1. Why study Physics? Version 1 July 2010

2. Why study Physics? The purpose of this brief presentation is Explain what Physics is To awaken an interest in studying Physics To look at some exciting new discoveries

3. What is Physics? Physics is the study of the natural world around us

4. What is Physics? We study phenomena from the very small to the very large.

5. What is Physics? Very small Quarks and neutrinos A proton is made of three quarks

6. What is Physics? Very large Astrophysics – black holes and universes There is huge black hole at the center of our galaxy

7. What is Physics? We study phenomena using virtual worlds and huge machines

8. What is Physics? Virtual worlds Climatology – computer models of climate Computer models are used to predict climate change

9. What is Physics? Huge machines Particle accelerators This particle accelerator is a ring 9 km wide and 27 km long

10. What is Physics? We do research with simple equipment and very expensive equipment

11. What is Physics? Low cost research Chaos theory – turbulence

12. What is Physics? High cost research Radio astronomy An array of radio telescopes

13. What is Physics? We do research deep underground and out in space

14. What is Physics? Deep underground Neutrino telescope Neutrinos are emitted by the sun and pass right through the Earth

15. What is Physics? Out in space International Space Station

16. What is Physics? Out in space Observing planets around other stars Direct image of exoplanets around the star HR8799

17. Why is Physics important? So why is Physics important? Physics is fundamental. Principles of Physics are use in many other sciences. Physics teaches us to investigate. Physics helps us appreciate our universe. Physics is the basis for much of technology.

18. Why is Physics important? Physics is required to understand electronics Surface mounted electronic components

19. Why is Physics important? Physical principles are used to understand optical fibers used in communications

20. Why is Physics important? Physics is needed to develop better lasers for communications and sensors Blue laser

21. Why is Physics important? Physics is used to develop new materials such as superconductors Levitation above superconductor

22. Why is Physics important? Physics is used to develop better renewable energy sources such as more efficient solar cells

23. Why is Physics important? Physics research is leading to new powerful sources of energy like nuclear fusion

24. What is new in Physics? Nanotechnology which allow building machines and materials at the microscopic level Lab on a chip technology

25. What is new in Physics? Quantum computing which will allow calculations very much faster than existing computers

26. What is new in Physics? Quantum entanglement where two objects far apart are able to instantaneously influence each other

27. Some careers in Physics Medicine Engineering Teaching Research … and every citizen needs some knowledge of Physics

28. For more information Most of the material in this presentation came from Wikipedia. For more on this presentation see http://physicssubset.blogspot.com/ Author: Andrew Mancey