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Are you passionate and curious about the world around us? Want to know “How” and “Why”?
Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the most basic and fundamental of all sciences and is the basis of our scientific knowledge of the physical world.
Physics seeks to explain the behaviour of matter, time and space in the universe and encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. Moreover, it is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy (and can be applied to biology or medical science).
Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory, and it leads to many pivotal discoveries of the 20th century, including the laser, television, radio, computer technology and nuclear weapons. These great discoveries led to technologies that changed our lives - from healing joints to curing cancer, to developing sustainable energy solutions. Physics has played a vital role in the development of quantum mechanics, the theory of relativity, and the splitting of the atom.
The Evolving History of Physics
What we call physics today draws from astronomy, optics, mechanics, and geometry beginning in antiquity as seen from Babylonian and Hellenistic writers, Archimedes and Ptolemy.
Pre-socratic philosophers in ancient Greece were already thinking of rational ways of understanding the natural world from as early as the 7th and 6th Centuries BCE. Moreover, long-standing traditions of studying physical and mathematical theories of the world existed in India and China as well as in the Islamic world. However, we generally believe early physics originated with the Scientific Revolution in Europe.
For instance, Copernicus believed and strongly advocated for a heliocentric model of the solar system which Galilei strongly supported, as well as making his own discoveries such as noting down the phases of Venus, finding Jupiter's moons, analysing sunspots and even inventing the military compass.
Next, Isaac Newton is largely credited for his law of universal gravity and three laws of motion. He also built the first reflecting telescope and explained the theory of light of white light being composed of the visible spectrum of colours. Around the 1600s began the study of early thermodynamics, which served as building blocks for the invention of the steam engine.
During the 18th century, physics saw the rise of knowledge of mechanics and thermodynamics which continued on to the 19th century including developments in electromagnetism and statistical mechanics.
The 20th century marked the birth of modern physics as scientists turned their attention to radiation, and Einstein developed his theory of relativity, along with the emergence of quantum mechanics. Today, these concepts are still used in studying satellites, rockets, and GPS positioning, while electromagnetism led to the development of radio, semiconductors, and more.
In recent years, research in physics has expanded to areas like quantum computing, dark matter, and the search for a unified theory that could explain all the forces of nature, known as M-theory.
Wouldn't you love to be a part of this change?
5 reasons to study Physics:
1 - Understand the World Around You: Physics helps you satisfy your curiosity and grasp the underlying principles that govern everything from everyday objects to cosmic phenomena.
2 - Develop Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Physics encourages a broad perspective and sharpens your ability to tackle complex problems, making you a versatile thinker.
3 - Open Up a Wide Range of Careers: Physicists are in demand across various fields due to their analytical skills. Whether it's journalism, law, finance, medicine, engineering, or computer science, a background in physics offers a strong foundation.
4 - Engage in Global Research: Physics is a global enterprise, offering opportunities to work abroad or participate in international research collaborations.
5 - Drive Technological Advancements: Physics is at the forefront of solving society's most pressing problems, from sustainable energy to medical breakthroughs. Physicists have the chance to contribute to innovations that impact the environment, economy, and overall quality of life.
Begin your journey of understanding everything now!
We recommend online resources like Crash Course Physics to get you inspired:
If you do indeed pursue Physics in your secondary or tertiary education in Singapore, consider getting a tutor to provide you with in-depth and personalised lessons to help you excel in this field. Power Physics's team works around the clock to find the best match between you and your mentor as soon as and at the best price possible! Click the button below to request a tutor now.
We also recommend online resources like Crash Course Physics to get you started on your learning journey. Additionally, platforms like Khan Academy and MIT OpenCourseWare offer free, high-quality physics content to deepen your understanding.
Happy Learning!
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