Conceptual Conceptual PhysicsPhysics

Notes on Chapter 1Notes on Chapter 1

The Nature The Nature

of Physicsof Physics

Conceptual Physics Conceptual Physics Chapter 1Chapter 1

Physics is the most Physics is the most basicbasic of all of all sciencessciences

– MotionMotion, , forcesforces, , energyenergy, , mattermatter, , soundsound, , lightlight and and composition of atomscomposition of atoms

– Mathematics is the languageMathematics is the language

of scienceof science

Conceptual Physics Conceptual Physics Chapter 1Chapter 1

Scientific method is the Scientific method is the process of Physicsprocess of Physics

Recognize a problemRecognize a problem Form a HypothesisForm a Hypothesis (a educated guess) (a educated guess) Predict consequences from HypothesisPredict consequences from Hypothesis Test HypothesisTest Hypothesis Formulate general rule/lawsFormulate general rule/laws

Conceptual Physics Conceptual Physics Chapter 1Chapter 1

FactsFacts are revisable data about the are revisable data about the worldworld

TheoryTheory interpret facts interpret facts

LawLaw is a hypothesis tested repeatedly is a hypothesis tested repeatedly and not proven wrongand not proven wrong

Conceptual Physics Conceptual Physics Chapter 1Chapter 1

ScienceScience and and religionreligion both both are trying to answer are trying to answer unknown domains. unknown domains.

– Science looks for facts, Science looks for facts,

laws, testable hypothesis’laws, testable hypothesis’

- - Religion takes unknownReligion takes unknown

domains on faithdomains on faith