SMK TAT BENG

PHYSICS
FORM 4

1.1 Understanding Physics

LOO POH HUA (2010)

 What is Physics
 The word 'Physics' has its origin from the Greek word
Physikos which means knowledge of the nature.
 Physics is traditionally defined as the study of matter
(jirim) and energy (tenaga) and the relationship between
them.
 Physics provides answers to questions such as:-
(a) How is a rainbow formed?
(b) Where does the energy of the Sun come from?
(c) What is lightning?
(d) What is matter made up of?
(e) How did the Universe begin?
 What is Physics
 The existence (kewujudan) of physics concepts, laws and
principles, when used together with mathematics can
provide explanations for how things happen and enable
humans to predict the outcomes of events related to
physics.

Example
An asteroid collide (langgar) with the Earth can be
detected or avoid collision with the Earth by using
modern telescope, computer, spacecraft and space
technology.
 Fields of Study in Physics
 The fields of studies in physics are divided into:-
(a) Classical physics
(b) Modern physics

 In classical physics, we will focus on motion and energy.

It includes six important areas:
(a) Electricity
(b) Heat
(c) Light
(d) Magnetism
(e) Mechanics
(f) Sound
 Fields of Study in Physics
 In modern physics, we will learn the following:-
(a) Atomic
(b) Molecular
(c) Electron physics
(d) Nuclear physics
(e) Particle physics
(f) Relativity
(g) Origin of universe
(h) Astrophysics
 Fields of Study in Physics
Force and motion
Optics
waves

Heat
Electronics
Fields of study
in physics

Light
Nuclear physics

Electricity and
electromagnetism Matter
 Fields of Study in Physics
Field of Physics Type of study

Force and motion Study of the action of Force and movement

Safety belt, spacecraft, helmet

Field of Physics Type of study

The study of types of waves

Waves
and its application.

Microphone, amplifier, and telecommunication device

 Fields of Study in Physics
Field of Physics Type of study

Heat Study of hot substance

Thermometer, refrigerator, and air-conditioner

Field of Physics Type of study

Nuclear physics Study of reactions in nucleus of an atom

X-ray machine and nuclear reactor

 Fields of Study in Physics
Field of Physics Type of study

Electricity
Study of applications of electricity and
and
magnetism
electromagnetism

Generator, motor, dynamo, and electromagnet

Field of Physics Type of study

The study that deals with the behaviour

Light of visible light and other
electromagnetic waves.

Microscope, telescope, camera, periscope, and spectacles

 Fields of Study in Physics
Field of Physics Type of study

Study of electronic chip and computer

Electronics system

Audio, video, communication systems, and computer systems

Field of Physics Type of study

Properties of matter Study the strength of a substance

Different type of building materials, submarines and ship

 Importance of Physics
 Knowledge obtained from the study of physics is
important in other sciences, including astronomy,
biology, chemistry and geology.
 There is a close connection between physics and
practical developments in engineering medicine and
technology. For example engineers design automobiles
and machine; based on certain concepts and theories it
physics.
 The study of physics is fast expanding, leading to
advances in technology which have in turn led to many
benefits to mankind. The application of these
fundamental laws and theories have (enabled engineers
and scientists to put satellite: into orbit, receive
information from space (probes, and improve
telecommunications.
 Importance of Physics
 Research in physics has led to the use of radioactive
materials in the study, diagnosis and treatment of
certain diseases. The application of physics in the
creation of sophisticated medical instruments such as
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, computerized
tomography (CT) scan are some examples of its
contribution to medical technology.
 Physics improves the quality of life. Theories and
principles of physics explain the operation of many
modern home appliances, from the television to the
microwave oven.
 Importance of Physics

Apparatus Principles of physics

Bread toaster Electrical energy, heat

Bicycles Mechanics, dynamics, kinematics

Fan Electromagnetism, mechanics

Computer Electronics, electricity, electromagnetism

Air conditioner Thermodynamics, electronics, mechanics

Mobile phone Waves, electronics

Video camera Optics, electronics

 Careers in Physics
 Physics covers a wide range of fields of study.
 About 80% of the various branches of engineering
have physics as a component subject.
 Nearly all manufacturing industries utilize physics,
in one way or another, in their operations.
 Table below shows a list of careers and the scope
Branches of engineering such as electronics,
Engineering mechanical, computer, civil, chemical,
environmental and metrology/instrumentation

Graphic design, software development,,

Computer science
data processing, computer programming, games

Telecommunications, television, image analysis,

Communications video recording, photography, laser technology,
multimedia
 Careers in Physics
Magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray,
Medicine
nuclear medicine, diagnostic instrumentation

Environmental Noise control, pollution control, conservation,

science radiation protection, environmental monitoring

Universities, technical colleges,

Basic research
national and commercial laboratories

Space and Astronomy, space technology, geophysics, geology,

earth sciences energy and natural resources, ocean sciences

Universities, colleges, technical schools,

Education
primary and secondary schools
 Careers in Physics

Consultancy Industry, government

Publishing Technical books, journals, software's

Law, administration, business, journalism,

Non-technical museums, sports, accounting, marketing, art,
science communication

Construction, food, chemical, aerospace, engineering,

agriculture, consumer goods, energy, fuel,
Industry
textiles and clothing, metallurgical, semiconductors,
transportation, electrical, computer, laser technology