Scope and Excitement of Physics

In Physics, there are two domains of interest macroscopic and microscopic.

Macroscopic domain: It includes phenomena at the laboratory, terrestrial and astronomical scales.

Microscopic domain: It includes atomic, molecular and nuclear phenomena.

However, recently a third domain of interest between macroscopic domain and microscopic domain (Mesoscopic) has also come in light. In this domain scientists deals with a few tens or hundreds of atoms, has emerged as an exciting field of research.

Various theories related to macroscopic domain and microscopic domain are further categorised as given below

Classical Physics

It is the study of macroscopic phenomena. It includes subjects like

• Mechanics:

Under mechanics, we study

Newton’s laws of motion

The law of gravitation is concerned with the motion (or equilibrium) of particles, rigid and deformable bodies, and general systems of particles.)

• Electrodynamics:

It deals with electric and magnetic phenomena associated with charged and magnetic bodies.

• Thermodynamics:

It deals with systems in macroscopic equilibrium and is concerned with changes in internal energy, temperature, entropy, etc., of the system through external work and transfer of heat. The efficiency of heat engines and refrigerators etc.

• Optics:

It is the study of phenomenon connected with light and optical instruments like telescope, microscope etc.

Quantum Theory

It is the framework for explaining microscopic phenomena as classical physics can’t explain phenomenon at microscopic level (or smaller dimensions like atoms, nuclei etc.)