Scope of Physics
Scope of Physics is vast as it covers quantities with length magnitude as high as 1040m or more (astronomical studies of universe) and as low as 10-14m or less (study of electrons, protons etc). Similarly the range of time scale goes from 10-22s to 1018s and mass from 10-30kg to 1055kg.
Physics is broadly divided into two types based on its scope – Classical Physicsand Modern Physics. Classical physics deal with the macroscopic phenomena while the modern physics deals with the microscopic phenomena.
Macroscopic Domain
Macroscopic domain includes phenomena at large scales like laboratory, terrestrial and astronomical. It includes following subjects:
- Mechanics – It is based on Newton’s laws on motion and the laws of gravitation. It is concerned with motion/equilibrium of particles, rigid and deformable bodies and general system of particles. Examples,
- Propulsion of rocket by ejecting gases
- Water/Sound waves
- Equilibrium of bent rod under a load
- Optics – It deals with phenomena involving light. Examples,
- Reflection and refraction of light
- Dispersion of light through a prism
- Colour exhibited by thin films
Microscopic Domain
Microscopic domain includes phenomena at minuscule scales like atomic, molecular and nuclear. It also deals with interaction of probes like electrons, photons and other elementary particles. Quantum theory has been developed to handle these phenomena.