What is physics?

The dictionary definition of physics is “the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them”, but what that really means is that physics is about asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing and experimenting.

Physicists ask really big questions like:

·         How did the universe begin?

·         How will the universe change in the future?

·         How does the Sun keep on shining?

·         What are the basic building blocks of matter?

If you think these questions are fascinating, then you’ll like physics.

What do Physicists do?

Many physicists work in ‘pure’ research, trying to find answers to these types of question. The answers they come up with often lead to unexpected technological applications. For example, all of the technology we take for granted today, including games consoles, mobile phones, mp3 players, and DVDs, is based on a theoretical understanding of electrons that was developed around the turn of the 20th century.

Physics doesn’t just deal with theoretical concepts. It’s applied in every sphere of human activity, including:

·         Development of sustainable forms of energy production

·         Treating cancer, through radiotherapy, and diagnosing illness through various types of imaging, all based on physics.

·         Developing computer games

·         Design and manufacture of sports equipment

·         Understanding and predicting earthquakes

…in fact, pretty much every sector you can think of needs people with physics knowledge.

What about mathematics?

Many apparently complicated things in nature can be understood in terms of relatively simple mathematical relationships. Physicists try to uncover these relationships through observing, creating mathematical models, and testing them by doing experiments. The mathematical equations used in physics often look far more complicated than they really are. Nevertheless, if you are going to study physics, you will need to get to grips with a certain amount of math’s.

And computers?

Physicists are increasingly using advanced computers and programming languages in the solution of scientific problems, particularly for modeling complex processes. If the simulation is not based on correct physics, then it has no chance of predicting what really happens in nature. Most degree courses in physics now involve at least some computer programming.

Importance of physics:

Physics is absolutely huge when it comes to any and everything that we use for energy. Oil for fuel is extracted and processed largely through physics-based ideas. It’s key for mining coal and using it power massive factories.

It’s also essential in the research and implementation of cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy sources. Everything from nuclear power plants to solar powered cars requires physics. Even for windmills.

Not to mention the electricity in homes that is considered a basic necessity in our current day and age. Physics is largely responsible for the systems that allow it to be harnessed, controlled, and used to power everything from your laptop to the little light in your refrigerator.

 The importance of physics to society today is most easily represented by our reliance on technology. Many of the technologies that that are continually transforming the world we live in can be directly traced back to important physics research. For example, research on the physics of semiconductors enabled the first transistor to be developed in 1947. This seemingly simple device is the key component in all of our electronic systems, including computers, and it is now considered one of the most important inventions in human history. Also it is the laws of optics describing the way light behaves that have lead to the development of the optical fiber networks that are beginning to crawl over the entire globe, drawing the world closer together.

There are countless more examples of research in physics leading to the development of important technologies. It is hoped that today’s research on nano structures (structures a billion times smaller than a meter), quantum information or photonics (basically electronics with light) will lead to the next generation of technologies including faster and more robust computers and communication systems.