What is Physcis: Definition and 207 Discussions

Physics (from Ancient Greek: φυσική (ἐπιστήμη), romanized: physikḗ (epistḗmē), lit. 'knowledge of nature', from φύσις phýsis 'nature') is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines and, through its inclusion of astronomy, perhaps the oldest. Over much of the past two millennia, physics, chemistry, biology, and certain branches of mathematics were a part of natural philosophy, but during the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century these natural sciences emerged as unique research endeavors in their own right. Physics intersects with many interdisciplinary areas of research, such as biophysics and quantum chemistry, and the boundaries of physics are not rigidly defined. New ideas in physics often explain the fundamental mechanisms studied by other sciences and suggest new avenues of research in academic disciplines such as mathematics and philosophy.
Advances in physics often enable advances in new technologies. For example, advances in the understanding of electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear weapons; advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization; and advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.

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  1. S

    Programs What are my options with a 2.54 physics major GPA?

    HI, So I am graduating this Spring 2016 with an overall gpa of 2.91 and a major physics gpa of 2.54. I have talk with some of my physics professors about the possibilities of going to grad school, and they told me that it is up to me if I feel prepared, but based on my physics upper division...
  2. J

    A 300 kg rocket sits on a launch pad. What is the thrust nee

    Homework Statement A 300 kg rocket sits on a launch pad. What is the thrust needed to obtain a thrust to weight ratio 3:1? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 300.0 kg x 9.817 m/s2 = 2945.1 N i know this is not the correct answer, but i have no idea where to start. can someone...
  3. G

    What Are the Physics Behind Bungee Jumping?

    hope to find few answers on physics on bungee jumping
  4. Erin Pashanov

    B How long to travel 150m at 26m/s with an acceleration of -2.5m/s^2?

    Driving along a steady speed of 26m/s and suddenly see a child 150m from you. Breaks can produce acceleration of -2.5m/s^2 but it takes time to get the foot from the gas to the brake pedal. How much time do you have, if to avoid hitting the child?
  5. V

    Interested to learn Physics, But I don't know what to learn

    I like to learn Physics related to my career. I'm a software Engineer with good development experience in Java. Looking to find ways how can I use Java with Physics
  6. C

    Displacement from an Acceleration Time Graph

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Kinematic equations t = 18s when the velocity is back to 54km/h or 15m/s at t = 2, V = 13.3 m/s at t = 4.5, velocity is 1.5 m/s at t = 1, V = 15m/s The Attempt at a Solution I have solved the first part and I have the time at which it is 54km/h again, but...
  7. T

    Drag equation and d(kinetic energy)/d(displacement)

    Homework Statement Given the drag equation and a projectile's initial kinetic energy and mass, find the distance in which it will come to rest (or at least, become absurdly slow). Homework Equations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_equation The Attempt at a Solution Force = .5 * fluid...
  8. C

    Find the largest initial velocity

    Homework Statement Homework Equations I know that this could be solved through kinematics. The Attempt at a Solution I thought that I could use the range equation to solve for Vo, but since there is an initial height, I don't think that could work. I thought that maybe I could use the...
  9. Monkey_Man08

    What is the unknown charge if the net electrostatic force on particle 1 is zero?

    1. The problem statement: In the figure four particles form a square with edge length a = 2.44 × 10-2 m. The charges are q1 = q4 = 1.06 × 10-15 C and q2 = q3 = q. What is q if the net electrostatic force on particle 1 is zero? All variables and given/known data: The given variable are in the...
  10. J

    Particles with electric charges visible to the human eye?

    Are there any particles known in the Physics world with an either positive or negative charge that can be viewed by the human eye under LED light illumination and have an attraction/repulsion to magnetism?
  11. C

    Symbolic relationship between the input and output load

    Homework Statement A testing device has the applied load located at the end of a loading bar. The loading bar is connected by a pin to the post. Find the symbolic relationship between the applied load(the "input" load) and the effective load applied the specimen(the "output" load). Homework...
  12. ZahraKad

    Physics or Data Science? Background in physics & psychology

    Hello Everybody! At this point of my life, I'm facing a dilemma which might seem a bit unconventional, or even strange: Should I apply to Data Science Master's programs or Physics Master's programs? I'm in a state of constant confusion and can't make my mind to pick one of these paths. Any...
  13. DrYassine

    Relationship between "Coriolis Effect" and "Gold Ratio"?

    A common claim that hurricanes and cyclones have geometrical proportions that resemble a logarithmic golden spiral. Knowing that cyclones and hurricanes rotate because of the well-known Coriolis Effect, is it possible that the Golden Ratio is just a natural manifestation of the Coriolis effect?
  14. J

    I need some ideas in my Physics undergraduate research

    I am undergraduate physics student,and I want to become a theoretical physicist. I need some ideas about fields to look at it that can inspire me . I do not have specific field that I like the most in physics..so I need your help
  15. C

    Work done = 1 N x 1 m = 2 kg 1m2 1.414s-2 = 1 J ? wrong ?

    ~In the vacuum of outer space~ If a rocket motor exerts a force of 1 Newton on a mass of 2 kilograms for 1.414213562 seconds over a distance of 1 meter, how many Joules of work have been done? I thought Work = 1 N x 1 m = 1 kg 1m2 1s-2 = 1 J so Work = 1 N x 1 m = 2 kg 1m2 1.414s-2 = 1 J ? I...
  16. S

    How to Calculate change in volume produced by a piston?

    Homework Statement Hello all! I need a little bit of help with my physics homework! It asks me to calculate the change in volume produced by the piston, and it gives me the equation: ∆V= Ax∆dHomework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Now I know that A= 1x 10-^16m^2 And ∆d=1700nm My only...
  17. zAbso

    What Should I Expect from My Physics 1 Course?

    I'm going into my Physics 1 course blind. Not blind in the sense that I know nothing about physics, but in the sense that I have no idea of what to expect in the course. I haven't spoken to anyone that has previously taken the course, nor was I able to speak with the professor before we went on...
  18. P

    Calculating Photon Frequency From Relativistic Decay: Homework Solution

    Homework Statement Hi- I've been doing some questions and came across the following A high energy particle, traveling towards an observer with velocity v decays to produce a photon with energy E in the rest frame of the particle. Find the frequency at which this photon would be detected by...
  19. zAbso

    Studying too much or too little?

    I'm trying to implement a study plan for the upcoming school term. Currently I have study time, for three classes (totaling 12 credit hrs), slotted from Tuesday through Friday for three hours of studying each day. Alternating between classes each day (i.e. on Tuesday this class and on Wednesday...
  20. jamalkoiyess

    Programs Do I major in physics or engineering?

    Hello i am 17 years old and in my last year at school i am from lebanon ... i love physics and it's my passion i read so many books about it ( now going through the Feynman Lectures and it's awesome ) i wanted to study physics for all my life until someone told me two years ago that majoring in...
  21. P

    Solve a 2nd order Ordinary Differential Equation

    Homework Statement Y''-((Y')^2)+(C1*exp(Y))=C2 C1 and C2 are constants. exp = e Homework Equations No clue how to start this The Attempt at a Solution Y'=A=dY/dt Y=At+C3 (not sure) A'-(A^2)+C1exp(At+C3)-C2=0 A'-(A^2)+C1exp(C3)exp(At)=0 let C=C1*exp(C3) A'-(A^2)+Cexp(At)=0
  22. B

    What is the Final Temperature of the Mixture?

    Homework Statement Assuming no heat loss to the container or the environment, what is the final temperature (K) of a mixture of 9.28L of liquid 1 (density=1070kg/L & specific heat capacity of 4358J/kg/K) at 378K and 12.15L of a second liquid (density=1070kg/L & specific heat capacity of...
  23. R

    What units will this equation have?

    Let u be density of something (heat, smell, etc.). Assume the something only diffuses; there’s no convection or ballistic transport. Let’s work in one spatial dimension (x). Then u satisfies the diffusion equation, ∂u/∂t = D ((∂^2)u/(dx^2))
  24. J

    Legendre Second Kind: $Q_n(x)$ Functions

    Legendre functions $Q_n(x)$ of the second kind \begin{equation*} Q_n(x)=P_n(x) \int \frac{1}{(1-x^2)\cdot P_n^2(x)}\, \mathrm{d}x \end{equation*} what to do after this step? how can I complete ? I need to reach this formula \begin{equation*} Q_n(x)=\frac{1}{2} P_n(x)\ln\left( \frac{...
  25. M

    What is the x component of .... ?

    What is the x component of (+2m)ι^? Express your answer with the appropriate units. x = ____ __ * My attempted answer was: +2m What is the x component of (+2m/s)ι^? Express your answer with the appropriate units. vx = ____ __ * My attempted answer was: +2m/s What is the x component of...
  26. M

    Programs How hard is it to get a physics degree?

    How hard is it to get through university studying physics? Do you lose your social life and spend crazy amounts of time on it or is it managable? Also is it a big problem if you are missing the basics and can you ever catch up during Undergrad?
  27. Itrio39

    Master Degree in High Energy Physics in Europe: Find Universities

    Hello! I'm in my 3rd year of my bachelor degree in physics engineering and I'm thinking about taking a master degree in High energy Physics somewhere preferably in europe, could you recommend me some universities with a good program? Thank you
  28. Deep Dhillon

    Approaching a Cops and Robbers Chase Problem Using Equations of Motion

    Homework Statement A cops and robbers chase is set up as follows 1. Both the police car and the robber's can start from rest 2. The robbers have 1 km head start 3. The robber's van accelerate at 0.50 m/s 4. The police car accelerate at 0.60 m/s Use famous 5 equations to answer the...
  29. C

    Deflection in a Cantilever beam

    Hello, i was looking for ways i can reduce the deflection in the cantilever beam whose one end is fixed and load is applied at the free end. Few i thought of was, 1- Reducing the length of the beam 2- Increasing the modulus of elasticity of the beam 3- ?? 4- ?? 5...... Appreciate your help...
  30. ognik

    Other Good pre-honours 'revise all physics' type book(s)

    Hi - I'm doing an honors degree in physics by distance learning, having received my B.Sc around 20 years ago. I find there is a lot that is presented quite differently, and also stuff that I don't remember well enough - or not at all. So I'm looking for the fewest books that I can use to...
  31. quantumfunction

    Do humans increase Entropy at a faster rate?

    Do systems further away from equilibrium increase entropy faster than a system with a high level of entropy and does this increase push the universe towards thermal equilibrium faster. Is there anything stopping the universe from reaching thermal equilibrium?
  32. L

    Can I get into geology with a major in physics

    I want to get a career in geology but the school I am going to doesn't offer that. I am going because it is close to home and I am playing sports there. Can I get into geology with a major in physics or should I think of another career choice?
  33. AlanKirby

    Physics Experimental physicist and investment banking?

    Hi, I'm looking to do an experimental physics PhD (currently on an experimental Masters program), and I was wondering what my chances of getting into investment banking (quant) are. I am aware that theoretical physicists are primed for such a position, but what about an experimentalist? I can't...
  34. S

    Angular separation between moons

    Please help I am not sure of how to work this out The angular separation between Styx and Nix 28 days after they are in line with each other on the same side of Pluto. Mass of Nix = 5*10^16 Kg Orbital Radius of Nix = 48675 Km Orbital period of Styx = 20 Earth days
  35. HaLAA

    Using VPython program to calculate the E-field

    Homework Statement Charge a ring of radius R=5.0cm laying in the x-y plane to 50nC. Create a VPython program that will allow you to calculate the E-field due to the ring anywhere in space. Homework Equations E_ring=kQz/(R^2+z^2)^(3/2), point P above the xy-plane The Attempt at a Solution...
  36. X

    Oil & Water Film: Min Thickness of 313nm

    Homework Statement A thin film of oil (n = 1.50) is spread over a puddle of water (n = 1.33). In a region where the film looks red from directly above (λ = 626 nm), what is the minimum possible thickness of the film? Homework Equations 2nt = (m+0.5)λ t = (m+0.5)λ/2n The Attempt at a...
  37. X

    Wavelength in the visible spectrum most strongly transmitted

    Homework Statement A camera lens (n = 1.29) is coated with a thin film of magnesium fluoride (n = 1.71) of thickness 87.0 nm. What wavelength in the visible spectrum is most strongly transmitted through the film? Homework Equations λ = 2nt/m The Attempt at a Solution λ = 2(1.71)(87E-9m)/(1)...
  38. eis3nheim

    Atoms and energy levels question

    As the atoms of a material are brought closer together to form the crystal lattice structure, there is an interaction between atoms, which will result in the electrons of a particular shell of an atom having slightly different energy levels from electrons in the same orbit of an adjoining atom...
  39. M

    Solving Unit Conversion Problems: Changing from ft to gal/min

    I think this problem is straightforward , but I'm not used to these units. (Normally I use SI units) From a physics book (U.S version ) I have this equation: ##h=10 + 4.43*Q^2## where the unit of ##h=[ft]##, and ##Q=[ft^3/s]## now the book rewrites the above equation, such that...
  40. 655piano

    Chemistry Chemistry or Physics? Advice for Senior in High School

    I'm a senior in high school and very interested in both chemistry and physics. I have a strong background in chemistry but I am starting to lean more towards a career in physics. Any advice for college classes or decision making?
  41. A

    Test generator software for HS physics

    I am a HS math teacher, in the coming months, I was told I will be taking over some physics classes. Although I am also certified in physics but I never taught physics before. So here is my question: Do you know of any physics test generator software out there? To give you an idea, for math...
  42. HaLAA

    Gravitational force between 3 masses

    Homework Statement What is the magnitude of the net gravitational force on the m2=5kg mass? Assume m1=25kg and m3=15kg. https://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1383524/6/13_P28.png Homework Equations F=GMm/r^2 The Attempt at a Solution First I find the angle between m1 and m2 which...
  43. ilh

    New Velocity/Distance Question 1/25

    Homework Statement In reaching her destination, a backpacker walks with an average velocity of 1.44 m/s, due west. This average velocity results, because she hikes for 5.48 km with an average velocity of 3.25 m/s due west, turns around, and hikes with an average velocity of 0.683 m/s due east...
  44. A

    B.S. in physics, Masters in Aerospace Engineering?

    Hi, I'm a high school senior and I want to study Aerospace Engineering but my local university doesn't have it and going to another university is not an option, so what should my B.S. be? Physics? or an engineering that is somehow related to aerospace? Plus, does Masters in Aerospace Engineering...
  45. A

    Deeper learning in Physiology?

    I have no idea where to post this, but I figured this is the most relevant place. I'm sorry if it's in the wrong section. I am a Pharmacology and Toxicology major at a large state school. I was only required to take physics I and II. (algebra based) At first I thought that was fine, but I...
  46. littlejon

    Temperature change with gasses.

    Homework Statement Homework Equations pv=nRT The Attempt at a Solution Celsius and kelvin read the same so that means the pressure does not change because the gasses volume does not. C
  47. littlejon

    A position versus time graph involving the unit circle

    Homework Statement Homework Equations v(x)t= -wAsin(w+o) The Attempt at a Solution -5(10)sin(0)= 0 D is this the right procedure?
  48. littlejon

    How do periods and masses relate in oscillating springs?

    Homework Statement Homework Equations phase constant: y= Asin(wt +phi) The Attempt at a Solution 2*sin(360) =0 How does one approach this problem?
  49. T

    What is the mass of the second asteroid?

    Homework Statement A 4.7x10^3 kg asteroid is acted on by a gravitational force of 2.0x10^2 N from another asteroid that is 3.0x10^2 km (3.0x10^5 m) away. What is the mass of the second asteroid? Homework Equations The equations we have been working with are in which G is 6.67*10-11Nm^2/Kg^2...
  50. H

    Can applied physicists be CFD analysts

    I am about to graduate with an aerospace engineering degree. I am planning to go into grad school for Applied physics(probably plasma physics), which I find very interesting. But the main reason I joined the aerospace degree was because I was interested in CFD. But since I could't land any...
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