The Nature of Physics

Physics is a branch of science that seeks to understand the fundamental principles governing the universe. At its core, physics is an experimental science, meaning it relies on observation and experimentation to explore natural phenomena.

Physicists begin their journey by observing events in the natural world. For example:

• The motion of objects (like a ball rolling down a hill).
• The behavior of light (such as how it bends through a prism).
• The forces between charged particles.

Through careful observation, patterns emerge. These patterns are expressed as physical theories. A theory becomes a physical law or principle when it is repeatedly verified and widely accepted. For instance, Isaac Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation describes the attractive force between masses:

   

Here:

• : The gravitational force between two masses.
• : The gravitational constant.
• and : The masses of the two objects.
• : The distance between the objects.

While theories and laws are powerful tools for describing the universe, it is essential to remember that they are models, not absolute truths. They provide a framework to predict and understand phenomena within certain limits.

Key takeaway: Physics thrives on curiosity, observation, and refinement. Each discovery builds on the work of previous scientists, aiming to bring us closer to a comprehensive understanding of the universe.