A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Physics

Looking back at my first year of secondary school, I vividly remember the overwhelming feeling of being thrown into the world of physics. Our teachers dove right into the subject, assuming we had some prior knowledge or preparation to understand what they were talking about. As thirteen-year-old boys, we had no idea what science was all about, let alone the complexities of physics. Yet, there we were, with our physics teacher discussing real physics concepts.

Physics, as a subject, can be divided into two main sections: classical physics and new physics. Let's take a closer look at each of these sections and the subject areas they encompass.

Classical Physics

Classical physics, also known as Newtonian physics, forms the foundation of the subject. It deals with the principles and laws that govern the macroscopic world. Classical physics can be further divided into five subject areas:

Motion (Mechanics)

Motion, or mechanics, is the branch of physics that studies the motion of objects and the forces acting upon them. It explores concepts like velocity, acceleration, and Newton's laws of motion. This area of physics helps us understand how objects move and interact with one another.

Heat

Heat, or thermodynamics, focuses on the transfer of energy between objects due to temperature differences. It delves into concepts such as heat transfer, thermal equilibrium, and the laws of thermodynamics. This subject area helps us understand how heat flows and how it affects the behavior of matter.

Light

Light, or optics, is the study of the behavior and properties of light. It covers topics like reflection, refraction, diffraction, and the nature of electromagnetic waves. Understanding light is crucial in fields such as optics, photography, and telecommunications.

Sound

Sound, or acoustics, deals with the study of sound waves and how they propagate through different mediums. It explores concepts like frequency, amplitude, and the phenomenon of resonance. Acoustics plays a significant role in fields such as music, audio engineering, and architectural design.

Electricity

Electricity is the branch of physics that focuses on the behavior and properties of electric charges. It covers topics such as electric fields, electric currents, circuits, and electromagnetic phenomena. Understanding electricity is crucial in various fields, including electronics, power generation, and telecommunications.

New Physics

In addition to classical physics, there is also the realm of new physics, which encompasses the theories and principles that emerged after the development of classical physics. The two main branches of new physics are:

Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales. It introduces concepts such as wave-particle duality, quantization, and the uncertainty principle. Quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world and is the foundation of modern technologies like computers and lasers.

Theory of Relativity

The theory of relativity, developed by Albert Einstein, revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity. It comprises two major theories: the special theory of relativity and the general theory of relativity. These theories explain phenomena such as time dilation, length contraction, and the curvature of spacetime. The theory of relativity has significant implications in astrophysics, cosmology, and the study of the universe.

Understanding the different branches of physics and their subject areas can help demystify the subject for beginners. While it may seem overwhelming at first, physics offers a fascinating journey into understanding the fundamental laws that govern our universe. So, embrace the challenges, ask questions, and let your curiosity lead the way!