Role of Physics in Society
The technology is the practical application of Physics and other branches of science which has played important role in the development of various industries and in raising the standard of living of the society. Some application of Physics are as follows:
- The Newton's law of motion find application in the flight of rockets, and Bernoulli's theorem in the designing of aeroplane wings.
- The principles of thermodynamics have been utilised in heat engines (steam, petrol and diesel) and in refrigerators and in air-conditioners.
- The electric bulbs, lamps and tubes are based on conversion of electric energy into light.
- The electromagnetic induction, discovered by Faraday, has found application in electric generators, motors, furnaces, etc.
- At hydroelectric power stations generating electricity for homes and industries, the gravitational potential energy of water stored at a height in a dam is converted into electrical energy.
- At thermal power stations, the chemical energy of burning coal is converted into electrical energy.
- The energy released in nuclear fusion process is utilised in nuclear reactors which produce electric power.
- The tidal energy in the ocean and the solar energy (based on nuclear fusion process) are being converted into other forms of energy and used.
- The properties and the theory of propagation of electromagnetic waves is applied in radio, television and wireless communication.
- Lasers covering an extremely wide field of practical applications make use of the phenomenon of popular inversion.
- The calculators and computers are based on digital electronics.
Physics in Relation To Other Sciences
Physics is the basis of all sciences and it has played a key role in the development of other sciences.
In Relation To Chemistry
The study of atomic structure, X-ray diffraction, radioactivity, etc., has helped chemists to re-arrange elements in the periodic table, to understand the nature of valency and chemical bonding in molecules, and to analyse complex chemical structures.
In Relation To Biological Sciences
The optical microscope of Physics is the main instrument of Biology students who use it to study samples of leaves and animals. The electron microscope is used to study the structure of cells. X-ray and radio-isotopes are used in the detection and treatment of a number of diseases. Electronic instruments are used in recording heart and head ailments.
In Relation To Astronomy
The giant astronomical telescopes of Physics are used to study planets and other heavenly bodies of the solar system. The radio-telescopes have led to the discovery of pulsars and quasars and enabled the astronomers to investigate the structure of the Milky Way.
In Relation To Mathematics
The theories in Physics are based on various mathematical concepts. For example, electromagnetic theory is just a set of mathematical equations. In fact, mathematics has been a powerful tool in the development of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and other theoretical topics of Physics.
In Relation To Other Sciences
The laws and procedures used in Physics have led to the development of many new sciences like Biophysics, Geology, Meteorology, Seismology and Oceanography.