Definition and Branches of Science and Physics Introduction Definition and Branches of Science and Physics

Definition of Science

Science A systematized body of knowledge based on facts. Knowledge about the laws of the physical universe as obtained and tested through the scientific method From the Greek word scientia which means knowledge Discipline or field of study which aims to explain and describe a natural phenomenon

Natural Science (nature or the natural world) Physical Science (matter, energy and other physical entities) Biological Science (life and living things) Social Science (human mind and interaction) Mathematics and Logic (analysis and reasoning)

Definition of Physics

Physics Study of matter and energy, their relation and interaction in space and time.

Classical (motion and energy) Branches of Physics Classical (motion and energy) Mechanics (motion of objects and systems under the influence of force) Themodynamics (heat energy) Acoustics (sound) Electrodynamics (electricity and magnetism) Optics (light) Modern Quantum physics (based on quantum theory Atomic Physics (structure, properties and behavior of atoms) Molecular physics (structure, properties and behavior of molecules) Nuclear physics (structure and properties of the atomic nucleus and nuclear reactions High energy physics (behavior of elementary particles that make up subatomic particles Solid state physics (physical properties of solid materials Properties and behavior of highly ionized gases called plasma

Scientific Method A logical and rational sequence of steps that scientists follow before arriving at conclusions It helps organize ideas and processes so that scientists can arrive at more accurate answers

Steps in Scientific Investigation Observation Becoming aware of natural phenomenon that you would like to investigate Research Gather as much data as possible about the phenomenon under investigation Formulating hypothesis Formulate tentative, natural and rational explanation about the phenomenon Prediction Design an experiment by imagining the different ways you can manipulate the variables Experimentation Conduct an actual experiment Conclusion Summarize the experimental results and how it matches your hypothesis

Hypothesis, Theory, Law and Model Hypothesis – tentative explanation of a phenomenon; an intelligent guess, natural explanation and not yet subjected to any experiment Theory – explanation supported by several experiments; flexible enough to be modified upon discovery of a new phenomena; new theories normal absorb and not disprove old theories

Hypothesis, Theory, Law and Model Law – theories that stand for a very long time and experimentally proven on several occasions; predict events under different situations; uniform and universal Model – scientific assumptions; has few experimental evidences; contradicted by several other experiments; not universal

Technology Related to science Involves design Involves making something It is multidimensional It is concerned with values It is socially shaped/shaping Kinds of technology: tools and gadgets, products and processes

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