GENERAL PHYSICS

DEXTER JOHN T. MAGDAMIT

Science is a systematized body of knowledge that is
based on facts gathered through observations,
experiences and experiments in order to formulate a
verifiable conclusion or law that serve as basis of
technology for the benefit of man and his
environment.

Social science is a branch of science that studies human society

and social relationships. The goal of social science is to gain
insights into social patterns, cultural differences, political
systems, and economic structures to help inform public policy
and improve social outcomes.

Applied science is a branch of science concerned with the practical

application of scientific knowledge to real-world problems.
Applied science employs data and theories from basic science
to find solutions to practical problems and bridge the gap
between theoretical science and practical applications.

Natural sciences are a branch of science that studies the natural

world and its physical and chemical properties, phenomena,
and laws. Natural sciences are characterized by their
emphasis on observation, experimentation, and the use of data
to support scientific claims and theories.

Biological science is a natural science that deals with the

study of living organisms and their life processes,
whereas physical science is a natural science that
deals with nonliving matter and energy.
 WHAT IS PHYSICS?
Physics is the branch of science that deals with the study of
matter, energy, and their interactions. It involves the study of
the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of the physical
world, including the behavior of matter and energy at various levels
of size, from the subatomic scale to the scale of the universe as a
whole. Physics encompasses a broad range of topics, including
classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics,
quantum mechanics, and relativity. The goal of physics is to
understand the underlying laws that govern the behavior of
the universe and to use this understanding to explain and
predict physical phenomena.
 PHYSICS AND ITS BRANCHES

Classical Physics Modern Physics

Traditional topics in physics that Concepts in physics that have
were recognized and developed surfaced since the beginning of the
before the beginning of the 20th 20th century. This branch is mostly
century. These topics are concerned with the behavior of
concerned with matter and matter and energy under extreme
energy under normal conditions (the very large or the
conditions. very small)
 Classical Physics
Mechanics - the study of forces acting on bodies, whether at rest or in motion
a. Statics – on forces acting on bodies at rest
b. Kinematics – on motion wihout regard to its cause
c. Dynamics - on motion and the forces that affect it
Acoustics - the study of the production and propagation of sound waves
Optics - the study of light
Physical optics – on the production, nature and properties of light
a.
Physiological optics – on the part played by light in vision
b.
Geometrical optics – on the reflection and refraction of light as encountered
c.
in the study of mirrors and lenses
Thermodynamics - the study of the relationship between heat and other forms of energy
Electromagnetism - the study of the properties of electric current and magnetism, and their relationship
a. Electrostatics – on electric charges at rest
b. Electrodynamics – on moving charges
c. Magnetostatics – on magnetic poles at rest
 Modern Physics
Atomic and Nuclear Physics - study atoms and nuclei, respectively. Atomic physics focuses on electrons and their behavior, while
nuclear physics studies the interactions between subatomic particles and radiation in atomic nuclei. The main differences are that
atomic physics deals with neutral atoms, while nuclear physics involves studying atoms that have undergone nuclear reactions.

Quantum Physics - is a branch of physics that studies the behavior and interaction of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic
level.

Relativistic Physics - comprises special and general relativity, deals with the properties of objects moving close to the speed of light,
and explains that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers. It also introduced the concept of space-time
and played a crucial role in understanding black holes and the expansion of the universe.

Solid State Physics - is a branch of physics that studies physical properties of materials in their solid state and the fundamental
principles of how atoms and molecules interact with each other in a solid. It has led to many technological advancements, like the
development of the transistor and superconductors.

Condensed Matter Physics - studies the physical properties of condensed phases of matter, such as liquids, solids, and glasses, and
how atoms and molecules interact with each other to exhibit collective behavior and macroscopic properties.

Plasma Physics - investigates ionized gases, or plasmas, which exhibit special properties like electricity conduction, magnetic field
generation and light emission.

Low-Temperature Physics - is a field that investigates materials and systems at extremely low temperatures, and materials act
uniquely at such temperatures.
 Modern Physics
Atomic and Nuclear Physics - study atoms and nuclei, respectively. Atomic physics focuses on electrons and their behavior, while
nuclear physics studies the interactions between subatomic particles and radiation in atomic nuclei. The main differences are that
atomic physics deals with neutral atoms, while nuclear physics involves studying atoms that have undergone nuclear reactions.

Quantum Physics - is a branch of physics that studies the behavior and interaction of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic
level.

Relativistic Physics - comprises special and general relativity, deals with the properties of objects moving close to the speed of light,
and explains that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers. It also introduced the concept of space-time
and played a crucial role in understanding black holes and the expansion of the universe.

Solid State Physics - is a branch of physics that studies physical properties of materials in their solid state and the fundamental
principles of how atoms and molecules interact with each other in a solid. It has led to many technological advancements, like the
development of the transistor and superconductors.

Condensed Matter Physics - studies the physical properties of condensed phases of matter, such as liquids, solids, and glasses, and
how atoms and molecules interact with each other to exhibit collective behavior and macroscopic properties.

Plasma Physics - investigates ionized gases, or plasmas, which exhibit special properties like electricity conduction, magnetic field
generation and light emission.

Low-Temperature Physics - is a field that investigates materials and systems at extremely low temperatures, and materials act
uniquely at such temperatures.
 Introduction to the Scientific Process
• A logical, problem solving
technique
Introduction to the Scientific Process
Identify a Gather Formulate a
problem Information hypothesis

Record and Design and

Analyze Data
Organize Data Experiment

Draw Use conclusions to develop a new hypothesis

Conclusions
 Step 1: Identify a Problem
• Observe the world around you

• Using observations, identify a problem you would like to

solve
• Example: Why do termites follow the ink line?
• This is a question you DO NOT know the answer to
and can’t look up.
• “Why” and “What would happen if..” are good
beginnings of scientific questions.
 Remember?
Observation Inference
• Uses our senses to gather information • A logical interpretation of events
• Qualitative: uses our 5 senses based on prior knowledge or opinion
– The termites follow a circle made with a – Educated guess
blue pen on white paper
• Termites follow the blue line because
• Quantitative: uses numbers
the like it.
– 3 termites follow a circular blue pen line
that is 5 cm in diameter

Do we use observations or inferences when identifying a problem?

 Step 2: Gather Information
• Use references to do background • Example: Termites
research – Live underground
– Books – Don’t have compound eyes (can
– Journals only see light and dark)
– Magazines
– Internet
– TV
– Videos
– Interview Experts
www.goldstarexterminators.net
 Step 3: Formulate a Hypothesis
Hypothesis Example: Termites
• Possible answer to a question that can • Termites:
be tested – I hypothesis that if the termites follow a
• based on observations and knowledge dark colored pen on a dark background
then they follow the dark pen on a light
• “If” “Then” “Because” statement background because of the color contrast
since they see light and dark, but not
color.

Do we use observation or inference to

formulate a hypothesis?
 Step 4: Develop an Experiment
Materials: Procedure
• A list of all the things you need • Step by step instructions
• Supplies • Identifies the variables used in the
experiment

How would you describe how to make a Peanut Butter

and Jelly Sandwich to someone who had never done it?

To someone who didn’t know what peanut butter or jelly is?

 Variables: Independent Variable
• The variable I (the scientist) change or manipulate
• Examples:
– The color of paper under the termites
– The color of pen used
– The brand of pen used
 Variables: Dependent Variable
• Is measured in the experiment
• Changes because of the independent
variable
• “Depends” on the independent variable
• Examples:
– Does the termite follow the line (yes/no)
– How many termites follow the line (whole
number)
– How long do the termites follow the line (time)
 Variables: Constant
• All the factors in the Examples:
experiments that are kept • If you test color of paper,
the same keep the color of pen
• Everything except the constant
independent variable • If you test the smell of pen,
• Keeps the experiment ‘fair’ keep the color and type of
pen constant (only change
smell)
• The exact termites used
• The time of day and how
long the termites are there
• The shape of the line
drawn
 Variable: Control
• The normal condition that you compare the other conditions
to
• Recreate the conditions you first observed
• Example:
– Termites in a Pitri dish on white filter paper and draw a blue line with
a bic pen in the same shape as before.
 Step 5: Record and Organize Data
• Write all observations and measurements
• Use a table to organize your data
– List your independent variable on the left side
– Record your dependent variables on the right side
• If you have more than one dependent variable, use a new column for each
dependent variable

Independent Variable Dependent Variable:

Did they follow the line?
Blue ink on white paper Yes/No

Blue ink on black paper Yes/No

Which one of these independent variables is the control?

Which part of the independent variable is the constant?

 Step 6: Analyze Data
• “A picture is worth a thousand words”
• Compare and look for trends and patterns using graphs
 Bar Graph

Used for
categorical data
Number of Termites
 Line Graph
Number of Termites Number of termites on the ink line for 40 seconds

Line graphs are used

for time interval data
Pie Chart

A Pie Chart
adds up to a whole
– 100% or
all of something
 Step 7: Make Conclusions
• You must repeat the experiment to make the data
valid
• You should run your experiment at least 3 times
to confirm your results
– You can run all the experiments at one time, or run one
after the other
• Each separate experiment is called a Repetition
(or Rep).