What is physics

The word physics comes from the Greek word “physique” which means “nature”.

Physics is a branch of natural science that deals with the study of matter and how it is related to energy.

Natural science deals with the physical and natural world. Can you identify the other branches of science?

Matter refers to anything which occupies space and has got weight.

Energy is the ability of the body to do work.

Branches of physics and what they deal with

Physics is divided into several branches or themes as indicated in Table 1.1 below. Each branch deals with different aspects of Physics.

Table 1.1: The branches of physics and their meanings

The importance of studying physics

	Physics is important for good health Machines, such as those used in hospitals to treat cancer and those used to study the brain, broken bones and babies developing in the womb, are made using knowledge gained from the study of physics.
	Physics makes communication easy Physicists play an important role in the manufacture of computers, radios, televisions and mobile phones. These make communication easy.

other reasons why physics is taught in secondary schools

1. In order to explain different phenomenon like rain bow, mirage etc.
2. Make useful things for use in daily life eg weighing machine
3. State the laws and principles and apply them in daily life
4. Carry out experiments, record observations and analyze them and make conclusions about them
5. State and explain properties of matter under different conditions of temperature, pressure and forces
6. It is the basis for technology beg the televisions, satellites, etc
7. It prepares us for our future career as engineers, teachers, architects, pilots etc

The physics laboratory

Most of the practical works in science, for example, experiments, tests, observations or investigations are conducted in a special place called a laboratory.

A laboratory is a building, part of a building or other place specifically designed for scientific work. It contains many pieces of apparatus and materials for practical use.

Apparatus is equipment or tools needed for a particular scientific activity or purpose. We use apparatus when we are carrying out an experiment.

Experiment is a scientific step-by-step process undertaken to make a discovery, test a proposed law or theory, or demonstrate a known fact.

USE THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branches_of_physics