1. Essential Question: What is physics?
Lesson 1.1 What is Physics?
Essential Question: What is physics?

2. What happens to ice cream that is left out on the kitchen counter?
Why do you slip when you try to climb a snow bank?
What happens to the front of your car if you rear end the car in front of you?

3. What is physics?
The study of the physical world, from motion and energy to light and electricity.

4. What is the goal of physics?
Everything around you can be described using the tools of physics.
The goal is to use a small number of basic concepts, equations, and assumptions to describe the physical world.

5. How would you use physics to build a car?

6. Thermodynamics Efficient engines, use of coolants
Vibrations and mechanical waves Shock absorbers, radio speakers
Electromagnetism Battery, starter, headlights
Mechanics Spinning motion of the wheels, tires that provide enough friction for traction
Optics Headlights, rearview mirrors

7. Physics surrounds us!
Size
Temperature
Motion
Shape
Color
Position

8. Areas within Physics Name Subjects Examples Mechanics
Motion and its causes, interactions between objects
Falling objects, friction, weight, spinning objects
Thermodynamics
Heat and temperature
Melting and freezing processes, engines, refrigerators
Vibrations and wave phenomena
Specific types of repetitive motions
Springs, pendulums, sound
Optics
Light
Mirrors, lenses, color, astronomy
Electromagnetism
Electricity, magnetism, and light
Electrical charge, circuitry, permanent magnets, electromagnets
Relativity
Particles moving at any speed, including very high speeds
Particle collisions, particle accelerators, nuclear energy
Quantum mechanics
Behavior of submicroscopic particles
The atom and its parts
Areas within Physics

9. How do scientists study ideas in physics?
The scientific method is used to discover general laws that can be used to make predictions about a variety of situations.

10. What is the scientific method?
State conclusions in a form that can be evaluated by others.
Interpret results, and revise the hypothesis if necessary.
Formulate and objectively test hypotheses by experiments.
Make observations and collect data that lead to a question.

11. Physics uses models that describe phenomena.
A model is a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system or concept.
Many models used in physics are mathematical models.

12. How should I develop a model?
Decide which parts are relevant to keep and which parts can be disregarded
You’ll decide what to study and define the system.
Summarize with a diagram

13. What is a system?
A set of particles or interacting components considered to be a distinct physical entity for the purpose of study
This is usually a single object and the items that immediately affect it.

15. Why should I use a model?
It simplifies the situation and makes it less complex to study.
It can help build hypotheses.
It can help guide experimental design.
Models help make predictions in new situations.

16. What is a hypothesis?
An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations and that can be tested
Any hypothesis must be tested in a controlled experiment, an experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group with an experimental group.

17. What is physics?