The physical world around us continues to provide questions as to why things are the way they are. For example, as far back as 250 BC, we saw the curiosity in people to prove the laws of gravity. Why is it that if something goes up, it comes down after a while? It was this line of thought that brought about the evolution of the quantum gravity law. However, over time, we have seen how more laws developed, like the law of aerodynamics that defies gravity.
In simple terms, physics is the study of our physical environment regarding how and why things are done. Physics has to do with the subatomic as much as it does with the astronomical. To enjoy learning physics, one must start by learning the fundamentals, different concepts, and formulae.
When you learn basic physics, you will discover that it isn't as difficult as you have always thought. However, for the most part, people are afraid of physics. Students dread learning it and schools report ongoing difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified physics (and maths) teachers. The key point to remember is that studying physics, like studying anything, is not an all-encompassing proposition.
Physics requires a lot of calculations, and for you to get things right, you need to familiarize yourself with certain principles and formulas. Mastering physics is possible for any student, but there has to be the willingness to learn basic physics and grow till you understand the more complex terms.
In this comprehensive guide, Superprof discusses everything Canadian students need to know about mastering physics and doing well in external and internal examinations. Superprof helps you get a grasp on those physics basics: properties of matter and the laws that govern their behaviour, as well as the forces that act on them.
It is also our pleasure to introduce you to physicists past and present who have all radically changed the way we see our environment.
Naturally, you should know some of the words associated with the discipline, too...
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Physics Glossary
Time to ‘fess up: when Sheldon Cooper prattles on all science-y, how many of you figuratively feel like your eyes are doing loops in their sockets?
The Big Bang Theory has done more to mainstream physics than possibly any other television series.
Doesn’t it seem to you though, that the scientific aspects are random and disjointed, with unexplained words tossed about as though the characters were discussing the next superhero movie rather than profound science?
Perhaps Penny’s reaction to the scientists expounding on their work might have been keen interest if she had known what they were talking about. If she knew words like:
Quantum: on its own, that word means ‘the smallest possible unit’. Attached to many physical concepts, it describes study at of the smallest particle level. Some fields of study at the quantum level include:
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Quantum mechanics, including quantum field theory, concerns itself with the smallest scales of energy. It is also known as quantum physics, quantum theory and matrix mechanics.
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Quantum entanglement lays out the discourse of studying one particle affecting all other particles connected to it.
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Quantum optics is the behavioural study of light; more specifically, photons.
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Quantum tunnelling describes the phenomenon of matter travelling without passing through any intervening space.
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Quantum electrodynamics - the successful marriage of the Special Relativity Theory and quantum mechanics.
Bosons and fermions are the two classes of subatomic particles, named after theoretical physicist Satyendra Nath Bose and theoretical and experimental physicist Enrico Fermi. A third class called hadron is a composite particle consisting of two or more quarks. Hadrons bridge the gap between fermions and bosons.
Quarks are another type of elementary particle; the only ones capable of experiencing all four fundamental forces.
Fundamental forces are electromagnetism, gravity, the strong force, and the weak force.
There are so many terms to describe the physical realm; why not dig a little deeper and discover more?
We’ve tossed quite a few names into these descriptions; let us now talk about other great minds that have advanced our understanding of our world!
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Famous Physicists
Many people say that we are a celebrity-obsessed culture but, if that was true, everyone would know these names!
Physics was established as a discipline during the Renaissance period, even though plenty of study into the nature of our physical world had taken place prior to that time.
Although Galileo made substantial advances in the studies of our cosmos, even debunking several long-held theories, it is actually William Gilbert who should be accorded the title of First Modern Scientist. William Gilbert asserted the need for sure experiments and demonstrated arguments.
Until then, physicists had either indulged in theory with no experimentation or in actual work without formulating any theory that would make their work possible to replicate. Thanks to Mr Gilbert’s avowal to eschew conjecture and philosophical opinion, other scientists embraced his ethos and the science of physics progressed by leaps and bounds.
Even today, physicists of every type uphold his research philosophy, including:
- Alan Guth, a theoretical physicist whose work in elementary particle theory has expanded our knowledge of the Big Bang. In fact, he pioneered the theory of cosmic expansion.
- Edward Witten, a professor of mathematical physics, conducts research in string theory and quantum gravity, among other fields of mathematical physics.
- Roger Penrose is the teacher of the late, great Stephen Hawking. There was never a case of the student surpassing the master; they enjoyed a long collaboration which, at one point, resulted in their being jointly awarded the Wolfe Prize.
Even though the field of physics has rather more male than female researchers, women in physics stand toe to toe with regard to discovery and advancement of science.
While still a graduate student, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell was the first to observe and record pulsars; a discovery which earned the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Fabiola Gianotti, particle physicist and the first female director-general of CERN, was the leader of the ATLAS project through which the Higgs boson was first observed.
Astrophysicist Sandra Faber focused her research on how galaxies evolve. She was the first to postulate that, the brighter the galaxy, the faster its stars must be travelling.
There are so many amazing people exploring our universe, in theory, and through discovery! Why not learn more about them?
What are the key concepts in Physics?
No matter how renown the physicist or how great his/her accomplishments, every physical theorem and all physical discoveries are based on the same few fundamental concepts.
Let us, for a moment, contemplate the universe: large and still expanding, filled with energy and matter. In itself, the universe might be an overwhelming concept; after all, it is so very big and mostly unexplored!
However, the same forces that govern the physics of our universe also apply to elementary particles. They are gravitation, electromagnetic force, the weak and the strong nuclear forces. These forces are external to matter and act upon it, either attracting or repelling; binding or creating.
It is important to not mistake force with energy. Everything has energy, be it potential energy, kinetic energy; elastic or radiant energy.
Sound waves, microwaves, seismic waves, and gravitational waves are all energy transport phenomena. What is interesting about them is that they transport energy but not matter.
Gravitational waves are particularly puzzling because they are caused by the most energetic processes in our universe and ripple along spacetime. In spite of having been predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916, such waves have only recently been detected; in 2016, to be exact!
Really, key concepts of physics are not difficult to master and, once you do, you could go on to work in theoretical physics, experimental physics or even condensed matter physics – one of the most active fields of physics study today!
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Physics facts that will amaze you
Do you still think physics is a difficult subject? Has nothing said so far eased your fear of learning about this physical science?
What if we tell you that Dr. Who was not so much science fiction as science fact? Well, at least it includes aspects of modern science...
Our current model of cosmology includes infinite parallel universes, all happily existing side by side. Because they are infinite, everything that could have happened or will happen has already happened, in one universe or the other. Does that sound a bit familiar?
What about space time and tearing a hole in the fabric of reality? Even the Doctor’s sonic screwdriver is a valid physics postulate: set to the right frequency, such a device may well be able to excite molecules into behaving differently. Truth is, for great entertainment, that serial does much to endorse the laws of physics!
Now we consider plasma. It flows through your veins and fills the cosmos; plasma even provides high-definition television viewing!
Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter; the other three being liquid, solid and gas.
The word’s Greek meaning, mouldable substance, makes it uniquely applicable to the fields of medical physics – a relatively new field of research, engineering (semiconductor fabrication) and, of course, its study in the field of astrophysics.
Fortunately, although they bear the same name, the plasma in your body is vastly different from the sun’s plasma. If they were of the same composition, we would all explode!
There are so many fascinating and amazing aspects to our physical world and so many fields to declare oneself in; from molecular physics and applied physics through computational physics, all the way to high energy physics... where would you direct your passion?
Toward the skies, studying the cosmos? Or does particle physics appeal to you? Have you always dream of smashing atoms in the Great Hadron Collider?
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What Physics principles should you know?
Physical activities largely run on principles, and if you understand some of these principles, it will become easy for you to explain many things. Several physics principles exist, and it won't be possible to examine all. However, let's examine some of these physics principles.
Newton's principles of motion
Newton is a very popular name in the science field, so there is no need to go into the details of the name. However, the principle of motion states that a body will remain where it is or placed until a force acts on it. The force that acts on that body is what causes a motion in response to it. Conversely, this principle states that an object in motion will keep moving until a force acts on it.
Electromagnetic principles
Electromagnetic principles help you understand the working of light and how electrons generate certain types of forces. This principle also helps us to understand why a magnet will attract an iron object and not paper.
Relativity principle
The principle of relativity can be likened to a moving car, and it states that several possibilities can be responsible for a certain happening. This principle started when Albert Einstein developed special relativity while explaining the concept of the absolute speed limit.
The law of thermodynamics
When studying heat and energy, you will come across the law of thermodynamics which tries to explain the movement of heat. According to the laws of thermodynamics, a relationship exists between heat and mechanical activities.
As mentioned, early, other physical principles and laws exist, and you will be taught all of them in your class or by a private tutor.
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What is the difference between Grade 11 Physics and Basic Physics?
Your understanding of physics is always in levels, and as you advance, you will discover that many of the things you learned in the previous class were to help lay a foundation of what you will learn in the current class. Many students in Canada always find themselves asking what is the difference between basic and Grade 11 physics.
First, basic physics gives you a foundational knowledge of everything you will learn as a student of physics. It is always the elementary aspect of the subject, and attention to the details of the things you will be taught at this stage will be needed even in Grade 11. As such, students are always advised not to take these fundamentals lightly.
When students fail to do well in external examinations, it is not always about their current performance but their understanding of theoretical physics. At that point, you are taught the laws that will be expounded on in Grade 11 physics.
All you have to do is not be afraid of your physics education. After that, the infinity of space is the limit... literally!
Will a Physics Class with Superprof Help You Master the Subject?
One if the best ways to learn physics at any level is to register for a physics class with a Superprof tutor. As we shall see later, you can learn physics online or hire a private tutor for home tuition. However, as a beginner who is still trying to grasp the basic concepts, you should learn from someone who is an expert.
Many of these classes run on a defined curriculum that helps students move from simple physics concepts to more complex ones. As a newbie in a physics class, you will be taught different definitions of concepts that will come in handy subsequently. You will also be introduced to basic laws you have seen play out in your everyday life.
Enrolling for a physics class also allows you to glean from the knowledge and experiences of other students in the class. After every session, you can discuss with your peers and seek clarity on areas where you don't seem to understand. Also, when tests and exams are approaching, you can make yourself into groups and revise past questions together.
Finally, students who register for a physics class are always guaranteed a certificate of completion before progressing to the next class. This certificate can come in handy for you when you want to apply for a job in an establishment in Canada.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Online Physics Tutor?
Not everyone In Canada will get the opportunity to register for a physics class or apply to the university to study a course. It is often not because there is no will; it can be because of lack of time. For example, if you are into business, where is the time to leave your business and start attending a class? Considering that this may not be possible, you can consider other learning options like hiring an online Physics tutor.
The bright side to working with an online Physics tutor from Superprof is the flexibility. You don't have to worry about learning at a defined time as you can learn when convenient. Also, you will not need to be in a physical building to learn. With your mobile device and access to the internet, you can connect with the online Physics tutor.
Another benefit of hiring an online Physics tutor is that it is a cost-effective option. Think of it this way, if you register for a class or apply to the university, you will have to pay a tuition fee for the entire year. However, with an online tutor, you only pay for the hours you spend learning. Depending on your agreement with the tutor, you can pay on a contract or hourly basis.
Finally, students who hire a private online physics tutor enjoy personalized sessions. Many students in Canada find it difficult to learn in a large class. First, because they get intimidated quickly by others, and also because they cannot learn at their pace. By hiring an online Physics tutor from Superprof, students can enjoy a one-on-one Physics lesson. You can ask those questions and seek clarity where things appear to be vague for you.
In conclusion, it is not enough for Canadian students to know that online Physics tutors can help them master the subject better; they must also be careful in their choice of tutors. To save you the stress of deciding whether a platform is a quality one, it is recommended that you hire your online Physics tutor from Superprof. You can also take online lessons tailored to your physics learning needs from us.
How can you understand a Physics formula sheet?
Whether you are registering for a physics class or taking online lessons, one of the many things you should expect from your teacher is presenting a physics formula sheet. With this formula sheet, you will get an in-depth understanding of how solutions are reached in physics. It will also guide you towards understanding some of the vital laws of physics.
Understanding the physics formula sheet may not be possible at first glance. You will need to study it repeatedly to understand it. The good side to continuous study of the formula sheet is that it makes learning physics more fun. Also, you will appreciate it better when you are sitting for external exams like physics A-levels.
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