“Truth be get’s glory”

ARNIKO COLEGE
5 BIRATNAGAR-10

PROJECT WORK ON STUDY OF APPLICATION OF LAWS ON

PHYSICS IN INDEGENOUS TECHNOLOGIES

A report submitted

For fulfillment of syllabus of class 12 in physics

Submitted by: submitted to:

Name: Sachin Neupane Department of Physics

Class: Twelve (Steve) Arniko Awasiya Secondary School

Roll number:664 Biratnagar-10, Tintoliya, Morang

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CONTENT PAGE NO.

1) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 03

2) INTRODUCTION 04

3) OBJECTIVE 06

4) METHODOLOGY 06

5) FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION 13

6) REFERENCES 15

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I would be short of words to express my gratitude to everyone

who has assisted me in completion of this project. I would even add up
my great indebtedness to the principal of Arniko College Mr. Rajesh
Karki sir and the entire department of physics to provide me this
opportunity. I would specially thank my parent who showed immense
support to me throughout. This project would have never been
completed without the joint support of the physics professors of Arniko
college, whom I would like to acknowledge for their great assistance
and support. I am too fortunate to get enough resources on the web and
internet regarding the research of this project. I also accredit the
developers of the websites and the writers of the articles, journals,
templates, books and research paper that I have taken help from in the
accomplishment of this project. I would close this here once again
thanking everyone who are directly or laterally associated in this
project.

---------------------------

Sachin Neupane

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INTRODUCTION:
The word “physics” comes from the Latin physica ('study of nature'),
which itself is a borrowing of the Greek φυσική (phusikḗ 'natural
science'), a term derived from φύσις (phúsis 'origin, nature, property').
Physics has been one of the subjects of profound study from very early
on. Greeks are subjected to have done the systematic study of the
subject ever since from 300-400 B.C.E. from the eras of Socrates, Plato
and Aristotle.

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westudyphysics&psig=AOvVaw3zfWqAxHwQWFMX8IIUYyxl&ust=1698380758080000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449
&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCODDmMDvkoIDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Our understanding of the world and the laws of nature is

thoroughly described by the physics. From the tip of the pen to as
rigorous and sophisticated as rocket science, physics prevails and
assist in living a simpler and better life.

Physics is the foundation of many critical scientific disciplines, such as

chemistry is rooted in quantum physics which describes the in-depth

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study of atoms and molecules. Physics is also applicable in most
branches of engineering. In architecture, physics is pivotal to
determining structural stability, acoustics, heating, lighting and cooling
systems for buildings. In Geology, the study of non-living parts of the
Earth, such as the study of atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere,
earthquakes, storms, volcanoes, and other natural disasters, such as
floods, droughts, and extreme heat on the Earth’s surface. Some
disciplines, such as chemical electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics
and modern physics, are important branches of physics for studying
natural phenomena. Physical science also describes the chemical
processes in the human body through biophysics. Physics is implicated
in medical diagnoses, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), and ultrasonic blood flow measurements. Physics can also
explain what we perceive with our senses, such as how the ear detects
sound or how the eye detects color.

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Physics in everyday life helps improve our understanding of the

natural world while also laying the foundations for many technological
developments. Physics in everyday life helps improve our understanding
of the natural world while also laying the foundations for many
technological developments.

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OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of this study are listed below which are as following: -

1) To get the idea of the development and understanding of physics

of our ancestors in the past.
2) To uncover the hidden understanding of the ancestral peoples
regarding the technologies without having the theoretical
understanding of the laws and principles of physics.
3) To help preserve and utilize the indigenous technology by making
necessary modification and changes.
4) To create an awareness in the newer generation informing them
about our indigenous technologies being used in the past.

METHODOLOGY:
The methodology and laws of physics behind various indigenous
technologies are described below:

1)PANI-GHATTA (WATER MILL):

Water mill is one of the clean and appropriate technology for
grinding at local level. The most of part of Nepal still remains far from
electric grid connection. The rural electrification has been catchy word
just to remain safely in vaults of Planning commissions. Nepal faces one
of the longest hours of blackouts as energy crunch nation we are
struggling with basic right to energy access. The
geographical terrain, improper settlements of housing system,
challenges of hindrances on scenic beauty and landscape as tourism
being one of major attraction, losses on transmission lines might be
counter acting such kind of electrification initiative.

The appropriate technology is recognizing need of local people,

meeting their aspirations and bringing them one step closer to energy

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access. There is flow of water from higher hills to lower plains. Here
gravity does most of the work. The Kinetic energy of water can be
directly used for generating energy. Traditionally we have been
harnessing such energy through water mill. Still today lots of people in
rural areas are highly dependent on traditional water mill for grinding all
required household goods such as flour, rice, wheat, spices and also oil
in some cases.

The basic physics behind the working of a water mill involves the
conversion of the potential energy of elevated water into kinetic energy
and then into mechanical energy. The detailed description with diagram
is mentioned below:

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1. Water Source and Dam:

1.1 Water Source:

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• The process begins with a natural water source such as a river or
stream. The presence of flowing water is essential for the operation of
the water mill.

1.2 Dam Construction:

• A dam is built across the water source to create a reservoir or

head of water. The dam increases the potential energy of the water by
creating a height difference.

2. Water Intake and Wheel:

2.1 Millrace:

• A carefully designed channel called a millrace is constructed to

divert water from the reservoir to the water mill. The millrace ensures
a controlled and steady flow of water.

2.2 Water Wheel Placement:

• The water from the millrace is directed onto the water wheel. The
placement can vary depending on the type of water wheel—either above
(overshot) or below (undershot).

3. Water Wheel:
3.1 Overshot Water Wheel:

• If an overshot water wheel is used, water is directed onto the

wheel from above through a chute or sluice. The falling water fills
buckets on the wheel, causing it to turn as gravity pulls the water down.

3.2 Undershot Water Wheel:

• In the case of an undershot water wheel, water flows beneath the

wheel, and the current pushes against paddles at the bottom, causing
the wheel to turn.

4. Mechanical Energy Conversion:

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4.1 Shaft Connection:

• The rotational motion of the water wheel is transferred to a central

shaft connected to the wheel. The shaft acts as a mechanical
intermediary.

5. Task-Specific Machinery:
5.1 Grain Mill:

• If the water mill is used for grinding grain, the rotating shaft is
connected to millstones. The millstones crush and grind the grains,
producing flour.

5.2 Saw Mill:

• If the water mill is used as a sawmill, the mechanical energy is

harnessed to power a saw. This saw is then used to cut logs into lumber.

2)MATKA (EARTHEN POT):

The use of pot-in-pot coolers can be tracked to 2500 BC in Egypt
and as early as 3000 BC in Indus Valley civilizations. This has been in
use in our civilization since 100 of decades. Earthen Pots or Clay Pots
are back again, the undeniable goodness of soil and its benefits are
taking over and making a place for them in almost every kitchen or
household in some way. Holding their history way back in many
countries like India, Italy, Rome, Greek etc., people from all parts of the
world today are moving to the old era and adapting the goodness of the
clay crockery and cookware. Even the health nutritionists suggest
the usage of earthen pots as they keep the nutritional value of food
intact even after cooking.

Earthen pots belonged to an era when people had no choice of other

type of cookware which is unlike the current scenario. Today, different
varieties of cookware are available in fancy colors and designs, but as
once said, all that glitters is not gold. Pots nowadays might win in the
looks factor, but definitely lack in the health factor. That’s why earthen

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pots have now become the choice of the century in almost every
household. Besides, these earthen pots do have an elegant and classy
look that has its roots from centuries ago, yet it still goes with the
organic trends nowadays.

World today is moving back to the basic and simple things and why not,
when it comes with a bundle of benefits along. Though there are a lot of
reasons for using these clay pots, few of them are simply too good to be
true.

The cooling of an earthen pot involves principles of heat transfer,

specifically conduction and evaporation. Earthen pots are traditionally
used for storing and cooling water in many cultures. The cooling
process is influenced by the porous nature of the clay and the
evaporation of water from the pot's surface.

Evaporative cooling works by removing the high-velocity tail of the

kinetic energy distribution. That is, only the fastest molecules escape
the liquid, leaving the rest to thermalize at a lower temperature. If there
is capillary action taking water to the outside of the pot and that is
evaporating, then the pot cools down as it is losing heat to the leaving
molecules' kinetic energy. This then cools down the water inside by
conduction.

if the air is hotter than the water, can heat flow from the water into the
hot air? The answer to this is that there is also a reverse process which
is also possible: on a wet day, water molecules in the air can rejoin the
water on the pot walls, and if the air is hot then in the mean this process
will heat the pot and the water.
In an equilibrium situation, both of these processes happen at the same
rate and there is no heat flow. For evaporative cooling to work, the air
needs to be dry so that more molecules leave the water than condense
into it. In a closed environment, though, evaporation will raise the air's
humidity until both processes are equally likely and everything
thermalizes. On a windy day, though, the pot is trying to raise the
humidity of the whole atmosphere, which is not going to happen soon.
This is an open system, in contact with an infinitely dry reservoir of
dryness.

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Imagesource:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vikrant-
Katekar/publication/340224726/figure/fig2/AS:873577431703552@1585288498371/Surface-evaporation-from-a-clay-pot.jpg

In addition of all of these, it can be explained in following ways too:

1. Conduction:
• The earthen pot is made of porous clay. Porous materials have
small openings or pores that allow for the movement of fluids, in this
case, water. When the pot is filled with water, the water seeps into the
pores of the clay.

• The outer surface of the earthen pot is cooler than the water
inside. Heat from the water is conducted through the clay material to
the outer surface.

• The process of conduction allows the transfer of heat from the

warmer water to the cooler outer surface of the pot.

2. Evaporation:
• The porous nature of the earthen pot allows water to slowly seep
through its walls to the outer surface.
• As water reaches the outer surface, it undergoes evaporation.
Evaporation is a cooling process; it requires heat energy to change
water from a liquid to a vapor.

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• The heat required for evaporation is drawn from the surrounding
environment, including the earthen pot and the water inside.
• This evaporation process helps to cool both the surface of the
earthen pot and the water inside.

3. Thermal Mass:
• The earthen pot has a certain thermal mass, which means it can
store and release heat. As the water loses heat through conduction and
evaporation, the earthen pot absorbs and stores some of that heat.
• This thermal mass helps to keep the water inside the pot cool for
a more extended period, even after the external temperature starts to
rise.

4. Radiation:
• While conduction and evaporation are the primary mechanisms
involved in cooling, radiation also plays a role. The earthen pot radiates
some heat to its surroundings, but this is often a smaller contributor
compared to conduction and evaporation.

5. Air Circulation:
• The cooling effect can be enhanced by factors such as air
circulation. When there is a breeze or wind, it can facilitate evaporation,
helping to dissipate heat more effectively.

6. Traditional Design:
• The specific design of traditional earthen pots, with a narrow neck
or small opening at the top, can also contribute to cooling. This design
minimizes exposure to external heat and sunlight, helping to maintain
the cool temperature inside the pot.
In summary, the cooling of an earthen pot involves a combination of
conduction, evaporation, and thermal mass. The porous nature of the
clay allows water to seep through and undergo evaporation, drawing
heat from both the water inside and the outer surface of the pot. This
natural and sustainable cooling process has been utilized for centuries
in various cultures.

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FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION:
The use of indigenous technology has reduced by a great extent
at the current scenario. The modern machineries and equipment have
almost caused an extinction of our indigenous technology. One of the
primary consequences of the reduced use of indigenous technology is
the potential loss of cultural identity. Indigenous technologies are
deeply rooted in the history and traditions of communities, representing
the wisdom and innovation passed down through generations. These
technologies often embody a harmonious relationship between people
and their environment, showcasing sustainable practices that have
sustained communities for centuries. As societies shift towards modern
technologies, there is a risk of eroding this rich cultural tapestry, with
potential implications for cultural diversity and social cohesion.

The use of indigenous technologies in distinct fields globally is

given by chart below:

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 While acknowledging the importance of technological progress
and innovation, it is crucial to find a balance that preserves and adapts
indigenous technologies for contemporary needs. Communities can
benefit from integrating traditional knowledge with modern
advancements, creating a synergy that combines the best of both
worlds. Initiatives that promote the documentation, preservation, and
revitalization of indigenous technologies can contribute to a more
sustainable and culturally rich future.

The reduced use of indigenous technology poses multifaceted

challenges that extend beyond the technological realm. It involves
questions of cultural preservation, economic sustainability, and
environmental stewardship. Striking a balance between embracing
modern innovations and preserving indigenous knowledge is essential
for fostering resilient and culturally diverse societies. By recognizing
the value of indigenous technologies, we can ensure a more inclusive
and sustainable path forward, where the wisdom of the past informs the
advancements of the future.

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REFERENCES:
1) https://bard.google.com/chat/0e6e0c9d285c16fe
2) https://lifetheexperience.wordpress.com/2016/03/31/pani-
ghatta-a-grinding-machine/
3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panighatta
4) https://www.scribd.com/document/527247168/STUDY-OF-
APPLICATION-OF-LAWS-AND-PRINCIPLE-OF-PHYSICS-IN-
INDIGENOUS-TECHNOLOGY
5) https://byjus.com/question-answer/how-does-the-water-kept-in-
an-earthen-pot-matka-become-cool-during-summer/
6) https://www.vedantu.com/question-answer/does-the-water-
kept-in-an-earthen-pot-matka-class-9-chemistry-cbse-
5f626ccb01faef2daa4e37c8
7) https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/64716/how-does-
an-earthen-pot-keep-water-cool
8) https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/64716/how-does-
an-earthen-pot-keep-water-cool
9) https://chat.openai.com/c/0fa59829-51f0-4531-8fd2-
44529af8b4f1
10) https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Comparison-of-Cites-
per-document-of-China-Japan-India-with-Asiatic-
region_fig1_293146199
11)https://www.inforse.org/asia/pdf/Pub_Nepal%20water%20mil
l_2014.pdf
12) https://nepalnews.com/s/issues/panighatta-disappeared-due-
to-lack-of-interest-in-conservation
13)https://www.nzdl.org/gsdl/collect/envl/archives/HASH015a.di
r/q881p14.gif

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