Physics is the fundamental branch of science that seeks to understand the natural laws governing matter, energy, space, and time, forming the foundation upon which all other sciences are built. It explores how the universe behaves, from the tiniest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, reveal...
Physics is the fundamental branch of science that seeks to understand the natural laws governing matter, energy, space, and time, forming the foundation upon which all other sciences are built. It explores how the universe behaves, from the tiniest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, revealing the underlying principles that shape everything around us. The word “physics” originates from the Greek term physis, meaning “nature,” emphasizing its role in describing and explaining natural phenomena. The development of physics has been one of humanity’s greatest intellectual achievements, providing not only deep insights into the workings of the cosmos but also driving technological and scientific progress across centuries. Classical physics emerged through the works of great thinkers like Aristotle, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and James Clerk Maxwell, who laid the groundwork for mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation unified celestial and terrestrial mechanics, explaining how objects move and interact under forces, while Maxwell’s equations combined electricity, magnetism, and light into a single elegant framework, forming the basis of electromagnetic theory. These foundational discoveries led to remarkable technological advancements, including electricity generation, motors, telecommunications, and optical instruments. However, by the late 19th century, classical physics began to face limitations when applied to extreme conditions, such as the behavior of atoms, high-speed particles, or intense gravitational fields, leading to revolutionary developments in modern physics through the introduction of quantum mechanics and relativity. Albert Einstein’s theory of special relativity redefined our understanding of space and time, revealing that they are intertwined into a four-dimensional continuum called spacetime, and that the laws of physics remain consistent for all observers regardless of their relative motion. His subsequent general theory of relativity extended these ideas to include gravity, not as a force, but as a curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy, accurately predicting phenomena such as the bending of light near massive objects and the expansion of the universe. Meanwhile, quantum mechanics, developed by Max Planck, Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, and Erwin Schrödinger, revolutionized the microscopic world by describing the probabilistic nature of particles, wave-particle duality, and quantized energy levels, which classical physics could not explain. These two pillars of modern physics—quantum theory and relativity—form the bedrock of our current understanding of reality, though they remain fundamentally incompatible in certain domains, inspiring ongoing research into a unified “theory of everything.”
Physics branches into several specialized fields, each focusing on different aspects of matter and energy. Classical mechanics studies the motion of obje
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Language: en
Added: Oct 18, 2025
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Slide Content
Types of eneRgy TEAM MEMBERS Kirubalini Rakesh Karthik Libinesh Madhesh Kalaiselvan
Introduction Energy, the capacity to do work, exists as two main types: kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, and potential energy, which is stored energy. Common forms of energy include electrical, thermal (heat), chemical, radiant (light), sound, nuclear, and mechanical energy
Types of Energy Mechanical e nergy THERMAL ENERGY CHEMICAL ENERGY
Mechanical Energy: Kinetic and Potential Components Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy within a system, exemplified by a swinging pendulum.
Thermal Energy: Particle Movement and Temperature Thermal energy relates to the temperature and motion of particles, seen in phenomena like boiling water and heating devices.
Chemical Energy: Energy Stored in Bonds Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of molecules and released during chemical reactions. Common examples include food , batteries , and gasoline powering various applications.
Applications and Examples of Energy ELECTRICAL AND NUCLEAR ENERGY USES RADIANT AND SOUND ENERGY IN DAILY LIFE ELASTIC AND GRAVITATIONAL ENERY IN OBJECT
Electrical and Nuclear Energy Uses Electrical energy is generated by moving charges and powers homes and industries. Nuclear energy releases vast amounts through fission or fusion , used in power plants and the sun.
Radiant and Sound Energy in Daily Life Radiant energy travels as electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight and X-rays. Sound energy propagates through waves, experienced in music and communication devices.
Elastic and Gravitational Energy in Objects Elastic energy arises from stretched or compressed materials, like springs. Gravitational energy depends on an objects position in a gravitational field, such as a rock on a cliff.
Conclusions Understanding diverse energy types and their applications enhances innovation and efficiency across industries, underpinning modern technology and daily life.