Physics Fundamentals

Physics is the natural science that studies matter, energy, and their interactions.

Matter
- Anything that has mass and occupies space.
- Exists in various states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
Energy
- The capacity to do work or produce change.
- Types include kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, and nuclear energy.
Forces
- Push or pull on an object.
- Types: gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, weak nuclear.
Laws of Motion (Newton's Laws)
- First Law (Inertia): An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.
- Second Law: Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).
- Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Classical Mechanics: Motion of objects and forces acting upon them.
Thermodynamics: Study of heat, energy transfer, and the laws governing energy transformations.
Electromagnetism: Study of electric charges, electric fields, magnetic fields, and their interactions.
Quantum Mechanics: Study of physics at the atomic and subatomic levels, exploring wave-particle duality and uncertainty principles.
Relativity: Einstein's theories describing the influence of gravity on the fabric of spacetime, including time dilation and length contraction.

Conservation Laws: Energy, mass, and momentum remain constant in isolated systems.
Wave-Particle Duality: Particles exhibit properties of both waves and particles (e.g., light behaves as both).

Engineering: Application of physical principles to design structures and systems.
Technology: Development of electronic devices, communication systems, and renewable energy sources.
Medical Physics: Use of physics concepts in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and diagnostics.

SI Units: International System of Units (e.g., meters for distance, kilograms for mass, seconds for time).
Common Measurements:
- Force: Newton (N)
- Energy: Joule (J)
- Power: Watt (W)

Isaac Newton: Formulated laws of motion and universal gravitation.
Albert Einstein: Developed the theory of relativity and contributions to quantum mechanics.
Niels Bohr: Key figure in quantum theory, known for the Bohr model of the atom.

Nanotechnology: Manipulation of matter at the nanoscale.
Astrophysics: Study of celestial bodies and the universe's origin and evolution.
Biophysics: Application of physics principles in biological contexts.

These notes provide a concise overview of the key concepts and areas of study within physics.

Physics examines the fundamental components of the universe: matter and energy, along with their interactions.

Matter: Defined as anything with mass and volume, existing in solid, liquid, gas, and plasma states.
Energy: Represents the ability to perform work or instigate change, encompassing forms like kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, and nuclear energy.
Forces: Describes pushes or pulls on objects, classified into gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear forces.
Newton's Laws of Motion:
- First Law (Inertia): Objects remain in their current state of rest or motion unless influenced by an external force.
- Second Law: Expressed as F = ma, indicating that force is the product of mass and acceleration.
- Third Law: Asserts action and reaction are equal and opposite.

Classical Mechanics: Focuses on the movement of objects and the forces that act upon them.
Thermodynamics: Investigates the principles governing heat, energy transfer, and transformations.
Electromagnetism: Deals with the behavior of electric charges, fields, and magnetic interactions.
Quantum Mechanics: Explores atomic and subatomic physics, highlighting concepts like wave-particle duality and uncertainty.
Relativity: Einstein's framework that describes gravitational effects on spacetime, including phenomena like time dilation and length contraction.

Conservation Laws: Energy, mass, and momentum remain unchanged in a closed system.
Wave-Particle Duality: Describes how entities like light can show characteristics of both waves and particles.

Engineering: Utilizes physics to innovate and construct functional structures and systems.
Technology: Fuels advancements in electronic devices, communication technologies, and renewable energies.
Medical Physics: Applies physics in medical sectors for imaging techniques, radiation treatments, and diagnostics.

SI Units: The framework of international measurement standards, such as meters (m) for distance, kilograms (kg) for mass, and seconds (s) for time.
Common Measurements:
- Force: Measured in Newtons (N)
- Energy: Measured in Joules (J)
- Power: Measured in Watts (W)

Isaac Newton: Known for defining the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation.
Albert Einstein: Renowned for formulating the theory of relativity and advancing quantum mechanics.
Niels Bohr: A prominent figure in quantum theory, particularly known for his atomic model.

Nanotechnology: Involves controlling matter on a nanoscale for innovation in materials and devices.
Astrophysics: Investigates the properties of celestial objects and the universe's history and development.
Biophysics: Merges physical theories and methodologies with biological systems to enhance understanding.