Unit 8: Application of Physics in Other Fields

8.1 Physics and other sciences:

Physics and Chemistry:
The physics of atoms and subatomic particles is essential for comprehending the formation of
molecules through covalent bonds. It provides quantitative insights into ionic and covalent
bonding processes by assessing the energetic favorability and magnitudes of the involved
energies.
The physics of energy related to heat is instrumental in determining the feasibility and
equilibrium of reactions. It establishes whether a particular reaction is energetically possible and
provides information about the composition of the reaction system at equilibrium. Heat energy
physics acts as a bridge between macroscopic properties of substances and the individual
properties of their constituent molecules and atoms.
Spectroscopy, which examines the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation,
plays a fundamental role in physics and chemistry. It is a crucial tool for studying the structure of
atoms and molecules. Spectroscopic techniques are developed collaboratively by physicists and
chemists.
In general, physics serves as a foundation for understanding various concepts in chemistry,
including atomic and molecular structures, X-ray diffraction, radioactivity, periodic properties of
elements, valence, chemical bonds, and crystal structures of solids. Chemistry is deeply rooted in
atomic and molecular physics.

Physics and biology:

To comprehend the workings of life, a solid understanding of physics is essential. Physics can
explain various aspects of the human body, such as the mechanics of motion, the energetics of
metabolism, the dynamics of blood flow, the mechanisms of speech and hearing, and the optics
of vision. In this section, we briefly explore some of the physics concepts relevant to living
organisms.

Physics of Newtonian mechanics and biology:

Newtonian mechanics helps explain the movement of different animals and their body parts. By
combining knowledge from physics and biology, we can understand why athletes run fast and
how the cheetah, the fastest land animal, achieves its remarkable speed. Newtonian mechanics
states that a body is in stable equilibrium when its center of mass is directly above its base of
support. If the center of mass is outside the base, the body tends to fall. Limbs' utilization and
stability can also be explained using Newtonian mechanics.

Physics of fluid flow and biology:

Understanding the physics of fluid flow, including viscosity, the equation of continuity, and
turbulent flow, is crucial for comprehending blood circulation and blood pressure in multicellular
organisms. Soft-bodied animals, like sea anemones and earthworms, utilize Pascal's principle to
generate body motion.

Physics of sound waves and biology:

Sound is a mechanical wave produced by vibrating bodies. The production of sound in the
human voice involves the vocal folds coming together and vibrating as air passes through them
during exhalation. This vibration creates the sound wave of our voice. When the vocal cords
vibrate, the surrounding air molecules are disturbed and follow the motion of the vibrating body.
These vibrations propagate as sound waves, reaching the ear and causing the eardrum to vibrate.
This, in turn, produces nerve impulses interpreted by the brain.

Physics of electricity and biology:

Electrical phenomena play a significant role in many life processes, particularly in the nervous
system and muscle movement. Animals' nervous systems rely on electrical interactions, with
specialized cells called neurons forming a complex network that receives, processes, and
transmits information throughout the body. Electrical pulses generated by neurons transmit
messages, allowing the coordination and control of various body parts. Some animals, like
sharks, possess organs that are remarkably sensitive to electric fields, enabling them to locate
buried animals and potentially communicate with others.

Optical physics and biology:

Light, which falls within the electromagnetic radiation spectrum between approximately 400 nm
and 700 nm, is of paramount importance in both physics and biology. Life on Earth has evolved
to utilize the electromagnetic radiation from the sun, most of which lies within this range. Plants,
through photosynthesis, convert carbon dioxide and water into organic materials using light
energy. Animals have developed light-sensitive organs, such as eyes, to gather information about
their surroundings. Optical physics encompasses the study of light and includes topics like
microscopes, telescopes, vision, color, pigments, illumination, spectroscopy, and lasers, all of
which find applications in the life sciences.
Exercises 8.1:
Part I: Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between physics and
chemistry?
a) Physics is a subset of chemistry.
b) Chemistry is a subset of physics.
 c) Physics and chemistry are independent of each other.
d) Physics and chemistry overlap and share fundamental laws and principles.
2. What physics concept is applied in the separation of dissolved salt from water by evaporation
method?
a) Newton's laws of motion
b) Viscosity
c) Equation of continuity
d) Heat energy and phase transitions
3. What is spectroscopy?
a) The study of matter and its interaction with electromagnetic radiation
b) The study of the behavior of fluids under different temperatures
c) The study of the motion of celestial bodies
d) The study of the behavior of light in optical devices
4. How do chemists collect information about minute particles like atoms and molecules?
a) By using powerful microscopes
b) By observing their behavior in chemical reactions
c) By studying their interaction with electromagnetic radiation
d) By conducting experiments in controlled laboratory settings
5. Which of the following physics concepts is applied to explain how athletes run fast and why
the cheetah is the fastest animal?
a) Newtonian mechanics c) Atomic and subatomic particle physics
b) Fluid dynamics d) Spectroscopy
6. How does the physics of fluid flow contribute to understanding blood circulation in
multicellular organisms?
a) It explains the role of viscosity in blood flow.
b) It describes the equation of continuity in blood vessels.
c) It helps understand the mechanism of body motion in soft-bodied animals.
d) It provides insights into the production of sound in humans.

7. What physics concept is involved in the production of sound by the human vocal cords?
 a) Newton's laws of motion c) Electromagnetic radiation
b) Fluid dynamics d) Vibration and wave propagation
8. Which of the following is NOT an application of physics in biology?
a) Understanding the mechanics of human motion
b) Studying the fluid dynamics of blood flow
c) Explaining the composition of atoms in living organisms
d) Relating the physics of electricity to communication in living cells

8.2 Physics and Astronomy

Astrophysics focuses on studying the physics of celestial objects found in the sky, such as the
solar system, stars, interstellar gas and dust, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.

Newton’s laws of Motion and Astronomy

Newton's laws of motion play a significant role in understanding the dynamics of astronomical
bodies. Newton's law of gravitation allows us to describe the motion of the moon around a planet
and the motion of planets around the sun. By combining his laws of motion and gravity, Newton
was able to explain why Kepler's laws accurately describe planetary motion. Our knowledge of
centripetal force and centrifugal force from physics helps us understand what keeps objects in
orbit, including planets around the sun, moons around planets, and artificial satellites around
Earth.

Physics of Electromagnetic wave and astronomy

Atomic astrophysics is concerned with performing atomic physics calculations that will be useful
to astronomers and using atomic data to interpret astronomical observations. The physics that
explains emission and absorption of radiation is closely related to the structure and energies of
individual atoms that form the astronomical objects.
When electrons of atoms jump from higher to a lower atomic orbit, photon is emitted. Photon is
absorbed if electron jumps from lower electron orbit to higher electron orbit. The emission and
absorption of radiation depends on the characteristics of individual atoms, and helps to measure
something about the compositions, temperatures, and motions of stars by studying their spectra.
Astronomers rely on collecting information about radiation emitted by celestial objects to study
various aspects, such as the birth and death of stars, temperature, distance, and the formation of
the universe. Different types of telescopes, such as radio telescopes, infrared telescopes, and
optical telescopes, are used to detect specific parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Since we
cannot directly observe most of the detected radiation, computers process the data and present it
as images using false colors.
Light plays a crucial role in measuring the distance to astronomical objects. Astronomers utilize
the concept of apparent brightness and true brightness to determine distances. The inverse square
law of apparent brightness states that the apparent brightness of an object is inversely
proportional to the square of its distance. Additionally, astronomers use the light year as a unit of
astronomical distance, representing the distance that light travels in one year.
Exercise 8.2
1. What branch of physics is primarily used to study astronomical objects?
a) Quantum mechanics c) Newtonian mechanics
b) Thermodynamics d) Electromagnetism
2. How do astronomers study the nature and composition of astronomical objects?
a) By applying principles of atomic physics
b) By using telescopes and spectroscopy
c) By analyzing the behavior of electromagnetic waves
d) By studying the interaction of matter and energy
3. What do astronomers study using atomic physics?
a) The birth and death of stars
b) The properties of interstellar gas and dust
c) The composition of galaxies
d) The behavior of electromagnetic waves in space
4. Which type of telescope uses mirrors to gather and focus light?
a) Refracting telescope c) Radio telescope
b) Reflecting telescope d) X-ray telescope
5. What is the main advantage of a radio telescope compared to other types of telescopes?
a) It can observe objects in visible light.
b) It can detect radio waves emitted by distant objects.
c) It has a higher magnification power.
d) It can observe objects during the day and night.
6. What type of electromagnetic waves are emitted or absorbed by different astronomical
objects?
 a) X-rays c) Radio waves
b) Gamma rays d) Infrared waves

8.3 Relation of Physics with Geology

The scientific study of Earth, known as Earth science, encompasses various aspects of our planet,
including its molten lava, icy mountain peaks, valleys, waterfalls, the atmosphere, and the Earth's
core. Within Earth science, geology focuses on the examination of the solid and liquid materials
that comprise Earth, as well as the processes that shape them.
Understanding geological processes requires a grasp of several physics concepts, such as force,
optics, atomic structure, electromagnetic radiation, heat and heat flow, electricity and magnetism,
stress and strain, waves (including sound waves), and fluid flow. In geology, these physics
principles are employed to investigate various properties of rocks and minerals. Geologists
analyze electrical properties, density, magnetization, radioactivity, elasticity, and more. These
properties are studied by collecting samples from different layers of the Earth through
excavation, or by using various types of waves that are sent from the Earth's surface without
excavation.
Given the breadth of geology, many geologists specialize in specific areas. For instance, a
mineralogist concentrates on studying the composition and structure of minerals like halite (rock
salt), quartz, calcite, and magnetite. Geological knowledge also plays a crucial role in identifying
or inferring the presence and location of economically valuable geological deposits, such as ore
minerals, fossil fuels, hydrocarbons, geothermal reservoirs, and groundwater reservoirs.
Exercise 8.3
1. Which field of science studies the birth, life, and death of stars?
a) Chemistry c) Astronomy
b) Geology d) Biology
2. How does physics contribute to the field of geology?
a) By studying the behavior of matter and its interaction with energy
b) By analyzing the composition and structure of rocks and minerals
c) By understanding the formation and movement of tectonic plates
d) By investigating the effects of gravity on geological processes
3. Which physics concept is important in studying earthquakes?
a) Newton's laws of motion c) Spectroscopy
b) Fluid dynamics d) Atomic and subatomic particle physics
4. How can physics help in the study of geological formations?
a) By analyzing the electromagnetic waves emitted or absorbed by rocks
b) By applying principles of heat energy to determine rock compositions
c) By using optics to examine the microscopic structure of minerals
d) By studying the interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation.

8.4 Physics and Engineering

Physical concepts like Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Atomic Physics,
Molecular Physics, Optics, and Nuclear Physics are crucial in different engineering branches.
Engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, and electrical are guided by physical laws.
Understanding physics is essential for solving complex engineering problems and predicting the
behavior of engineered structures.
Civil Engineering:
Civil engineering involves designing and constructing structures like skyscrapers, roads, bridges,
dams, and railways using knowledge of forces, fluid pressure, gravity, and other physics
principles.
Ancient civilizations like Ethiopia and Egypt utilized engineering designs to build large
structures such as temples, pyramids, and palaces. Physics, particularly the development of laws
of motion, power, and energy, brought significant advancements to civil engineering, resulting in
complex buildings, transportation systems, and suspension bridges worldwide.
Mechanical Engineering:
Mechanical engineering utilizes mathematics, physics, and materials science to create
mechanical systems, including engines, manufacturing equipment, and vehicles. Physics
concepts like mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, forces, stresses, and aerodynamics are
applied in dealing with various mechanical engineering applications, such as aircraft, engines,
cars, and robotics.
Electrical Engineering:
Electrical engineering focuses on designing electrical circuits and systems, such as motors,
electronic appliances, fiber optic networks, computers, and communication links.
Electrical engineers often need to convert electrical energy into other forms, like mechanical and
thermal energy. Physics concepts like electromagnetism, mechanics, and thermodynamics are
essential in electrical engineering.
Chemical Engineering:
Chemical engineering involves the production of products through chemical processes, including
refining raw materials and processing chemicals.
Physical chemistry and physics laws govern the feasibility and efficiency of chemical
engineering operations. Understanding the physical properties of molecules, chemical bonds,
molecular dynamics, and energy changes (derived from thermodynamics) are critical in chemical
engineering.
Technology Generating New Physics
Physics and technology are fundamentally interconnected, as many technologies we have today
rely on physics knowledge. Science uses technology to understand the natural world, while
engineering applies scientific discoveries to solve societal problems through technological
products and processes. Technology and science are mutually dependent, with technology
enabling new scientific experiments and discoveries. Rocket technology, X-ray technology, and
other technological advancements have contributed to the development of physics and scientific
studies.
The relationship between science/physics, engineering, and technology is represented in the
schematic diagram.

Exercise 8.4
1. Which physics concept is utilized in structural analysis and design in civil engineering?
a) Ohm's Law c) Hooke's Law
b) Newton's Laws of Motion d) Faraday's Law
2. What is the primary focus of mechanical engineering in relation to physics?
a) Study of fluid dynamics c) Study of heat transfer
b) Study of magnetic fields d) Study of electrical circuits
3. Which physics principle is fundamental to electrical engineering?
a) Archimedes' Principle c) Coulomb's Law
b) Bernoulli's Principle d) Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
4. Which engineering field heavily relies on the principles of electromagnetism?
a) Civil Engineering c) Electrical Engineering
b) Mechanical Engineering d) Chemical Engineering
5. In mechanical engineering, which physics concept is applied to analyze the motion of
machines and structures?
a) Thermodynamics c) Optics
b) Newton's Laws of Motion d) Quantum Mechanics
6. Which engineering discipline utilizes the concepts of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics?
a) Civil Engineering c) Mechanical Engineering
b) Electrical Engineering d) Chemical Engineering
7. What is the main application of physics in civil engineering?
a) Structural analysis and design
 b) Power generation and distribution
c) Control systems and automation
d) Material science and properties
8. Which engineering field focuses on the generation, transmission, and distribution of
electrical power?
a) Civil Engineering c) Electrical Engineering
b) Mechanical Engineering d) Aerospace Engineering

8.5 Medical physics

Medical physics applies physics principles to medical diagnosis and treatment of abnormal
tissues.
The discovery of X-rays in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen led to the emergence of medical
physics as an interdisciplinary branch.
Medical imaging uses various technologies to view the human body for diagnosis, monitoring,
and treatment purposes. Imaging techniques include electromagnetic (optical, X-ray, MRI,
thermography), acoustic (ultrasound), chemical, and electrical methods.
 MRI utilizes magnetic resonance, discovered by Felix Bloch and Edward Purcell in 1946, to
generate detailed images based on the behavior of protons in the body.
 X-ray computed tomography (CT scan) creates cross-sectional images by rotating X-ray
machines and using computer processing.
 Sound is used clinically with instruments like the stethoscope to analyze body sounds and
evaluate organ functioning. Ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves to create
images that provide information about tissue form and structure.
 Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation to treat certain types of cancer by destroying
cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Radiation can be administered through implanted radioactive materials or externally applied
beams, with the beam direction frequently altered to reduce the impact on healthy tissue.

Exercise 8.5
1. Which medical equipment utilizes the principles of physics to generate images of internal
structures using X-rays?
a) CT Scan c) Ultrasound
b) MRI d) Radiotherapy
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on the interaction between the body's atoms and
which physical phenomenon?
a) X-rays c) Ultrasound waves
 b) Magnetic fields and radio waves d) Gamma rays
3. Which medical imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of
the body's internal structures?
a) X-ray c) MRI
b) CT Scan d) Ultrasound
4. Radiotherapy, a common cancer treatment, utilizes which physical principle to target and
destroy cancer cells?
a) X-rays c) Ultrasound waves
b) Magnetic fields d) Gamma rays
5. Which medical equipment uses ionizing radiation to produce images of bones and tissues?
a) X-ray c) MRI
b) CT Scan d) Ultrasound
6. Among the listed medical equipment, which one does not involve the use of ionizing
radiation?
a) X-ray c) MRI
b) CT Scan d) Ultrasound
7. Which medical equipment combines X-rays and computer processing to create detailed
images of the body's internal structures?
a) X-ray c) MRI
b) CT Scan d) Ultrasound

8.6 Physics and Defense Technology

Different branches of the modern defense force (Air Force, Army, Navy, Space Force) require
knowledge and advancements in various fields of physics.
Radar Technology:
RADAR stands for Radio Detection and Ranging, used to detect and track objects at a certain
distance. Radar calculates range using the time taken for the signal to travel to the target and
back, using the speed of light. Radar consists of a transmitter and receiver, both using the same
antenna.
Transmitter sends the radar signal towards the target, which reflects it back to the receiver for
display.
Military Applications of Radar:
Radar is crucial for air defense, detecting targets, and guiding defensive and offensive weapons.
Radar also has civilian applications in air traffic control, weather observation, ship navigation,
remote sensing, and planetary observation.
Missiles:
Missiles are rocket or jet-propelled weapons designed for accurate delivery of explosives at high
speed. Different types include cruise missiles (jet-propelled throughout flight) and ballistic
missiles (rocket-powered initially, then follow an arc trajectory under gravity and air resistance).
Missiles consist of electronic, digital, and mechanical subsystems, including guidance,
stabilization, propulsion, controlling, tracking, warhead, and electrical systems.
Launch controlling systems perform tasks from missile launching to target destruction, including
target searching, communication, ignition, tracking, and warhead explosion.
Infra-red Wave Detection for Night Vision:
Infrared (IR) light is just beyond the range of human vision but can be detected using infrared
devices. IR devices detect heat emissions and are used for night vision, navigation, hunting,
hidden-object detection, and targeting. Infrared imaging systems create electronic images based
on temperature differences, with hotter objects appearing brighter. Night vision images are often
green because green is the best wavelength for enhancing natural night vision in humans.

Exercise 8.6
1. Which of the following physics concepts is applied in radar technology used in defense
systems?
a) Newton's laws of motion c) Atomic physics
b) Fluid dynamics d) Optical physics
2. How does physics contribute to the development of stealth technology in defense
applications?
a) By utilizing principles of electromagnetic radiation
b) By applying principles of Newtonian mechanics
c) By studying the physics of fluid flow
d) By using principles of atomic physics
3. Which physics concept is essential for the functioning of guided missile systems?
a) Sound wave propagation c) Optical physics
b) Principles of electricity d) Newton's laws of motion
4. How does physics play a role in the design and operation of military aircraft?
a) By applying principles of fluid dynamics for aerodynamics
 b) By utilizing principles of atomic physics for navigation systems
c) By studying the physics of sound wave production for engine optimization
d) By using principles of optical physics for target detection
5. Which physics principle is utilized in the development of bulletproof vests and armor
materials?
a) Newton's laws of motion c) Atomic physics
b) Principles of electricity d) Optical physics
8.7 Physics in Communication
Physics in Communication
In today's world, our lives would be extremely challenging without the presence of
communication technologies such as telephones, cell phones, mobile devices, and computers.
Communication involves the transfer of information or messages from one point to another. To
successfully transmit information to the intended recipient, a medium of transmission is
necessary. Communication systems can be categorized as either wired or wireless, depending on
the medium used. Wireless communication systems utilize radio waves, microwaves, and
infrared waves. Examples of wireless communication include satellite communication and
ground wave communication. On the other hand, wired communication systems rely on physical
wires and optical fibers.
All forms of communication technologies rely on a foundation of physics knowledge. The
specific physics knowledge required depends on the type of message being conveyed and the
medium of transmission employed. A fundamental understanding of electromagnetic theory is
essential to comprehend radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, and visible light, which are
utilized in wireless and fiber optic communication. Additionally, knowledge in electricity and
magnetism, electrical circuits, energy, electronics, and wave phenomena such as reflection,
diffraction, refraction, interference, rarefaction, and compression is of great importance in the
field of communication.
Exercise 8.7
1. Which physics concept is utilized in the transmission of electrical signals in communication
systems?
a) Newton's laws of motion c) Pascal's principle
b) Ohm's law d) Archimedes' principle
2. How does the physics of optics contribute to communication?
a) By studying the behavior of sound waves
b) By analyzing the properties of electromagnetic radiation
 c) By understanding the principles of fluid dynamics
d) By investigating the behavior of subatomic particles
3. What physics concept is crucial in the functioning of electronic devices used in
communication?
a) Quantum mechanics c) Newtonian mechanics
b) Thermodynamics d) Electromagnetism
4. How is the physics of electromagnetic radiation utilized in wireless communication?
a) By analyzing the behavior of fluid flow
b) By studying the motion and equilibrium of living systems
c) By understanding the properties of atoms and subatomic particles
d) By transmitting and receiving signals through electromagnetic waves
5. Which physics principle is applied in the transmission of sound waves in communication?
a) Newton's laws of motion
b) The principle of conservation of energy
c) The principle of conservation of angular momentum
d) The Doppler Effect

Revision questions for unit 8

1. What is the relationship between physics and other sciences?
a. Physics is the foundation of all other sciences.
b. Physics is not related to other sciences.
c. Physics and other sciences are completely independent.
d. Physics is a subset of other sciences.
2. Which of the following best describes the relation between physics and chemistry?
A) Physics and chemistry are completely unrelated fields of study.
B) Physics studies motion and forces, while chemistry focuses on atomic structure.
C) Physics studies the behavior of living organisms, while chemistry focuses on cellular
processes.
D) Physics studies energy and matter, while chemistry focuses on chemical reactions.
3. How is the physics of fluid flow used to understand blood flow in living organisms?
A) By studying the behavior of air in the lungs during respiration.
 B) By analyzing the movement of water in plant cells during photosynthesis.
C) By examining the flow of blood through blood vessels and the heart.
D) By investigating the movement of nutrients in the digestive system.
4. Sound production in the human body can be explained using concepts from which field of
physics?
A) Thermodynamics C) Acoustics
B) Optics D) Electromagnetism
5. How do astronomers use Newtonian mechanics to study astronomical objects?
A) By analyzing the behavior of light in space.
B) By studying the formation of stars and galaxies.
C) By observing the motion and orbits of celestial bodies.
D) By investigating the composition of asteroids and comets.
6. How does atomic physics contribute to the study of astronomical objects?
A) By analyzing the atmospheres of planets.
B) By studying the formation of black holes.
C) By investigating the nuclear reactions in stars.
D) By examining the geological composition of moons.
7. Which of the following is true about the relation of physics with geology?
A) Physics explains the motion of tectonic plates.
B) Physics studies the formation of rocks and minerals.
C) Physics is not directly related to the field of geology.
D) Physics investigates the behavior of earthquakes.
8. How is sound produced in the human body based on physics concepts?
a) Vibration of vocal cords c) Conversion of light waves
b) Interaction of electrical fields d) Atomic and subatomic particle physics
9. Which physics phenomenon is involved in the transmission of electrical impulses in the
nervous system of animals?
a) Newton's laws of motion c) Sound wave propagation
b) Viscosity d) Electrical interactions
10. How is physics utilized in defense technology?
a) Designing sustainable energy systems
b) Developing communication networks
c) Creating advanced weapons and equipment
d) Analyzing market trends
11. Which of the following phenomena is explained by the principles of physics in
communication?
a) Sound propagation c) Cultural diversity
b) Human psychology d) Political ideologies
12. What is the primary function of RADAR?
a) Communication c) Navigation and detection
b) Weather forecasting d) Satellite tracking
13. What role does technology play in the development of physics?
a. Technology has no impact on the field of physics.
b. Technology provides tools and instruments for conducting physics experiments.
c. Technology determines the fundamental laws of physics.
d. Technology is used to analyze the chemical composition of materials.
14. How is the magnetic property of water used in MRI for diagnosis?
a. Water is used to cool down the MRI machine.
b. Water is used as a contrast agent in MRI scans.
c. Magnetic fields are used to create detailed images of the body.
d. Water is used to clean the equipment after each scan.
15. How is radiation used for cancer and tumor treatment?
a. Radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
b. Radiation is used to stimulate the growth of healthy cells.
c. Radiation is used to detect cancerous cells.
d. Radiation is not used in cancer treatment.