification 2. Reduction

Unification: Attempting to explain diverse physical phenomena &
terms of few laws & concepts. E.g. motion of planets, sun etc.
HEAT
Efforts are made to explain different phenomena in nature on the
basis of one or minimum laws. This is principle of Unification. MOTION ATOMIC
Example: Phenomena of apple falling to ground, moon revolving
around earth and weightlessness in the rocket, all these phenomena
are explained with help of one Law that is, Newton’s Law of NANO MECHAN
Gravitation. TECH PHY ICS

Reductionism: Attempting to derive the properties of a bigger,

more complex system from the properties of its constituent simpler QUANT
OPTICS
parts. e.g. temp. internal energy (microscope quantities). UM
To understand or to derive the properties of a bigger or more NUCLEAR
complex system the properties of its simpler constituents are taken
into account. This approach is called reductionism. It is supposed to be the heart of Physics. For example a complex
thermo dynamical system can be understood by the properties of its constituent like kinetic energy of molecules and
atoms.
The scope of Physics can be divided in to two domains: Macroscopic and Microscopic.
Macroscopic domain includes phenomena at the level of Laboratory, terrestrial and astronomical scales.
Microscopic domain includes atomic, molecular and nuclear phenomena.
Recently third domain in between is also thought of with name Mesoscopic Physics. This deals with group of
Hundreds of atoms
Scope of physics is very wide and exciting because it deals with objects of size as large as Universe (1025m) and as
small as 10-14 m, the size of a nucleus.

Physics: Scope, Technology and under standing

In physics we have study mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic and optical characteristics of a body. To understand
such a property, physics developed mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics and electrodynamics, such
like branches.
➢ Range of physics is from zero to infinite.
➢ Range of length in physics is from 10-15m (radius of nucleus) to 1026m (length of Galaxy.)
➢ Hence ratio of measurement is in order of 1040.
➢ Range of measurement of time is 10-22 s to 1018 s.
➢ Range of mass is from 1030 kg (mass of an electron) to 1055 kg (mass of Galaxy).

The excitement of Physics is experienced in many fields like:

Live transmissions through television, Computers with high speed and memory, Use of Robots, Lasers and their
applications Physics in relation to other branches of Science:
Physics in relation to Chemistry.
Chemical bonding, atomic number and complex structure can be explained by physics phenomena of Electrostatic
forces, taking help of X-ray diffraction.
SFA Convent High School, Navsari Physics 1- Physical World
Physics in relation to other Science:
Physics in relation to Biological Sciences: Physics helps in study of Biology through its inventions. Optical
microscope helps to study bio-samples, electron microscope helps to study biological cells. X-rays have many
applications in biological sciences. Radio isotopes are used in cancer.

Physics in relation with Astronomy:

Giant astronomical telescope developed in physics are used for observing planets. Radio telescopes have enabled
astronomers to observe distant limits of universe.

Physics related to other sciences: Laws of Physics are used to study different phenomena in other sciences like
Biophysics, oceanography, seismology etc.

Fundamental Forces in Nature

There are a large number of forces experienced or applied. These may be macroscopic forces like gravitation, friction,
contact forces and microscopic forces like electromagnetic and inter-atomic forces. But all these forces arise from
some basic forces called Fundamental Forces.

Fundamental Forces in Nature.

1. Gravitational force.
➢ It is due to Mass of the two bodies.
➢ It is always attractive.
➢ It operates in all objects of universe.
➢ Its range is infinite
➢ It’s a weak force. 10-38 times compared to strong Nuclear force

2. Electromagnetic Forces:
➢ It’s due to stationery or moving Electrical charge
➢ It may be attractive or repulsive.
➢ It operates on charged particles
➢ Its range is infinite
➢ It’s stronger 1038 times than gravitational force but 10-2 times of strong
Nuclear force.

3. Strong nuclear force:

➢ Operate between Nucleons
➢ It may be attractive or repulsive
➢ Its range is very short, within nuclear size (10-15 m).
➢ Its strongest force in nature

4. Weak Nuclear force:

➢ Operate within nucleons i.e. elementary particles like electron and neutrino.
➢ It appears during radioactive b decay.
d
➢ Has very short range 10-15m. d
➢ 10-13 times than Strong nuclear force. U
Conservation Laws
In any physical phenomenon governed by different forces, several quantities do not change with time. These special
quantities are conserved quantities of nature.

1. For motion under conservative force, the total mechanical Energy of a body is constant.
SFA Convent High School, Navsari Physics 1- Physical World
2. Total energy of a system is conserved, and it is valid across all domains of nature from microscopic to
macroscopic. Total energy of the universe is believed to be constant.
3. Conservation of Mass was considered another conservation law, till advent of Einstein. Then it was converted to
law of conservation of mass plus energy. Because mass is converted into energy and vice-versa according to
equation E = mc2. The examples are annihilation and pair production.
4. Momentum is another quantity which is preserved. Similar is angular momentum of an isolated system. If the
resultant external force on a system is zero, the total linear momentum of the system remain constant.
5. Conservation of Electric charge is a fundamental law of nature. During any process taking place in electrically
isolated system the algebraic sum of the charges remain constant.
6. Later there was development of law of conservation of attributes called baryon number, lepton number and so on.
The laws of nature do not change with change of space and time. This is known as symmetry of space and time.
This and some other symmetries play a central role in modern physics. Conservation laws are connected to this.

1 Some of the most profound statements on the nature of science have come from Albert Einstein, one of the
greatest scientists of all time. What do you think did Einstein mean when he said: “The most incomprehensible
thing about the world is that it is comprehensible”?
Ans The whole of physical world is complex in nature. The biological world has its own complexities. Moreover, vastly
different orders of magnitudes are involved in space, time and mass. Inspite of all this, almost all the physical phenomena
can be expressed in terms of few basic laws. When viewed in this context, Einstein’s statement becomes very clear.
2 What is electrostatics? Mention some of its important applications.
Ans Electrostatics. Electrostatics is the study of electric charges at rest. Here we study the forces, fields and potentials
associated with static charges.
Applications of electrostatics. The attraction and repulsion between charged bodies have many industrial applications.
Some of these are as follows :
1. In electrostatic loudspeaker.
2. In electrostatic spraying of paints and powder coating.
3. In a Xerox copying machine.
3 “Politics is the art of the possible”. Similarly, “Science is the art of the soluble”. Explain this beautiful aphorism
on the nature and practice of science.
Ans Science is a systematised study of observations. A scientist patiently analyses these observations and comes out with
certain laws. As an illustration, Tycho Brahe worked for twenty long years to make observations on planetary motions. It
is from this huge reservoir of observations that Kepler formulated his three famous laws of planetary motion. Thus,
science is the art of the soluble just as politics is the art of the possible.
4 Though India now has a large base in science and technology, which is fast expanding, it is still a long way from
realising its potential of becoming a world leader in science. Name some important factors, which in your view
have hindered the advancement of science in India.
Ans Some of the important factors which have hindered the growth of science in India are given below:
a) Lock of infrastructure and funds for quality research work in science.
b) Science education is neither properly oriented nor directed. It needs specific directions depending on our requirements.
c) The rural based science education is nearly non-existent so that majority of population is deprived of the benefits of
advancements in science and technology.
d) Poor pay scales and other facilities to scientists as compared to administrators.
e) Indian society is full of superstitions and is highly traditional. Therefore, they are slow in adopting the new scientific
trends.
f) There is practically no co-ordination between the researchers and the industrialists. The industrialists are the actual
consumers of new research and technology. The industrialists of this country have little confidence in the ability of the
Indian scientists.
5 No physicist has ever “seen” an electron. Yet, all physicists believe in the existence of electrons. An intelligent but
superstitious man advances this analogy to argue that ‘ghosts’ exist even though no one has ‘seen’ one. How will
you refute his argument?
Ans Many phenomena which depend upon the existence of electrons have been predicted and actually observed in everyday
life. There is no phenomenon which can be explained on the basis that ghosts exist though they are not seen. So,
obviously, the comparison between two situations does not make any sense.
6 The shells of crabs found around a particular coastal location in Japan seem mostly to resemble the legendary
face of a Samurai. Given below are two explanations of this observed fact. Which of these strikes you as a
scientific explanation?
(a) A tragic sea accident several centuries ago drowned a young Samurai. As a tribute to his bravery, nature
SFA Convent High School, Navsari Physics 1- Physical World
through its inscrutable ways immortalised his face by imprinting it on the crab shells in that area.
(b) After the sea tragedy, fishermen in that area, in a gesture of honor to their dead hero, let free any crab shell
caught by them which accidentally had a shape resembling the face of a Samurai. Consequently, the particular
shape of the crab shell survived longer and therefore in course of time the shape was genetically propagated. This
is an example of evolution by artificial selection.
[Note: This interesting illustration taken from Carl Sagan’s ‘The Cosmos’ highlights the fact that often strange and
inexplicable facts which on the first sight appear ‘supernatural’ actually turn out to have simple scientific explanations.
Try to think out other examples of this kind],
Ans (a) The explanation given in option (b) strikes as a scientific explanation.
7 The industrial revolution in England and Western Europe more than two centuries ago was triggered by some key
scientific and technological advances. What were these advances?
Ans Some of the key advances during that period in science and technology include the application of heat and
thermodynamics to form the steam engine. Discovery of electricity helped in designing dynamos and motors. Study of
gravitation led to the study of motion and making guns and cannons. This gave power in the hands of western countries
and they ruled over rest of the world. The discovery of explosives not only helped army but also mineral exploration.
These are some examples of scientific and technological advances which helped England and Europe to have their
prominent positions in the world. In fact, the progress in chemistry, physics and natural sciences brought the industrial
revolution in England and Western Europe.
8 It is often said that the world is witnessing now a second industrial revolution, which will transform the society as
radically as did the first. List some key contemporary areas of science and technology, which are responsible for
this revolution.
Ans Some key contemporary areas of science and technology, which are chiefly responsible for a new industrial revolution
taking place now and likely to take place in near future are: (i) Design of super-fast computers. (1) Biotechnology. (2)
Developments in the field of space sciences. (3) Development of super-conducting materials at room temperature. (4)
Advancements in the field of electronics, information technology and nanotechnology.
9 Write in about 100 words a fiction piece based on your speculation on the science and technology of the twenty-
second century.
Ans 1. The development on the front of genetic engineering and biotechnology will include:
(a) Production of man, animals and plants with specific characteristics.
(b) High yielding variety of plants and specific crops would be sown.
2. Multiple use of laser in various fields or even more developed device which will transform the world. Man would
treat himself as the king of universe.
3. Man may travel in space with unthinkable speeds and transportation would be totally revolutionized.
4. Man would travel deeper into the space and may settle on other planets, befriend strange creatures from other worlds
or may wage a war with them.
5. In the field of communication, 22nd century has many surprises in store. Two persons sitting on the globe or on moon
would talk on phone face to face.
6. Man may partially conquer diseases and slow down ageing.
10 Attempt to formulate your ‘moral’ views on the practice of science. Imagine yourself stumbling upon a discovery,
which has great academic interest but is certain to have nothing but dangerous •consequences for the human
society. How, if at all, will you resolve your dilemma?
Ans A scientist aims at truth. A scientific discovery reveals a truth of nature. So, any discovery, good or bad for mankind,
must be made public. A discovery which appears dangerous today may become useful to the mankind some time later. In
order to prevent misuse of scientific technology, we must build up a strong public opinion. Scientists should in fact take
up two roles – to discover truth and to prevent its misuse
11 Science, like any knowledge, can be put to good or bad use, depending on the user. Given below are some of the
applications of science. Formulate your views on whether the particular application is good, bad or something
that cannot be so clearly categorised:
(a) Mass vaccination against small pox to curb and finally eradicate this disease from the population. (This has already
been successfully done in India.)
(b) Television for eradication of illiteracy and for mass communication of news and ideas.
(c) Prenatal sex determination.
(d) Computers for increase in work efficiency.
(e) Putting artificial satellites into orbits around the Earth.
(f) Development of nuclear weapons.
(g) Development of new and powerful techniques of chemical and biological warfare.
(h) Purification of water for drinking.
(i) Plastic surgery.
SFA Convent High School, Navsari Physics 1- Physical World
(j) Cloning.
Ans (a) Good, because it helped in eradicating a dreaded disease from the Earth.
(b) Good, because it helps in literacy campaign and is an effective method of mass communication and entertainment.
(c) Bad, because it leads to practice of abortion in case of female foetus.
(d) Good, because it increases work efficiency.
(e) Good, because it helped in worldwide communication process.
(f) Bad, because nuclear weapons may cause mass destruction of mankind.
(g) Bad, because these techniques may be used for destructive purposes.
(h) Good, because pure water supply will improve the health of people.
(i) Plastic surgery is something which cannot be classified as either good or bad. The technique helps to remove certain
type of deformations in needy persons. But plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes is not good.
(j) Cloning is bad because it has the potential to destroy the normal family life of human society.
12 India has had a long and unbroken tradition of great scholarship in mathematics, astronomy, linguistics, logic and
ethics. Yet, in parallel with this, several superstitious and obscurantist attitudes and practices flourished in our
society and unfortunately continue even today among many educated people too. How will you use your
knowledge of science to develop strategies to counter these attitudes?
Ans In order to popularize scientific explanations of everyday phenomena, mass media like radio, television and newspapers
should be used. We shall use our knowledge of science to educate masses and shall try to tell them the real cause of an
event so that their superstitious beliefs are rejected.
13 Though the law gives women equal status in India, many people hold unscientific views on a woman’s innate
nature, capacity and intelligence; and in practice give them a secondary status and role. Demolish this view using
scientific arguments, and by quoting examples of great women in science and other spheres; and persuade
yourself and others that, given equal opportunity, women are on par with men.
Ans There is no difference in the capacity of women and men as far as work, intelligence, decision making is concerned. The
nature makes little difference in man and woman in their anatomy and feeling.
The nutrition content of prenatal and postnatal diet contributes a lot towards the development of human mind. If equal
opportunities are afforded to both men and women, then the female mind will be as efficient as male mind.
The list of successful women from various fields is very large. Names of Kalpana Chawla, Sarojini Naidu, Madame
Curie, Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale drawn from fields varying from science
to sociology are very well-known to the world.
14 “It is more important to have beauty in the equations of physics than to have them agree with experiments.” The
great British physicist P.A.M. Dirac held this view. Criticize this statement. Look out for some equations and
results in this book which strike you as beautiful.
Ans Generally it is considered that physics is a dry subject and its main aim is to give qualitative and quantitative treatment
i.e., any derived relation or equation must be verified through experimentation. It is felt that truth of an equation is more
important than the simplicity, wonderfulness, symmetry or beauty of the equation. But frankly, if a relation is true to
experimentation and simultaneously it is simple, interesting, symmetrical, wonderful or beautiful, it will certainly add to
the charm of the relation.
15 Though the statement quoted above may by disputed, most physicists do have a feeling that the great laws of
physics are at once simple and beautiful. Some of the notable physicists, besides Dirac, who have articulated this
feeling are: Einstein, Bohr, Heisenberg, Chandrasekhar and Feynman. You are urged to make special efforts to
get access to the general books and writings by these and other great masters of physics. Their writings are truly
inspiring.
Ans General books on Physics make an interesting reading. Students should consult a good Library to go through some of
these immortal works. ‘Surely you are joking, Mr. Feynman’ by Feynman is one of the books that would assume the
students. Some other interesting books are: Physics for the Inquiring Mind by EM Rogers; Physics, Foundations and
Frontiers by G. Gamow; Thirty Years That Shook Physics by G. Gamow; Physics Can Be Fun by Perelman.
16 Textbooks on science may give you a wrong impression that studying science is dry and all too serious and that
scientists are absent-minded introverts who never laugh or grin. This image of science and scientist is patently
false. Scientists, like any other group of humans, have their share of humorists, and many have led their lives with
a great sense of fun and adventure, even as they seriously pursued their scientific work. Two great physicists of
this genre are Gamow and Feynman. You will enjoy reading their books listed in the Bibliography.
Ans The statement ”scientists, like any other group of humans, have their share of humorists” is true. We can cite the example
of many scientists who were fun loving, adventurists, jovial. One can add the name of C.V. Raman who enjoyed music in
addition to doing serious scientific works and so was Homi Jahagir Bhaba. Students should go through the listed books of
bibliography to visualise actual image of science and scientists.