Physics Kenya
Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Physics
Physics as a Science (reference to Primary Science Syllabus)
Meaning of Physics
Physics is one of the branches of science which explains about how things behave or occur in our environment. For example, how an airplane flies, how sound travels, why ice melts, how things move, and how they come to a stop.
Physics enables us to know the uses of concepts of force, energy, motion, structure, size and shape of materials and the way they affect each other, behave or change.
Therefore, Physics is defined as the study of the relationship between matter and energy
A person who studies and deals with physics is known as a physicist.
Physics uses scientific methods to form theories and concepts which can be used by different scientists to design, make, create, use and change different kinds of technology so as to make life more useful as well as simplifying work
Branches of Physics
Relation between Physics, other subjects and technology
Physics is one of the wide fields of study and it relates with other subjects as follows:
i. Chemistry – Chemistry deals with matter and its properties. Chemistry uses the idea of Physics in many aspects such as: measurement of mass, volume and density of chemicals; designing of apparatus for storing chemicals; designing high pressure cans that can store gases or liquids such as perfumes, mosquito repellents, and air fresheners so that when they come out, they can spread over large distances.
ii. Biology – Biology deals with living things and life. It requires the knowledge of Physics to know how sunlight (light energy) is transmitted to green plants to make them produce their own food in a process known as photosynthesis
iv. Geography – Geography deals with the study of man and his surroundings. Physics has a big relationship with Geography such as in the technology used for measuring weather and climate. Also, nature, structure and components of the universe are well explained using Physics concepts. Physics explains how the formation of rocks takes place and the way the rocks disintegrate to form soil.
iii. Mathematics – Mathematical concepts and formula are widely used in teaching and learning of Physics. Formula like Distance travelled = Speed x Time, simplify the way Physics concepts can be applied and understood.
Why Study Physics?
- Physics helps us to understand how the world around us works, from bottle openers, light bulbs and cell phones to muscles, lungs and brains; from paints, musical instruments and movements, to cameras, cars and buildings; from earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes to thunder and lightning, and from our DNA genes, to the earth formation.
- Physics helps us to organize the universe. It deals with fundamentals, and helps us see the connections between seemly disparate phenomena. Physics gives us powerful tools to help us express our creativity, to see the world in new ways and then to change it.
- Physics provides quantitative and analytic skills needed for analyzing data and solving problems in science, engineering and medicine, as well as in economics, finance, management, law and policy.
- Physics is the basis for most modern technology, and for the tools and instruments used in scientific, engineering, medical research and development. Manufacturing is dominated by physics-based technology.
- Physics helps you to help others: Physics is an important part of the Medical Field. Medicine without Physics technology would be impossible. Schools without qualified Physics teachers cut their students off from a host of well-respected, well paying careers.
Career opportunities in Physics
Explain the applications of physics in real life
Discoveries in Physics have led to various inventions that influence our lives.
- At home: All tools and machinery that we use in our homes to make work easier are made in accordance with the laws of Physics. They include hoes, hammers, door handles, knives, spoons, hinges, car jack, pulleys, tillage implements, and so many other things. For example, it would be difficult for us to try to lift a car so as to change its tires. However, using a car jack makes this task easy. Electrical appliances such as a cooker, hot iron, heater, electric lamps, washing machines and so on are a result of the application of the knowledge of Physics.
- Medical field: A variety of medical processes and machinery rely on the application of the knowledge of Physics. Some of these machines are used in diagnosis and treatment of various ailments as well as sustaining the lives of patients through certain forms of therapy. Examples of machines used in hospitals include laser, X-ray, incubators, ultrasound and infrared machines. The knowledge used in handling and even actual use of these machines is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in Physics.
- Source of energy: Some processes and machines help us obtain energy for our daily use. These machines make use of various laws of Physics to give us different forms of energy. For example, batteries and generators provide electrical energy that is readily used in radios and televisions. A car battery provides energy needed to drive a car. When devices like bulbs are connected to these sources, they provide light energy for daily use.
- Transport: Application of laws of Physics governing concepts such as friction and frictional forces ensures that human beings and animals can walk, run and stop without falling over. Vessels used in transportation such as cars, ships, aeroplanes and trains are also able to move, brake and stop when necessary. This is all because the laws related to friction, flotation and balance are observed and applied accordingly. When these laws are disobeyed, ships sink and trains derail.
- Communication: Devices used in communication systems such as telephones, modems for accessing the internet and television, use cables, telecommunication transmitters and receivers to relay information. The knowledge of Physics is essential, because these instruments make use of fiber optics and radio waves in order to relay messages. Newspapers, letters, electronic mails (email), fax massages from fax machines and short messages (SMS) through mobile phones are reliable means of communication. All these things require the knowledge of Physics.
- Entertainment: Physics enables people to enjoy a variety of leisure activities as is evident in photography, digital appliances, exercise machines and other sports equipment.
- Industry: Physicists have been able to come up with tools and process that have resulted in advanced technological equipment and new discoveries. These include highly accurate skills such as computer assembly and computer programs used in design, and instruments like binoculars and telescopes. The ability to land on the moon and measure the temperature of bodies are a few examples.
- In schools: The instruments and apparatus used in school laboratories are made through the application of the knowledge and skill acquired in a Physics class. These apparatus have to meet certain specifications or standards that are universally accepted
Basic laboratory safety rules
State rules in physics laboratory
While working in the lab, individuals are advised to adhere to specific lab rules to ensure their safety, that of other people working in the lab and the safety of the apparatus and chemicals stored in the lab.
Rules in a Physics laboratory:
- You should only enter the lab in the presence of a lab attendant.
- Keep all exits and entrances to and from the lab clear of obstructions.
- Do not eat or drink in the lab.
- Solid objects should not be thrown into the sink or water ways.
- Do not use any lab container for drinking or storing food.
- Make sure that you wash your hands with soap before you leave the lab.
- The cover or stopper of a particular chemical must be replaced immediately after use.
- After experiments, clean your bench and leave it dry and well arranged.
- Never quarrel or fight in the lab.
- Never use ungloved hands to hold hot objects
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