What is Physics? (and what do physicists do)

Summary

This script delves into the vast realm of physics, highlighting its three main branches: applied, experimental, and theoretical. It explores theoretical physics' role in explaining cosmic phenomena like wormholes and time dilation, the importance of understanding the universe's fate through concepts like the Big Bang Theory, and the presence of dark energy and matter. The script also touches on the Standard Model of particle physics, quantum physics, and thermodynamics' impact on everyday technology. It showcases the practical applications of physics in medical imaging, like X-rays, and the significance of fundamental equations in various industries. The summary ends with an invitation to engage with STEM projects through Aveea, inspiring future generations to explore physics.

Takeaways

• 🌌 The vast field of physics can be categorized into applied, experimental, and theoretical physics, with each having numerous applications across various industries.
• 📚 Theoretical physics involves complex mathematical equations that can theoretically explain phenomena like wormholes and time dilation, as depicted in movies like 'Interstellar'.
• 🔬 Einstein's theories of Special and General Relativity are foundational to our understanding of how massive objects influence the fabric of spacetime and the concept of time dilation.
• 🌌 Theoretical physics is crucial for understanding the universe's fate, including concepts like the Big Bang, dark energy, and dark matter, which together make up over 95% of the universe.
• 🧬 The Standard Model in physics explains fundamental particles and their composition, delving into the subatomic structure of elements like oxygen and the potential existence of strings.
• 🚀 NASA and other space programs have contributed significantly to technology, including laser eye surgery and advancements in insulation and thermodynamics.
• ⚗ Thermodynamics governs the transfer of thermal energy and is the basis for modern inventions like air conditioning and efficient engines.
• 📺 The evolution from bulky CRT TVs to flat screens is an example of applied physics, where experimentation with cathode rays led to the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen.
• 🛠 Applied physics principles are used in various systems like flight simulators, structural analysis, and weather forecasting, emphasizing the importance of accurate equations for safety.
• ⏳ The script raises questions about the nature of time, its direction, and the possibility of its manipulation, highlighting ongoing research in physics.
• 🌟 The video promotes Aveea Projects, which offers hands-on STEM activities to inspire future scientists, engineers, and astronauts.

Q & A

What are the three main branches of physics mentioned in the script?

The three main branches of physics mentioned are applied physics, experimental physics, and theoretical physics.

What is the significance of Einstein's theory of Special and General Relativity in the context of the script?

Einstein's theory of Special and General Relativity is significant as it proposes that massive objects can warp and curve the universe itself, which explains phenomena like time dilation and the behavior of objects approaching the speed of light.

How is the concept of time dilation related to the movie 'Interstellar' as discussed in the script?

Time dilation, as discussed in the script, is related to the movie 'Interstellar' because it is depicted in the film as the effect where time slows down for those approaching the speed of light, which is a direct consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity.

What is the role of theoretical physics in understanding the fate of the universe as per the script?

The role of theoretical physics in understanding the fate of the universe is to form and find equations that describe and explain the universe's behavior, including the study of phenomena like the Big Bang Theory, dark energy, and dark matter, which are crucial to predicting the universe's future state.

What is the Standard Model in physics, and how does it relate to the particles within an atom?

The Standard Model in physics is a theory that explains all fundamental particles and their interactions. It relates to the particles within an atom by describing the subatomic particles like electrons, protons, and neutrons, which are composed of even smaller particles as defined by the model.

What is the concept of strings in theoretical physics, and how do they relate to the formation of particles?

The concept of strings in theoretical physics suggests that the fundamental particles are actually one-dimensional 'strings' that vibrate at different frequencies to produce the particles observed in the universe. This is part of the string theory, which attempts to unify all forces and particles into a single framework.

How has experimental physics contributed to medical advancements as illustrated in the script?

Experimental physics has contributed to medical advancements through the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen, which revolutionized the medical industry by allowing for non-invasive imaging of bones and internal structures within the body.

What is thermodynamics, and how does it play a role in our daily lives?

Thermodynamics is the study of the laws that govern the transfer of thermal energy between objects and mediums. It plays a role in our daily lives through applications such as air conditioning units, efficient engines in transportation, and the generation of electricity, all of which rely on our understanding of how thermal energy transfers.

How did the script describe the transition from large CRT TVs to modern flat screens?

The script described the transition from large CRT TVs to modern flat screens as a result of advancements in physics, particularly the experimentation with cathode rays, which led to the development of new technologies and ultimately to the creation of thinner and more efficient display technologies.

What is the importance of understanding the principles of physics in various systems and industries?

The importance of understanding the principles of physics in various systems and industries is that it forms the core of many technological and scientific applications, such as flight simulators, structural analysis, weather forecasting, and modeling natural phenomena like tsunamis. Accurate application of these principles is crucial for safety and efficiency.

What is the Aveea Projects mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to STEM education?

Aveea Projects, as mentioned in the script, is a service that provides monthly boxes containing materials and instructions for hands-on STEM projects. It relates to STEM education by offering an interactive and engaging way for individuals, including children who dream of becoming astronauts or scientists, to explore and learn about various scientific concepts and principles.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 The Realm of Physics: Theoretical Explorations and Practical Impacts

This paragraph delves into the vast domain of physics, distinguishing it into applied, experimental, and theoretical branches, each with significant implications beyond STEM fields. Theoretical physics is highlighted, with a focus on complex mathematical equations that attempt to explain phenomena like Einstein-Rosen Bridges and wormholes, which are shortcuts through space-time. The paragraph connects these concepts to Einstein's theories of relativity, time dilation, and the pressing need to understand the universe's fate, including the roles of dark energy and dark matter. It also touches on the Standard Model of particle physics, string theory, and the practical applications of physics in space programs, such as developments in photonics and thermodynamics, which have improved everyday technologies like air conditioning and insulation.

05:03

🚀 Applying Physics: From Fundamental Principles to Life-Changing Innovations

The second paragraph emphasizes the practical applications of physics, starting with fundamental equations like F = MA and kinetic energy formulas, which are integral to various systems including flight simulators, structural analysis, and weather forecasting. It underscores the high stakes of accuracy in these equations, as they directly impact safety and life. The paragraph then explores the philosophical questions physics addresses, such as the nature of time and its directionality. It also aims to inspire young dreamers to explore STEM fields through hands-on projects, mentioning Aveea Projects, which offers monthly boxes with materials and guidance for educational projects. The paragraph concludes with an invitation to support the channel through Patreon and encourages viewers to engage with the content by subscribing, liking, and commenting.

Keywords

💡Physics

Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its motion, and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. In the video, it is the overarching theme, encompassing various subfields and applications that impact our daily lives and understanding of the universe.

💡Theoretical Physics

Theoretical physics involves the development of mathematical models to describe the fundamental aspects of the universe that cannot be tested empirically. The video references this with the example of Einstein-Rosen Bridges and wormholes, illustrating the theoretical underpinnings of phenomena like time dilation and the curvature of spacetime.

💡Special and General Relativity

Special and General Relativity are theories by Albert Einstein that revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity. The video mentions how massive objects curve spacetime, leading to phenomena like time dilation, which is crucial for understanding the universe's expansion and the behavior of objects near the speed of light.

💡Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is the prevailing cosmological model that explains the origin of the universe as a singularity that expanded around 13.8 billion years ago. The video emphasizes its importance in understanding the fate of the universe, including concepts like the Big Bounce, Big Crunch, and the influence of dark energy and dark matter.

💡Standard Model

The Standard Model is a theory in particle physics that describes three of the four known fundamental forces (excluding gravity), using a framework of particles and fields. The video uses the example of breaking down a water molecule to illustrate how the Standard Model explains the fundamental particles that make up the nucleus of atoms.

💡Quantum Physics

Quantum physics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level, where the classical physics laws no longer apply. The video touches on the concept of string theory within quantum physics, suggesting that particles may be formed by the vibration of strings.

💡Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of the relationships between heat, work, and energy. The video explains how our understanding of thermodynamics has led to the development of air conditioning units, efficient engines, and other technologies that transfer thermal energy in our universe.

💡Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs)

Cathode Ray Tubes refer to a type of technology used in older televisions, which involved the use of electron beams to create images on a screen. The video mentions how physicists' experiments with cathode rays led to the discovery of X-rays, a significant advancement in medical imaging.

💡X-Ray

X-Rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than those of visible light, capable of penetrating most objects. The video recounts the story of Wilhelm Röntgen's discovery of X-rays, which revolutionized medical diagnostics by allowing the visualization of bones and internal structures.

💡Applied Physics

Applied physics is the practical use of the principles of physics in various fields and industries. The video discusses how fundamental physics equations are applied in systems like flight simulators, structural analysis, and weather forecasting, highlighting the critical role of physics in technology and safety.

💡Aveea Projects

Aveea Projects is mentioned in the video as a platform that provides monthly boxes with materials and instructions for STEM-related projects. It aims to inspire and educate individuals interested in science and technology, potentially nurturing future scientists, engineers, or astronauts.

Highlights

Physics is a vast field that can be categorized into applied, experimental, and theoretical branches, each with numerous applications.

Theoretical physics involves complex mathematical equations that can describe phenomena like Einstein-Rosen Bridges and wormholes.

Einstein's theories of Special and General Relativity explain how massive objects warp spacetime, leading to time dilation effects.

Theoretical physics is crucial for understanding the universe's fate and the expansion of the sun, which may render Earth uninhabitable.

The Big Bang Theory is essential for understanding the universe's origin and its ultimate fate.

Dark energy and dark matter, making up over 95% of the universe, are critical to its structure and stability.

The Standard Model of particle physics explains all fundamental particles and their interactions.

Oxygen atoms and their subatomic particles illustrate the depth of the Standard Model's application.

String theory suggests that particles may be composed of vibrating strings, a concept from quantum physics.

NASA and other space programs have contributed to technological advancements like laser eye surgery and advanced insulation.

Thermodynamics governs the transfer of thermal energy and has led to innovations in air conditioning and engine efficiency.

The transition from CRT to flat-screen TVs was facilitated by advancements in physics, including the discovery of cathode rays.

Wilhelm Röntgen's discovery of X-rays revolutionized the medical industry and earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics.

Experimental physics has led to significant medical advancements like the MRI scanner and understanding of nuclear magnetic resonance.

Basic physics equations like F=MA and kinetic energy formulas are integral to various systems, including flight simulators and weather forecasting.

Physics helps us understand the directionality of time and its potential manipulation.

Aveea Projects offers hands-on STEM activities to inspire future scientists, engineers, and astronauts.

Engaging with physics through projects like building rockets or making magnetic slime can spark interest in STEM fields.

Transcripts

So, what is physics?

Well the world of physics, is absolutely massive and can be split up into so many different ways.

One way we can split physics up is through applied, experimental and theoretical,

and these three can branch off into so many different industries some even outside of STEM.

Let's start off with the wildest of the bunch  theoretical physics,

and you're probably thinking of a chalkboard full of mathematical equations that are beyond anything you've learned in school,

this is correct for the most part, they are no ordinary mathematical equations.

They are equations that could theoretically  explain how Thor gets from Asgard to Earth.

No I'm being serious, this might sound like science  fiction,

But this is looking at Einstein-Rosen Bridges and wormholes.

In other words tunnels that connect two points in space,

in such a way that the trip through the wormhole would be incredibly quicker than traveling there through normal space.

This all links to Einstein's discovery on Special and General Relativity,

which proposes massive objects like planetary systems and stars warp and curve the universe itself.

This is exactly why time slows down for those approaching the speed of light

otherwise known as time dilation,

it's exactly what happened in the movie Interstellar.

Theoretical physics is forming and finding equations to describe and explain the universe

and it's so important.

Our planet will one day become inhabitable because of the expansion of the sun and who we look to to save humanity?

Sometimes we need to look behind us to go forward,

The Big Bang Theory, where everything started

now why is this so important?

Well for one we need to know the fate of the universe,

we need incredible amounts of accuracy to measure the expansion of the universe to figure this out.

Will there be a Big Bounce,

a Big Crunch,

a Big Freeze,

or something else we haven't discovered yet?

And what about dark energy and dark matter?

The Ying and the Yang of the cosmos?

They make up over 95 percent of our universe and are known to hold it together

and the only reason we know it exists,

is because visible matter just doesn't have enough gravitational force to hold galaxies together.

And the other 4.9% is everything we know

from the planets, to the green grass, all the elements in the periodic table,

and even the ducklings.

This has allowed Physicists to create the Standard Model

which explains all fundamental particles, allow me to explain.

Let's take a droplet of water,

you might be thinking oh H2O, I know that,

they're made of Hydrogen and Oxygen atoms but there's a lot more to it.

If we go smaller and look into an Oxygen atom we start to see some of the particles from the Standard Model.

like the electrons which spin around the nucleus.

And then we can look into the nucleus itself  and see protons and neutrons.  

These protons and neutrons are made from particles in the Standard Model like the up and down particles.

You must be thinking they have to be the smallest

they are made up from fundamental particles,

but wait some Physicists believe these particles are actually made of strings,

yes strings.

Just like when a guitar string is plucked it makes little sound.

Some believe when these strings vibrate it actually forms these particles.

This is just one small part of quantum  physics, just imagine how much more there is.

What about NASA and all the space programmes around  the world?

Whilst they're busy preparing for mankind to visit Mars

you might be thinking what have they given the world?

Well what about laser eye surgery?

That's an entire topic on photonics and electromagnetism that I haven't even touched on.

And with space being a place of extreme  temperatures,

NASA developed special insulation,

a radiant barrier which is used in most homes today to keep us warm and cozy.

And this is exactly where thermodynamics comes in.

So what is thermodynamics?

Well they are laws that govern how thermal energy transfers between objects and mediums.

Our understanding of thermodynamics is the reason we have air conditioning units to keep us cool

and efficient engines that power planes, cars, trains, and even provide electricity.

this is all down to physicists and their understanding of how thermal energy transfers in our universe.

Now enough of theoretical physics, let's look at applying this incredible knowledge.

Before we had 50-inch flat screens,

most people had huge chunky TVs that took up half of the  living room.

These were commonly known as CRTs,

now this rather strange name was referring to the  technology behind them.

It stood for cathode ray tubes, now before these made their way into TVs,

Physicists experimented with cathode rays,

why?

because that's part of being a Physicist.

One physicist in particular Wilhelm Röntgen,

not only did he discover a brand new wave during his months of research,

but also managed to see a picture of all the bones in his wife's hand,

oh did I mention that he won the first Nobel Prize in Physics.

Through experimental physics and an unintended application,

little did Röntgen know he had just changed the entire medical industry forever.

His sheer love for physics and the unknown led to a way to see all the bones in our body,

without cutting it up.

A device that has saved millions and helped billions -

The X-Ray machine.

And these types of stories are frequent,

the story behind the MRI scanner was almost identical

and it opens up a whole world into nuclear magnetic resonance and condensed matter physics,

but i'll leave Neil deGrasse Tyson to explain that one.

Whilst this is a huge part of physics another  part is actively applying these principles.

Think about those equations you learnt in school,

for instance F = MA or Kinetic Energy = 1/2 MV²

Where exactly are they used?

Well they're at the core of so many systems

like flight simulators, structural analysis, weather forecasting,

flight control, computing gravitational and magnetic fields,

and even modelling tsunamis.

One wrong equation and human lives are at risk, yeah no pressure.

This is how integral physics is in the world we live in today.

How about understanding and defining why time has a direction?

Why is it that time moves forward?

Can it be manipulated?

There is just so much in physics it's an exciting space to be in...

see what I did there.

Some of you watching this video are actually physicists,

some find time traveling interesting,

but what about those who dream of becoming an astronaut?

These dreamers may be a little brother, sister or even your children.

How can we bring these dreams to life?

Well by exploring the world of STEM

and working hands-on with projects that really flex their brain muscles.

And this is where Aveea projects comes in,

monthly boxes with everything you need,

plus our own founder walking you through how to bring your project to life.

I mean just imagine building rockets at home or even magnetic slime?

Well if this sounds like a project for one of those dreamers

who one day want to work for NASA or become a surgeon

check out Aveea Projects

it's the next best thing to give you the same excitement that our heroes in STEM experience.

plus you'll be seeing a lot of me too!

As always subscribe like comment you know the drill

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