Physics 180 Lecture Series Chapter 1 Introduction

This is the introduction to chapter 1 of the Physics 180 Lecture Series, which will cover some of the basics required to succeed in full understanding of the subject of, well, any scientific subject, but for the purposes of this series, the success in Physics.   After all, physics is based on experimental observations which are used to derive mathematical formulation.  The main objective of the field of physics is to identify a limited amount of fundamental physical laws of nature and derive from those laws theories that can be used to predict the results of future experiments.  However, whenever experiment disagrees with theory, the theory must always be either altered or thrown out.

Isn't that right Feynman?
This physics course deals with what is called "Classical Physics", which is the physics of normal, everyday objects of normal, everyday sizes and masses, traveling at normal, everyday speeds.  Some text books (the one which I am referring for this lecture series included) define Classical Physics as "those physics developed before 1900", expecting everyone to know the implied sentiment that this means that it excludes Quantum Physics and Relativistic Physics (which began to be developed between 1900 and 1910).  If you don't know when quantum physics and relativity began, the "before 1900" definition seems too arbitrary.  So for all practical purposes, Classical Physics is defined the way I've defined in the first sentence of this paragraph, the physics of normal, everyday objects of normal, everyday sizes and masses, traveling at normal, everyday speeds.

The book I am referring to covers a survey of the three main branches of Classical Physics: Classical Mechanics (semester 1), Classical Wave Mechanics (semester 2) and Classical Electromagnetism (semester 3).

This chapter deals with the measurements and units used in the field of Physics and how to mathematically manipulate them.  It is vital that the units are correctly defined and used properly.  These next six sections will provide use with baseline guide to the proper use of units.
  • Chapter 1: Physics and Measurements
Next time, I will cover the fundamental units of Physics, the units from which all other units are derived.  Until next time, stay curious.

Take that as you will,
K. "Alan" Eister, -Δαβ

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