Universality of Basic Theories
In Physics few basic concepts and laws can explain many different phenomena. For instance, after firing a bullet soldier get sudden jerk, by applying the force on water, swimmer moves forward, rocket push the propellent backward, in response the rocket get pushed forward. All these can be explained with the help of Newton’s third law, which is “To every action, there is equal and opposite reaction”.
Challenges to unlock secrets of nature
Many people feel it interesting to unlock the secrets of nature. They observe the nature carefully, do experiments and unlock the secrets of nature. They prepare their theories based on their observations. There are some others, who verifies the existing theories and come up with new theory.
Application of Concepts and Laws
Applied Physics deals with application and exploitation of physical laws so as to construct useful devices. It is the most exciting part and needs great knowledge and efforts. E.g. Construction of rocket is based on concepts of electromagnetic induction.
There are three factors, responsible for the phenomenal progress of physics. These are Qualitative and Quantitative thinking, Universal Laws, and Strategy of Approximation.
Qualitative and Quantitative thinking
Qualitative thinking is related to finding of laws and concepts. Quantitative thinking is related to representation of law in mathematical form. Initially, it was believed that Qualitative thinking is important for the progress. But, truly speaking, the Quantitative thinking has equal importance to that of Qualitative thinking. Both have contributed significantly in the growth of Physics.
Universal Laws
Many laws in nature are universal which means that same laws can be used in many different contexts like newton’s laws of motion can be used to deal with motion of body in straight line, motion of body in circular path, motion of body on banked road.
Strategy of Approximation
A system is associated with many different phenomena. E.g. A stone and a paper if dropped from certain height, then, these did not reach the ground at same time. It is because these are under the impact of gravitational force along with air resistance. A better way to understand this system is to create a long evacuated tube and allow stone and paper to fall through it. The stone and paper will come on the surface at the same time. From this we can derive a basic law i.e. acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass . Later, we can go on adding some more corrections due to air resistance and modify the existing theory. In this way, continuous improvement finally give us more realistic theory. In this way, complex systems can be understood in parts. This is the strategy of approximation.
This article is helpful for Class 11 Physics
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