Physics is an elementary, complex, deep, and multidisciplinary science. It is in charge of studying all the phenomena surrounding us, such as the properties of energy and matter, time, space, and their interactions with each other.
Its study has contributed directly to the development of science and new technologies. The creation of the internet, the development of smartphones, understanding the universe, and knowing reality are studied thanks to physics.
Physics is not an isolated science. It is a multidisciplinary science since it takes the knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry, and medicine, to mention a few, to solve all its mysteries. It will always be easier to find the answers to a dilemma if you have a broader vision of it. Isn't it?
Suppose you consider yourself a person who likes to kick start his curiosity with an analytical mind. In that case, you are interested in the latest technological advances, and you are quick with numerical calculations, perhaps you could consider becoming a physicist!
As a physicist, you will access great job opportunities in the digital and manufacturing industries, in engineering, or in nuclear and electrical companies. You can also go for jobs in research, in teaching, and thousands of things!
Keep on reading the most jaw-dropping unknowns about Physics. This article will leave you shocked!
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Great mysteries of Physics
Do you think science fiction only exists in Hollywood movies? Check out some shocking and unknown facts about Physics!
- The unsolved questions of gravity:
Gravity is the force that keeps us drawn towards the Earth and also the one that causes the phenomena of rotation and translation. However, the interactions as to why this happens are not yet precise.
Isaac Newton first realized an attraction between two masses due to a force appearing between them. Later, Einstein's theory of relativity showed that this was a much more complex phenomenon that even deforms space and time due to gravitational waves generated by large moving masses and propagating at the speed of light. A few years ago, the American LIGO experiment was able to detect them for the first time.
However, physicists have not yet managed to detect the graviton, the hypothetical quantum particle responsible for transmitting this gravitational interaction.
- Do the existence of more dimensions possible?
The space we know has four dimensions: width, height, depth, and time. However, some mathematical theories predict a ten-dimensional spacetime that cannot be perceived! And also, other approaches open the possibility of the existence of other universes. However, no one has obtained evidence on this.
- Is out there more matter than we know?
Did you know that the celestial bodies that we know only constitute a small part of what exists out there? All of nature is unknown except 5%! Some theories propose the existence of dark matter (made up of particles that neither absorb nor emit light), which would represent 25% of the energy of the cosmos. But no one has been able to detect it yet!
- Ultra-fast particles:
Did you know about the existence of the particle OMG? They are particles with an energy of 320 exaelectronvolts (the equivalent of an ultra-fast tennis ball). On October 15, 1991, the High-Resolution Fly's Eye Cosmic Ray Detector detected this particle for the first time in Utah, United States. It collided with the atmosphere impacting at 170 km / h. Ordinary cosmic rays could be the result of explosions of supernovae. However, these types of OMG particles come from mysterious yet unidentifiable sources.
- What's up with black holes?
A black hole is a finite region of space that generates a strong gravitational field that no particle, not even light, can escape. These are formed when a star collapses in on itself due to its weight. According to quantum mechanics, the information of a physical system cannot cease to exist. However, what happens if the particles and their information disappear due to a black hole? This mystery contradicts everything we know about general relativity and the quantum properties of spacetime!
- A model that explains turbulence:
Turbulence is the phenomenon responsible for the appearance of swirls in gases and liquids. It is a susceptible "non-linear" phenomenon that changes its initial conditions quickly, completely modifying its evolution. For this reason, it is challenging to predict their behavior. It is still seeking to determine the laws that allow describing this phenomenon since it could be helpful to predict weather forecasting, aerodynamic resistance, and even the formation of galaxies.
- A single theory that explains all-natural laws:
Perhaps there is the possibility of formulating a single theory that explains all the laws of nature. A significant advance is the «Grand Unification Theories» (GUT) proposal. This theory would unify three fundamental forces: the weak nuclear force, the strong nuclear force, and the electromagnetic force. Since these three interactions present a similar mathematical description, many physicists believe they can join a single theory. However, the actual "theory of everything" should also explain gravity. Because of this, Theory M was proposed; however, it faces theoretical and experimental problems. Could M-theory explain the entire origin of the universe, including the Big Bang? We will keep you posted!
- The quantum description of reality:
Did you know that all quantum particles are entangled even though they stay separated? The theory states that two entangled particles possess the same properties. However, quantum particles seem to have no definite properties, even though they have been tested under different experiments. And this makes us wonder the following: Do the results depend on the reality in which we study them? Are there other universes with varying interpretations of quantum? Everything seems to indicate that there will always be limits to our understanding. The universe could have a completely different structure than what our experience tells us!
- Where do the cosmos begin and end?
The past and future of the universe are still mysteries of physics. The Big Bang theory points out that everything originated from a state of infinite density. But then, what happened before the Big Bang? That supposed initial state that gave rise to the Great Explosion has not yet been found. Concerning the future, we know that the cosmos is expanding at great speed right now. But could it evolve into a final state? Or reverse its current dynamics? Could the universe start over again?
If you feel that your reality is upside down with these mind-blowing facts, you are not alone, my friend. Read on to keep surprising yourself with physics! But first, let's do a fantastic game!
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Alphabet soup game: Physics terminology
Did you know that one of the easiest ways to learn anything is through exciting activities such as alphabet soup? Identify 15 words related to physics! No marks here, just fun!
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| E | D | H | B | V | C | U | I | L | E | P | P |
| S | P | E | E | D | W | S | X | C | N | E | A |
| U | A | W | O | R | M | H | O | L | E | R | R |
| P | Q | R | T | T | P | O | W | E | R | Z | T |
| E | M | A | U | L | E | D | R | T | G | U | I |
| R | E | L | A | T | I | V | I | T | Y | N | C |
| P | C | Q | V | E | C | T | O | R | A | I | L |
| R | H | B | O | X | L | I | N | U | R | V | E |
| O | A | C | G | R | A | V | I | T | Y | E | S |
| F | N | A | R | A | D | E | C | T | I | R | H |
| Q | I | A | U | Y | U | E | W | I | T | S | R |
| Z | C | V | V | S | L | H | O | L | I | E | S |
| X | S | I | N | E | R | T | I | A | U | B | H |
Get to know the Physics Terminology!
As you already realized, physics can be a somewhat complex science, and so is its terminology. One of the things that students reject most about physics is understanding its concepts. Scientists seem to speak a language of their own, with only a few understandable words in English!
However, the language of physics is not that difficult to understand if you know the key terms. Due to this, we present you with this practical glossary to understand some definitions essential to learning if you want to excel in physics!
Also, you can find everything about Physics in The Canadian Encyclopedia made for the most curious!
What are the main branches of Physics?
Get to know Classical Physics!
Let us begin first with the very basics! Physical science is broken into two broad categories: Classical Physics and Modern Physics.
Classical physics involves theories and concepts before the emergence of quantum mechanics. It is a discipline based on the fundamental laws of motion of objects. Classical physics encompasses other fields such as:
- Classical mechanics: It is in charge of studying the bodies' movements, balance, and strength. Do you want to know what happens when you slide through the snow when skiing? This branch of physics explains all this! It is divided into three main components:
- Statics: Study the forces in bodies at rest and in equilibrium.
- Dynamics: Study the forces and causes of the movement of bodies.
- Kinematics: Study the movements of bodies without taking these causes into account.
- Thermodynamics: It is responsible for studying the mechanical actions of heat and similar sources of energy. For example, when a person runs, he uses the energy he obtained from food. One part is converted into the energy used for running, and the other into heat that causes the body temperature to increase.
- Electromagnetism: Branch of physics that studies the relationships between electrical and magnetic phenomena. The electrical current that connects all electrical appliances in your house works thanks to electromagnetism.
- Optics: Study all luminous phenomena as well as the nature of light. Do you want to know how your digital camera works? All these photographic advances are here thanks to the study of optics!
- Acoustics: show how sound waves are transmitted, which propagate in particles through kinetic and potential energy. For example, loudspeakers transform electrical energy into acoustic energy. Simply incredible!
Discover here other cool facts related to classical physics! And the most important Canadian discoveries that revolutionized science!
What About Modern Physics?
On the other hand, modern physic studies subatomic phenomena. Quantum theory and Einstein's theory of relativity form the basis of modern physics. X-rays, for example, could be one of its applications.
Due to their technological limitations, classical physics lacks a depth of explanation, and we can only use modern theories such as quantum mechanics or Einsteinian relativity to understand them. For example, classical mechanics could not explain the stability of atoms and molecules; however, Quantum mechanics clarified this mechanism.
If you want to take a closer look at pioneering physicists and their discoveries, click here!
Fundamental physical concepts
Let's start with the fundamental physics concepts that we recommend you learn if you want to get good marks at school or master if you plan to become an expert physicist:
- Space: Physical space is the place where objects are found in the universe.
- Matter: Refers to everything that has mass and that occupies a place in space.
- Time: This is the physical magnitude that measures the duration of events and organizes them, establishing a past and future.
- Length: Refers to the distance between two points.
- Mass: It expresses the amount of matter in an object.
- Inertia: The property that objects have to remain in a state of rest or movement.
- Amperage: The amount of electrical charge that passes through a specific conductor per unit of time.
- Quantity of substance: It also refers to the existent chemical amount.
Some of the magnitudes derived from the above are:
- Area: assign a measure to the extent of a surface.
- Volume: expresses the extension of a body in three dimensions, length, width, and height.
- Density: It refers to the amount of mass in a specific volume.
- Work: It is the energy that is applied to move a body.
- Energy: the ability of bodies to perform work, action, or movement.
- Power: It refers to the amount of work carried out per unit of time.
- Pressure: The relationship between the force exerted by a body and the surface on which it is applied.
- Vector: The physical quantity that has magnitude, direction, and sense.
Mechanics addresses several concepts, of which we can cite a few:
- Movement: Is the change of position that a body experiences at a specific time.
- Speed: It expresses the relationship between the space traveled by an object and time.
- Acceleration: Indicates how the speed of the object changes in a unit of time.
- Force: Refers to a physical phenomenon capable of modifying an object's speed, movement, or structure.
- Centrifugal force: It is an apparent outward force in a rotating frame of reference.
Heat and thermodynamics address, for example:
- Heat: The energy transferred from one system to another, linked to the movement of molecules and atoms.
- Temperature: Is the amount of kinetic energy in the particles of a gaseous, liquid, or solid mass.
Electricity and magnetism study, for example:
- Electrification: gaining or losing electrons produced by a collision of subatomic particles.
- Electric charge: it is a property of matter responsible for creating electrostatic interactions.
- Electric current: Refers to the displacement of an ion or electron through a material.
The famous Newton's laws are:
- Newton's first law: States that if the resultant external force acting on an object is zero, the object's velocity vector does not change. An object at rest will remain at rest, and a moving object will continue to move.
- Newton's Second Law: The product of the mass of an object and its acceleration is directly proportional to the magnitude of the force acting on the object.
- Newton's third law: States that each force that acts on an object performs an influence of equal intensity and direction but in the opposite direction.
- Newton: It is the unit of force in the international system.
We are almost sure that you have already learned all these concepts! Perhaps now you can familiarize yourself with some research areas related to physics!
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Main research areas of physics
If you are interested in becoming an expert scientist in physics, or if you are just curious, here we show you the main areas of physics research:
- Applied physics suggests you could help develop new technologies or help solve a complex engineering problem. Indeed, this branch of physics is the link between scientific study and engineering. Do you want to be the next Tony Stark? Iron Man is an example of what engineering and physics can do!
- Biophysics borrows methods of analysis used in physics to study any biological phenomenon. Did you know that there is a formula to establish the speed of blood flow? That's how it is! The functioning of your heart can be explained by biophysics!
- Atomic physics studies the properties and how atoms behave (electrons and atomic nuclei) and the different interactions between matter and light. Do you want to know everything about teleportation? Learn about atomic physics!
- Nuclear physics is the branch of physics that studies the fundamental structure of matter and the interactions between subatomic particles. Have you ever had an MRI? Nuclear medicine such as PET scans and other spectroscopy came about through discoveries in nuclear physics!
- Condensed matter physics involves studying the behavior of solids and liquids using various physical laws. This field of research is a crossroads where several disciplines meet: theoretical physics, particle physics, nanotechnology, and chemistry. It is also one of the most active fields of study in contemporary physics due to the breadth and diversity of materials.
Learn more physics vocabulary!
Now that we've looked at some physics areas you might consider for your professional career, let's delve into more complex vocabulary by completing the sentences! Some of which might even sound familiar to you!
- The ______________ are elemental, indivisible, and like the electron or photon, they make up the standard model of particle physics! (The words start with the letter "Q").
- A ______________ is a subatomic particle with no electrical charge and a very small mass. It travels very quickly, close to the speed of light! (Sounds like neutral).
- The missing word appears in the title of the twenty-second film in the James Bond series. However, in physics, the ______________ represents the smallest possible unit anything can be divided into.
- An ______________ is a possible form of an element. Two or more elements may have the same number of protons but vary in the number of neutrons in the nucleus. For example, uranium-235 differs from uranium-238.
Feel free to discover more fundamental concepts in physics, and fall for this marvelous science!
Science Fiction that inspires you about Physics
Learning physics from movies or your favorite series is not a bad idea. Perhaps some of our propositions are not the most accurate concerning the reality of physics, but we are sure that you will feel inspired! Here you won't find any spoiler, by the way!
- Back to the future (1985): Understand the theory of general relativity with this movie classic!
- Apollo 13 (1995): Join Tom Hanks in this technically accurate film executed by NASA engineers! (A good reason to also study Physics!).
- Gravity (2013): The movie was directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Sandra Bullock, and George Clooney shows the mysteries of human emotion and space!
- Interstellar (2014): Understand the Einstein-Rosen bridge and the wormhole concept with Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.
- The Theory of Everyhting (2014): Learn about the physicist Stephen Hawking's life with this biographical drama film.
- The Martian (2015): Learn Physics (and Chemistry) with Matt Damon, trying to find scientific ways to survive in space through limited resources. Get to know more about the science of nature in the universe!
- DARK (Series 2017): Get to know more about time-traveling, parallel universes, and the butterfly effect with this amazingly produced German series.
- Chernobyl (Miniseries, 2019): Analyse all the Physics behind the catastrophe! The adrenaline will make you finish this series in a blink of an eye!
- The Invisible Man (2020): Get to know about invisibility technology with this new thriller and Elisabeth Moss!
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The best way to learn Physics in Canada
Go for Physics tutoring!
If this article gave you all the strength and motivation you were looking for to learn physics, one of the best ways to improve your marks in school and become an expert in physics is through Superprof!
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Physics can get a bit complex. Why not go hand in hand with a private tutor and personalized lessons to finally clarify Gothe's dualism, the Higgs-Boson theory, the String Theory, and the Schwarzschild wormholes, and get the best grades in school? Such an amazing idea!
Enter the Superprof online platform and discover over 2000 physics tutors across Canada! Unlock thousands of learning possibilities through face-to-face or physics courses online. You choose the best one for you! Your private teacher could even explain all the science behind your favorite sci-fi movies!
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And last but not least, as you realized, you could find some of the answers to the alphabet soup through the text, but if you could not identify them, here you have them!
- Energy
- Relativity
- Vector
- Ion
- Wormhole
- Mechanics
- Xrays
- Inertia
- Electric
- Power
- Gravity
- Speed
- Universe
- Particles
- Superprof
And, also the vocabulary that complements the sentences of the 2nd activity!
- Quarks
- Neutrino
- Quantum
- Isotope
See you soon, scientific baby!
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