Physics: the basic subfields

• The fundamental physical laws

§ Classical mechanics (PHY 110, 220, 320, 380.03)

§ Electromagnetism (PHY 111,112, 240, 340, 330)

§ Thermodynamics (PHY 111, 325)

§ Quantum physics (PHY 112, 284, 384, 355, 287) 1. (including atoms, molecules, solids, nuclei, fundamental particles)

1. Statistical mechanics (PHY 111, 325, 380.03)

2. General Relativity (PHY 207, 287: Indep. study!)

Physics: What’s that field?• Determine the motion of spacecraft in the

solar system for NASA missions – mechanics, general relativity

• Determine the motion of atoms in a solid as it is heated– quantum physics, mechanics, statistical

mechanics

• Explain how lightning is generated in a thunderstorm – electromagnetism, quantum mechanics,

statistical mechanics

Physics: What’s that field? 2• Design a new high intensity blue laser

– quantum physics, electromagnetism

• Try to reduce the production of waste heat in a diesel engine– thermodynamics, statistical mechanics

• Derive the chemical law of 'detailed balance' from the behavior of atoms and molecules – statistical mechanics

Physics: What’s that field? 3• Measure the bending of light around the

planet Jupiter due to its gravitational field – general relativity, electromagnetism

• Figure out how a particle-antiparticle pair is created out of the vacuum in a particle accelerator– quantum physics, statistical mechanics, E&M

• Determine how far into the future the weather can be predicted – statistical mechanics, mechanics

• Understand the universe: all subfields

Methodologies of Physics• Experimental Physics

– Observe nature (e.g. astro, geophysics)

– ‘Prod’ Nature into revealing secrets (laboratory experiments)

• Theoretical Physics– Build theoretical models of reality – Solve models mathematically

• Computational Physics– Build computational models of reality – Solve models via computer simulation

Methodologies in ISU Physics Courses

• Experimental Physics– PHY 110, 111, 112 lab– PHY 270, 370 (advanced lab), 375– PHY 311, 312 (PTE)

• Theoretical Physics– PHY 217, 220, 240, 284 – PHY 325, 320, 340, 384, 355

• Computational Physics– PHY 112 lab; projects in many courses – PHY 318, 388, 390 (CompPhys)

– PHY 302 (PTE)