The study of nuclei involves understanding the structure and behaviour of atomic nuclei, which are at the heart of an atom. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, bound together by a force called the nuclear force. ‘ Nuclear physics explores phenomena like radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and the energy released in nuclear processes. It also plays…
The study of atoms leads to understanding the structure and behaviour of matter at the microscopic level. Atoms are the basic units of elements, consisting of a central nucleus surrounded by electrons. The concept of atomic structure was developed over centuries, with key contributions from scientists such as Rutherford, Bohr, and de Broglie. Quantum mechanics…
What is the speed of light? It’s 3X108 m/s of course. But in relation to what? Suppose our solar system moves at 20,000 m/s through space. Would the speed of light in the direction of this motion be different from the speed of light in this direction? How do we know about the speed of…
The concept of dual nature suggests that radiation (light) and matter (such as electrons) exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. This is a cornerstone of quantum mechanics, challenging classical physics and leading to the understanding that particles like electrons exhibit wave-like behaviour and light behaves like particles (photons) under certain conditions. Electron Emission Electron emission…
The fact that amber rubbed with wool or silk cloth attracts light objects has been known since ancient times throughout the world. We have seen lightning strikes, but both of them are connected was never known until modern times. In this chapter, we will establish the basics of the Electricity. Electric charges Very simple experiments…
Fluids are substances that can flow and do not have a fixed shape. They include liquids and gases. Here, we might ask what it means for a substance to flow? The property of flow refers to the characteristics of an object to show no resistance to the shear stress. Shear stress can change the shape…
Thermodynamics is the study of energy, work, and heat and the relationship between them. It deals with the macroscopic behaviour of matter and energy, explaining phenomena such as heat engines (Such as refrigerators, and air-conditioners) and the behaviour of gases. In this chapter, we will cover the thermal properties of matter, Heat flow and energy…
Quantity Name Symbol Definition Length Metre m The metre is the length of the path travelled by light in a vacuum during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second. (1983) Mass Kilogram kg The kilogram is defined by the fixed numerical value of the Planck constant, which is 6.62607015 × 10−34 kg⋅m2⋅s−1. Time Second…
Mechanics in physics is the branch that deals with the motion of objects and the forces acting on them. It includes concepts like displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force. Mechanics is divided into kinematics (study of motion) and dynamics (study of forces), forming the foundation for understanding physical systems. Kinematics Kinematics is the branch of physics…
Classical physics refers to the branch of physics that deals with the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces in the universe, primarily in contexts where quantum effects are negligible. It emerged as the dominant framework for understanding the physical world before the development of modern physics in the 20th century. Origins of Classical…
