Chapter#1 PHYSICSPHYSICS-AN INTRODUCTION

In this chapter you will learn:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Introduction to Physics Different branches of Physics Scientific Method Teachings of Islam and Science. The contribution to science by Muslim and Pakistani scientists

LECTURE#01
Method: LECTURE TIME:40min

OBJECTIVE
 Students will learn
and understand the definition of physics and branches of physics

DEFINITION OF PHYSICS
Different questions arise in our mind when we look at various phenomena of nature around us. us.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

We start thinking why the Sun always rises in the East and seats in the West? How do motor cars move? How does an aeroplane fly in the sky? Why do land and sea breezes blow in the coastal areas? How is Sound produced when we speak? How our image is seen in a mirror? How room is lighted by just pushing an electric switch? We get the answer to these questions in Physics. All phenomena Physics. of this kind in the universe are related to matter and energy, thus, Physics is that branch of science which deals with the study of properties of matter, energy and their mutual relationship. relationship.

BRANCHES OF PHYSICS
Due to expanding scope and research in Physics, it is usually divided into following branches. 1. Mechanics It is the study of motion and the physical effects which influence motion. motion.
2. Heat Thermodynamics and

It deals with the thermal energy possessed by the molecules of matter and its use when it flows from one body to another. another.

3. Sound It deals with the physical aspects of audible sound energy.

4. Light

It deals with the physical aspects of visible light.

QUESTIONS

LETURE#2
Method: Lecture Time:40min

OBJECTIVE: The students will be able to understand the branches of physics.

5. Electromagnetism

It is the study of electromagnetic phenomena and mutual relationship between magnetism and electricity.
6. Atomic and Molecular Physics

Matter is composed of atoms and molecules. The study of their properties is called Atomic and Molecular Physics. 7. Nuclear Physics It is the study of the properties of isolated nuclei of the atoms.

8. Plasma Physics
Matter assumes the state of gas, comprising of ions and electrons, at a very temperature. This is called Plasma. The study of properties of matter in this state is called Plasma Physics.

9. Solid State Physics

The study of specific properties of matter in solid form is called Solid State Physics.

There are some branches of Physics, under which we study the combined concepts of Physics and other branches of science. Some of these branches are given below:

1. Astrophysics It deals with the branch of knowledge of heavenly bodies and interaction between matter and energy in space.

2. Geophysics The study of the internal structure of the Earth and its activities like seismography is called Geophysics. 3. Biophysics

The study of Biological Sciences on the basic principles of Physics is called Biophysics.

Questions

LECTURE # 03
Method: Lecture Time: 40min

The students will be able to understand the Scientific Method.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Scientific method is a specific method used to search for truth. It is based on the following steps:

1.Observation
The first step in scientific method is to make observations of natural process and to collect the data about them. This may be done them. either by ordinary observations or by obtaining the results from different experiments. For example, it is our common observation that shadow of an opaque object is formed when it is placed on the path of light coming from the Sun or a lamp.

2. Hypothesis On the basis of the data collected through observations or experimentation, we can develop a hypothesis. This is done to test its logical result, i.e., it is assumed that nature will act in a particular way under certain specific circumstances. From the above example, we assume that shadows of opaque objects are formed when they come in the path of light because light travels in a straight line.

3. Experiment Experiment is an organized repeatable process which is used to test the truth of the hypothesis. To verify the assumption made in the above example, three card boards A,B and C, each with hole, are placed in a straight line, such that the hole in card A is in front of a lamp. When we see through the hole, In card C, we can see the light of the lamp. If any of these cards is displaced, we cannot see light through the hole. Thus, this experiment proves that light travels in a straight line.

Lecture#04
Method: Lecture Time: 40min

Objective:
The student will be able to understand the Scientific Method.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD
4. Theory After the successful verification of an assumption and with the help of careful experimentation, it becomes a theory and is applicable to similar phenomenon. With the help of the above experiment the assumption has been proved that light travels in a straight line. So it then becomes a theory.

5. Prediction After the careful analysis of a theory we can make predications about certain unknown aspects of nature. To verify the prediction, a new experiment has to be designed. If the experimental result is in accordance with the prediction then this theory becomes a law.

6. Law The law is such a statement regarding the behaviors of nature which explains the observations and aspects of nature. From the fact that light travels in a straight line, we can predict that shadow of a ball will be round whereas the shadow of a rectangular block will be a rectangle. After testing the theory under different situations, this becomes a law of science that light travels in a straight line.

QUESTIONS

Geophysics The study of the internal structure of the Earth and its activities like seismography is called Geophysics. Biophysics The study of Biological Sciences on the basic principales of Physics is called Biophysics. 1.3 IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS IN DAILY LIFE Physics plays an important role in our daily life. We wake up early in the morning when the Azan is life. called from a nearby mosque on a loud speaker. A loud speaker itself is a wonder of Physics. While opening speaker. Physics. up the water tap for ablution for the prayer or for washing up, have you ever thought! What makes it possible for water to reach us? Certainly! Is too reaches us by following some laws of Physics. The drawing water Physics. form a tube well are all governed by the laws of Physics. Every transport that we use for going to school, i.e., Physics. the bus, the car, the tonga or the bicycle, contains an application of Physics in one way or the other. other. At school the hoisting of flag on flag pole with the help of a pulley and the playing of the National Anthem of a tape recorder are in accordance with the rules of Physics. At home or in the office, the light Physics. produced by the electric bulbs is also the blessing of Physics. Physics. The dramas shown on television and programs recorded on V.C.R for entertainment, are also the outcome of the research in Physics. The computer, the solar cell and numerous such appliances, which are Physics. continually facilitating our lives, are the fruits of the hard work of Physicists. The aeroplanes and other Physicists. means of transport have shortened the distances and now men do not live in isolation. Rockets have marks isolation. of his greatness on the moon and is now ready to launch expeditions to the other planets, by building space stations. stations. All this has been possible because of Physics. Even the imagination of poets cannot reach the Physics. immense distance in space which today can easily be seen by Physicists. The Physicists explore various Physicists. aspects of nature, they not only provide us physical comfort through their new inventions and researches but Also provide the vital evidences required to understand nature. If on one hand the atom bomb has emerged nature. as a means for destruction and devastation but on the other hand it has great source of energy to meet our ever increasing demands. If ever man is able to control the fusion reaction, he would never face the demands. Shortage of energy in the world forever. forever.

If this process of research and quest continues in the field of Physics, the future will be much more beautiful than the present. Physics has not only made progress in its own field but it has also introduced new avenues of research in other fields of knowledge. If microscope had not been invented then there would not have been any progress in Biology and going a step further, the electron microscope has unveiled many hidden realities. X-rays Ultrasonic, LASER, E.C.G, E.E.G, Fibre optics and humerous diagnostic techniques Xof medical science. To day living on the Earth, we can communicate with the astronauts in the space. The games of cricket, hockey of Olympics being played anywhere in the world can be witnessed directly by us on our television sets and all this is a wonder of innovative research in Physics. Not only this but Physics has also registered its glory on Commerce and Industry, Trade, Agriculture, Education and, in a nut shell, on all the departments of human life and because research in Physics, standard of living is improving day by day. 1.4 SCIENTIFIC METHOD Scientific method is a specific method used to search for truth. It is based on the following steps: 1. Observation The first step in scientific method is to make observations of natural process and to collect the data about them. This may be done either by ordinary observations or by obtaining the results from different experiments. For example, it is our common observation that shadow of an opaque object is formed when it is placed on the path of light coming from the Sun or a lamp (Fig 1.1) 2. Hypothesis On the basis of the data collected through observations or experimentation, we can develop a hypothesis. This is done to test its logical result, i.e., it is assumed that nature will act in a particular way under certain specific circumstances. From the above example, we assume that shadows of opaque objects are formed when they come in the path of light because light travels in a straight line. 3. Experiment Experiment is an organized repeatable process which is used to test the truth of the hypothesis. To verify the assumption made in the above example, three card boards A,B and C, each with hole, are placed in a straight line, such that the hole in card A is in front fo a lamp. When we see through the

light through the hole C (Fig. 1.2 b). Thus, this experiment proves that light travels in a straight line. 4. Theory After the successful verification of an assumption and with the help of careful experimentation, it becomes a theory and is applicable to similar phenomenon. With the help of the above experiment the assumption has been proved that light travels in a straight line. So it then becomes a theory. 5. Prediction After the careful analysis of a theory we can make predications about certain unknown aspects of Nature. To verify the prediction, a new experiment has to be designed. If the experimental result is in accordance with the prediction then this theory becomes a law. 6. Law The law is such a statement regarding the behaviour of nature which explains the observations and experiments of the past and can predict about other aspects of nature. From the fact that light travels in a straight line, we can predict that shadow of a ball will be round whereas the shadow of a rectangular block will be a rectangle. After testing the theory under different situations, this becomes a law of science that light travels in a straight line. 1.5 TEACHINGS OF ISLAM AND SCIENCE A scientist by nature, is enthusiastic to find the realities of nature. He does not identify his personal desires with observations and experimentation. A scientist is always an admirer of the truth and reality and has courage to reject false theories. There are hundreds of verses of the Holy Quran in which Allah urges the believers that they should study nature and ponder upon it. Therefore, religious scholars have been termed as the heirs and successors of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the superiority of Scholar has been described in the Surah Al-Zumar in the Holy AlQuran as:

Say (Unto them, O Muhammad, Peace be upon him): Are those who know equal with those who know not? (Al(Al-Zumar, Verse 9) The study of science is based upon observations. This has been started in many verses of the Holy Quran. So in Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says: AlHast thou not seen how Allah hath sent down water form the sky and hath caused it to penetrate the Erath as water springs, and afterwards thereby produceth crops of divers hues; and afterward they wither and thou seest htem turn yellow; then He maketh them chaff. Lo! Herein verily is a reminder for men of understanding. Similarly in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: AlYour Allah is one Allah; there is no God but Him, the beneficent, the Merciful. Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the Earth, and the Earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down form the sky, thereby reviving the Earth after its death ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and Earth: are signs (of Allah s sovereignty) for people who have sense. (Al(Al-Baqarah, verse 163:164)

The Holy Quran orders the conquest of nature with the help of the knowledge, along with deep thought, to benefit from it so that Muslims may be successful in life and the life hereafter. 1.6 CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE BY MUSLIM AND PAKISTANI SCIENTISTS It is normally thought that Europeans received the light of scientific knowledge from Greek scientists like Pythagoras, Euclid s, Archimedes, Aristotle and Plato, who are thought to be the fathers of scientists, but Greeks were ignorant of the arduous testing path to research and curiosity i.e., Observation, Experimentation and Measurements etc. Their theories were based on general observations. The true spirit of research and observation and experimentation was transferred to Europeans by Muslim scientists. Alberuni, Alkindi and Ibnal-Haithem are the pioneer Arabs whose researches were translated into IbnalEuropean languages and they were made the stepping stone of knowledge for the European scientists. Let us see what are the achievements of Muslim scientists. As we are concerned with Physics in this book, we shall mention those Muslim and Pakistani scientists who achieved greatness in the field of Physics. IBN-UL-HAITHEMIBN-UL-HAITHEM-ABU ALI HASSAN BIN HUSSAIN He was born in Busra in 965 A.D. This great scientist is known for his exceptional work in the field of optics. The name of his Famous book on light is Al-Manazir. In this book he explained the nature of light for Althe first time. He declared light to be a form of energy in the days when scientists sere unaware even of the Word energy . The Modern Physics verifies this theory. Ibn-ulIbn-ul-Haithem was well aware of the refraction of light. He presented the theory that when a ray of light enters form one medium to another, it deviates from the original path. He discovered both the laws of refraciton after performing a series of experiments on refraction of light. He also made researches on the spherical mirrors. By making a small hole in the door of a window during solar eclipse, he viewed the light of the Sun on the opposite wall and in this way he invented the pin hole camera. He described the

ABUABU-REHMAN MUHAMMAD BIN AHMAD-ALBERUNI AHMADHe was born in about 973 A.D in a village near Khawarzim. He joined Mehmood Ghaznave as his courtier after the conquest of Khawarzim in 1017 A.D. Mehmood Ghaznave built an observatory when he realized that Alberuni is interested in observation and experimentation. After the death of Mehmood, in the reign of his son Masood, Alberuni wrote a book, Qanoon-ul-Masoodi. In this book he discussed the Qanoon-ulmeasurement of Earth, shape of Erath, the movement of the Sun and the moon, the shinning of moon and Its phases and the movement of five large planets. One of his greatest achievement is the determination of longitude and latitude of the Earth. In another book Kitab-ul-Astarlab, he explained the methods to work out the circumference of the Kitab-ulEarth and the depth of river. He also explained the method of determining the density of metals. Alberuni revealed that the Indus Valley was infact the basin of a big ocean which gradually filled with mud. This theory has been confirmed even by modern Geologists. YAQOOBYAQOOB-IBNE ISHAQ-ALKUNDI ISHAQHe was born in Busra in the 3rd century Hijra. He was not only a philosopher but also a great scientist and physicist. His books regarding sound and music show that the Muslims were well conversant centuries ago with music which is now-a-days popular in European countries. nowPAKISTANI SCIENTISTS DR. ABDUS SALAM Professor Dr. Abdus Salam is the only Pakistani scientist who was awarded the prestigious Nobel prize in 1979 on his work of combining two basic forces of nature i.e., weak nuclear force and electromagnetic force.

DR. ABDUL QADEER KHAN Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is world-renowned Pakistani atomic scientist. After getting higher education worldhe worked as an expert at Uren co Enrichment Plant in Holland. THE patriotic spirit forced him to return to Pakistan in 1975. He started work as director and atomic scientist in Kahuta Research Laboratories, Islamabad. In recognition of his services to the nation, the laboratory was renamed as Dr. A.Q. Khan Laboratories. On 28th May in 1998, at CHaghi in Baluchistan, six successful nuclear experiments were carreid out under his supervision along with his fellow scientists and Pakistan became the seventh Nuclear Power in the world.