Physics notes

Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics

Physics
It is the branch of science which deals with the study of properties of matter,energy and their mutual relationship.

Branches of Physics
There are 9 main branches of Physics:

1)Mechanics
It is the study of motion and the physical effects which influence motion.
2)Heat and Thermodynamics
It deals with the thermal energy possessed by the molecules of matter and it flows from one body to another.
3)Sound
It deals with the physical aspects of audible sound energy.
4)Light
It deals with the physical aspects of visible light.
5)Electromagnetism
It is the study of electromagnetic phenomena and mutual relationship between magnetism and electricity.
6)Atomic and Molecular Physics
Matter is composed of atoms and molecules.The study of their properties is called Atomic and Moleculer Physics.
7)Nuclear Physics
It is the study of the properties of isolated nuclei of the atoms.
8)Plasma Physics
Matter assumes the state of gas,comprising of ions and electrons,at a very high temperature.This is called Plasma.The study of properties of matter in this state is called Plasma Physics.
9)Solid State Physics
The study of specific properties of matter in solid form is called Solid State Physics.

Other Branches of Physics
There are some branches of Physics,under which we study the combined concepts of Physics and other branches of science.
Some of these branches are given below:
1)Astrophysics: It deals with the study of knowledge of heavenly bodies and interaction between matter and energy in space.
2)Geophysics:The study of the internal structure of the Earth and its activities like seismography is called Geophysics.
3)Biophysics:The study of Biological Sciences on the basic principles of Physics is called Biophysics.

Scientific Method
Sceintific method is a specific method used to search for truth.It is based on the following steps:

1.Observation
The first step in scientific method is to make observations of natural processes and to collect data about them.This may be done either by ordinary observations or by obtaining the results from different experiments.

2.Hypothesis
On the basis of the data collected through observations or experimentation,we can develop a hypothesis.This is done in order to test its logical results.

3.Experiment
Experiment is an organized repeatable process which is used to test the truth of the hypothesis.

4.Theory
After the successful verification of an assumption and with the help of careful experimentation,it becomes a theory.

5.Prediction
After the careful analysis of a theory we can make predictions about certain unknown aspects of nature.

6.Law
The law is such a statement regarding the behaviour of nature which explains the observations and experiments of the past and can predictabout other aspects of nature.

Cotribution of Science By Muslims

Ibn-Ul-Haithem
He was born in Busra in 965 A.D. This great scientist is known for his exceptional work in field of optics.The name of his Famous book on light is Al-Manazir.In this book he expained the nature of light for the first time.
He also made researches on the spherical mirrors.By making a small hole in the door of a window during solar eclipse,he viewed the light of Sun on the opposite wall and in this way he invented the pin hole camera.

Abu-Rehan-Alberuni
He was born in about 972 A.D. in a village near Khawarzim.He joined Mehmood Ghaznavi as his courtier after the conquest of Khawarizm in
1017 A.D. Alberuni wrote a book Qanoon-ul-Masoodi.In this book he discussed the measurement of Earth,shape of Earth,the movement of the Sun ad the moon,the shinning of moon and its phases and the movement of five largest planets.
In another book Kitab-ul-Astarlab,he explainedthe methods to work out the circumference of the Earth and the depth of river.He also explained the method of determining the density of metals.

Yaqoob-Alkundi
He was born in Busra in the 3rd century Hijra.He was not ony a philosopher but also a great scientist and physicist.His books regarding sound and music show that the muslims were well conversant centuries ago the music which is now-a-days popular in European countries.

Pakistani Scientists

Dr.Abdus Salam
Professor Dr.Abdus Salam is the only Pakistani scientist who was awarded the prestigious Nobel prize in 1979 on his work of combining two basic forces of nature i.e., weak nuclear force and electromagnetic force.

Dr.Abdul Qadeer Khan
Dr.Abdul Qadeer Khan is world-renowned Pakistani atomic scientist.He started work as director and atomic scientist in Kahuta Research Laboratories,Islamabad.In recognition of his services to the nation, the laboratory was renamed as Dr.A.Q. Khan Laboratories.
On 28th May in 1998, at Chaghi in Balochitan, six successful nuclear experiments were carried out under his supervision along with his fellow scientists and Pakistan became the seventh Nuclear Power in the world.