Map of Physics

Introduction

• Physics covers a vast range from galaxies to subatomic particles.
• Aim: To show how different physics topics are related.
• Main branches: Classical Physics, Quantum Physics, and Relativity.

Classical Physics

Isaac Newton

• Laws of motion: Describe movement of matter.
• Law of universal gravitation: Correlates planetary motion and falling objects on Earth.
• Invented calculus: Fundamental mathematical tool for physics.
• Contributions to optics: Physics of light, including refraction, and development of telescopes, microscopes, cameras.

Optics and Waves

• Optics: Physics of light and material interaction.
• Waves: Energy transfer through medium disturbances (e.g., ripples in water, sound).
• Light behaves as a wave: Reflection, refraction, diffraction.

Electromagnetism

• James Clerk Maxwell: Unified electricity and magnetism into electromagnetism.
• Light: An electromagnetic wave.
• Covers electricity as well.

Classical Mechanics

• Properties and motion of solid objects (e.g., gears, buildings).
• Fluid mechanics: Describes liquid and gas flow (e.g., airplane lift).
• Chaos theory: Large complex systems sensitive to initial conditions.

Thermodynamics

• Energy transfer and transformation.
• Entropy: Measure of order/disorder.
• Energy: Fundamental to physics, present everywhere.

Relativity

Albert Einstein

• Special relativity: Speed of light constant for all observers; time dilation.
• General relativity: Unified space and time into spacetime; gravity as spacetime curvature.

Quantum Physics

Atomic Theory

• Probing atomic nature: From tiny spheres to complex wave-like electron distributions.

Condensed Matter Physics

• Quantum physics of many atoms in solids, liquids.
• Innovations: Computers, lasers, quantum information science.

Nuclear Physics

• Atomic nucleus behavior: Radiation, nuclear fission (nuclear power), nuclear fusion (Sun).

Particle Physics

• Subatomic particles: Standard model.
• Quantum field theory: Combines quantum physics with special relativity; doesn't include gravity.
• Quantum gravity: Attempt to unify quantum physics and general relativity (e.g., string theory).

Unresolved Mysteries

• Dark energy and dark matter: 95% of the Universe.
• Big Bang and unknown mysteries.

Philosophy in Physics

• Fundamental questions: Nature of reality, existence of the Universe, free will, truth of scientific methods.
• Motivates physics explorations.

Conclusion

• Ongoing exploration of physics despite unanswered questions.
• Invitation for audience feedback and suggestions for future topics.