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Welcome to the world of

• PHYSICS

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What exactly is physics?

• Physics is the branch of science that utilizes a
  small number of basic concepts, equations, and
  assumptions to describe the physical world.
• Physics principles can be used to make
  predictions about a broad range of phenomena.

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Physics for everyday

• Physics discoveries often end up having
  unexpected practical applications and advances in
  technology can in turn lead to new physics
  discoveries.

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Areas within Physics-

• Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Vibrations and wave phenomena

• Optics
• Electromagnetism
• Relativity
• Quantum mechanics

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Areas within Physics
Name Subjects Examples
Mechanics Motion, Interactions Falling objects, weight, friction
Thermodynamics Heat and Temperature Melting, freezing, engines
Vibrations/Wave Phenomena Specific types of repetitive motion Springs, Sound, pendulums
Optics Light Mirrors, astronomy lenses, color
Electro- Magnetism Electricity, light, and magnetism Electrical charge, circuits, magnets
Relativity Particles moving at any speed Particle collisions and accelerators
Quantum mechanics Submicroscopic particle behavior The atom and its parts
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Physics is Scientific Method based like all other
sciences.

• Physicists, scientists who study physics
  sometimes utilize models to describe phenomena.
• Models may assist in building hypotheses.

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Scientific Method Steps

• Observe something.
• Formulate an hypothesis.
• Test the hypothesis via experimentation.
• Interpret results and revise the hypothesis if
  necessary.
• State conclusions in a way that others may
  evaluate them.

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Scientific method review-

• What is a(n) hypothesis?
• What are variables?
• What is a controlled experiment?
• Differentiate among dependent and independent
  variables.

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SI The Standard Measurement for Science

• The SI unit of length is the ______.
• The SI unit of ______ is the kilogram.
• The SI unit of time is the __________.

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Example problems

• 1. A human hair is approximately 50 micrometers
  in diameter. Express this diameter in meters.
• 2. A hydrogen atom has a diameter of about 10
  nm.
• Express this diameter in meters.
• Express this diameter in millimeters.
• Express this diameter in micrometers.

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Accuracy Precision

• In describing imperfections in measurement, one
  must consider accuracy and precision.
• Experimental work is never free of error, but it
  is important to minimize error in order to obtain
  the most accurate results.

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Accuracy Precision

• Precision describes the limitations of the
  measuring instrument.
• Significant figures help keep track of
  imprecision.
• The significant figures of a measurement include
  all of the known digits plus a last digit that is
  estimated.

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Rules for deciding whether zeros are significant

• Zeros between other nonzero digits are
  significant.
• Zeros in front of nonzero digits are not
  significant.
• Zeros that are at the end of a number and also to
  the right of the decimal are significant.
• Zeros at the end of a number but to the left of a
  decimal are significant if they have been
  measured or are the first estimated digit
  otherwise, they are not significant.