The Complete Physics Curriculum
Explore the fundamental laws that govern our universe, from classical mechanics to quantum physics, with historical context and real-world applications.
Classical Mechanics
Introduction
Classical mechanics, developed primarily in the 17th to 19th centuries, describes the motion of macroscopic objects under the influence of forces. It provides the foundation for understanding everything from the motion of planets to the design of modern machinery.
Newton's Laws
The fundamental principles governing motion and force
Work & Energy
Conservation principles and energy transformations
Momentum
Linear and angular momentum in systems
Rotational Motion
Dynamics of rotating objects and systems
Historical Context
Ancient Greece (400-300 BCE)
Aristotle's early theories on motion and gravity, though later disproven, laid the groundwork for systematic study of physics.
Renaissance (1500s)
Galileo's experiments challenged Aristotelian physics and established the scientific method.
Scientific Revolution (1600s)
Newton unified terrestrial and celestial mechanics with his laws of motion and universal gravitation.
Key Figures
Isaac Newton
Laws of Motion & Gravity
Galileo Galilei
Experimental Method
Leonhard Euler
Mathematical Physics
Modern Applications
Aerospace Engineering
- • Aircraft design and flight dynamics
- • Satellite orbital mechanics
- • Rocket propulsion systems
Robotics & Automation
- • Robot arm kinematics
- • Autonomous vehicle control
- • Industrial machinery
Key Concepts & Equations
Newton's Laws of Motion
First Law (Inertia)
An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net force.
Second Law (Force & Acceleration)
The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it.
Third Law (Action-Reaction)
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Energy & Work
Work
The work done by a force is the product of the force and the displacement in its direction.
Kinetic Energy
The energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
Potential Energy
The energy possessed by an object due to its position or configuration.
Interactive Demonstrations
Waves & Oscillations
Understanding Wave Phenomena
Wave physics describes how energy propagates through space and matter. From sound waves to electromagnetic radiation, wave phenomena are fundamental to our understanding of nature and modern technology.
Simple Harmonic Motion
The mathematics of periodic motion
Wave Properties
Frequency, wavelength, and amplitude
Wave Interactions
Interference, diffraction, and resonance
Sound Waves
Mechanical waves in media
Historical Development
Pythagoras (6th century BCE)
Discovered the mathematical relationship between string length and musical pitch, laying the foundation for wave theory.
Christiaan Huygens (1678)
Proposed the wave theory of light, challenging Newton's particle theory.
Thomas Young (1801)
Demonstrated wave interference through the famous double-slit experiment.
Modern Applications
Medical Technology
- • Ultrasound imaging
- • Sound wave therapy
- • Medical resonance imaging
Communications
- • Radio transmission
- • Fiber optic networks
- • Acoustic engineering
Wave Mathematics & Equations
Wave Speed
The relationship between frequency and wavelength
Simple Harmonic Motion
Position as a function of time
Wave Interference
Superposition of waves
Wave Demonstrations
Relativity
Einstein's Revolution
Einstein's theories of special and general relativity fundamentally changed our understanding of space, time, gravity, and the universe itself. These theories predict phenomena that seem to defy common sense but have been repeatedly verified by experiments.
Special Relativity
Space-time and velocity effects
General Relativity
Gravity and curved spacetime
Relativistic Effects
Time dilation and length contraction
Cosmological Implications
Black holes and expanding universe
Historical Milestones
1905: Special Relativity
Einstein publishes "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies," introducing special relativity.
1915: General Relativity
Einstein completes general relativity, explaining gravity as curved spacetime.
1919: Experimental Confirmation
Eddington's expedition observes light bending during solar eclipse, confirming general relativity.
Key Contributors
Albert Einstein
Theory Development
Hermann Minkowski
Spacetime Geometry
Karl Schwarzschild
Black Hole Solution
Modern Applications
Technology
- • GPS satellite corrections
- • Particle accelerators
- • Nuclear energy calculations
Astronomy
- • Black hole detection
- • Gravitational wave astronomy
- • Cosmological models
Fundamental Principles
Special Relativity Postulates
First Postulate
The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames.
Second Postulate
The speed of light in vacuum is constant for all observers.
Special Relativity Equations
Lorentz Factor
Relativistic correction factor
Time Dilation
Moving clock runs slower
Length Contraction
Moving objects appear shorter
Mass-Energy Equivalence
Einstein's most famous equation
General Relativity Principles
Equivalence Principle
Gravitational and inertial mass are equivalent. The effects of gravity are indistinguishable from acceleration.
Curved Spacetime
Mass and energy curve spacetime; curved spacetime tells matter how to move.
Einstein Field Equations
Relating matter to spacetime curvature
Experimental Evidence
Light Bending
Starlight bends around the Sun during eclipses, confirming spacetime curvature.
Gravitational Time Dilation
GPS satellites must account for both special and general relativistic time effects.
Gravitational Waves
LIGO's detection of gravitational waves from merging black holes.
Interactive Demonstrations
Engineering Applications
Physics in Engineering
Physics principles are fundamental to all branches of engineering, from mechanical systems to electronic devices.
Mechanical Engineering
- • Stress and strain analysis
- • Fluid dynamics
- • Thermodynamic systems
- • Structural mechanics
Electrical Engineering
- • Circuit design
- • Electromagnetic devices
- • Power generation
- • Signal processing
Medical Physics
Physics in Medicine
Modern medicine relies heavily on physics principles for both diagnostics and treatment.
Imaging Technologies
- • X-ray and CT scanning
- • MRI technology
- • Ultrasound imaging
- • PET scanning
Treatment Applications
- • Radiation therapy
- • Laser surgery
- • Ultrasound therapy
- • Nuclear medicine
Astronomy
Physics in Space
Physics helps us understand the cosmos, from planetary motion to the life cycles of stars.
Observational Tools
- • Telescopes and optics
- • Radio astronomy
- • Spectroscopy
- • Gravitational wave detection
Space Phenomena
- • Black holes
- • Stellar evolution
- • Galactic dynamics
- • Cosmic microwave background
Technology
Modern Applications
Physics principles drive technological innovation across all sectors of modern life.
Computing & Electronics
- • Semiconductor devices
- • Quantum computing
- • Photonics
- • Data storage
Energy Technology
- • Solar cells
- • Nuclear power
- • Battery technology
- • Smart grid systems
Ancient Physics
The Foundations
The earliest systematic study of nature began in ancient civilizations, laying the groundwork for modern physics.
Ancient Greece (600-300 BCE)
Key Figures
- • Thales of Miletus
- • Aristotle
- • Archimedes
- • Pythagoras
Major Contributions
- • Theory of four elements
- • Geometry foundations
- • Basic mechanics
- • Buoyancy principles
Ancient China
Developments
- • Magnetism discovery
- • Astronomical observations
- • Acoustic principles
- • Early optics
Applications
- • Compass navigation
- • Calendar systems
- • Military technology
- • Agricultural tools
Renaissance
The Scientific Revolution
The Renaissance period marked a dramatic shift from ancient to modern physics, establishing the scientific method.
Revolutionary Thinkers
Galileo Galilei
Scientific Method
Nicolaus Copernicus
Heliocentrism
Johannes Kepler
Planetary Motion
Major Developments
Scientific Methods
- • Empirical observation
- • Mathematical description
- • Controlled experiments
- • Systematic documentation
Key Discoveries
- • Laws of motion
- • Planetary orbits
- • Telescope improvements
- • Basic calculus
Modern Era
The Classical Period
The modern era saw the development of comprehensive physical theories that unified various phenomena.
Key Developments
Major Theories
Classical Mechanics
- • Newton's laws
- • Conservation laws
- • Gravitation
- • Wave mechanics
Field Theory
- • Electromagnetism
- • Maxwell's equations
- • Light theory
- • Field concepts
Contemporary Physics
Current Frontiers
Contemporary physics pushes the boundaries of our understanding, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos.
Active Research Areas
Particle Physics
- • Standard Model
- • Higgs boson
- • Quantum chromodynamics
- • Neutrino physics
Cosmology
- • Dark matter
- • Dark energy
- • Early universe
- • Gravitational waves
Future Frontiers
Emerging Fields
- • Quantum computing
- • String theory
- • Quantum gravity
- • Plasma physics
Applications
- • Quantum technologies
- • Advanced materials
- • Clean energy
- • Space exploration
Thermodynamics
Heat and Energy
Thermodynamics studies the relationships between heat, energy, and work, governing everything from engines to phase transitions in matter.
Laws of Thermodynamics
Energy conservation and entropy
Heat Transfer
Conduction, convection, radiation
Phase Transitions
States of matter and changes
Thermal Properties
Temperature, pressure, volume relations
Historical Development
Sadi Carnot (1824)
Established the foundations of thermodynamics through analysis of heat engines.
Rudolf Clausius (1850)
Introduced the concept of entropy and formulated the Second Law.
Ludwig Boltzmann (1870s)
Developed statistical mechanics, linking thermodynamics to atomic theory.
Laws of Thermodynamics
Zeroth Law
Transitivity of thermal equilibrium
First Law
Energy conservation
Second Law
Entropy always increases
Third Law
Absolute zero temperature
Modern Applications
Engineering
- • Heat engines
- • Refrigeration
- • Power generation
- • Climate control
Research
- • Phase transitions
- • Materials science
- • Chemical processes
- • Environmental systems
Interactive Demonstrations
Electromagnetism
Electric and Magnetic Fields
The unified theory of electricity and magnetism underlies modern technology and explains fundamental forces of nature.
Electric Fields
Coulomb's law and electric potential
Magnetic Fields
Magnetic forces and induction
Maxwell's Equations
Unified electromagnetic theory
EM Waves
Electromagnetic radiation
Historical Breakthroughs
Faraday (1831)
Discovered electromagnetic induction.
Maxwell (1865)
United electricity and magnetism mathematically.
Hertz (1887)
Demonstrated existence of electromagnetic waves.
Maxwell's Equations
Gauss's Law (Electric)
Electric flux through closed surface
Gauss's Law (Magnetic)
No magnetic monopoles
Faraday's Law
Electromagnetic induction
Ampère's Law
Magnetic fields from currents
Modern Applications
Power & Energy
- • Electric generators
- • Power transmission
- • Motors
- • Transformers
Communications
- • Radio waves
- • Mobile networks
- • Fiber optics
- • Antenna design
Interactive Demonstrations
Optics
The Science of Light
Optics explores the behavior and properties of light, from simple reflection and refraction to complex phenomena like interference and polarization.
Geometric Optics
Ray tracing and image formation
Wave Optics
Interference and diffraction
Modern Optics
Lasers and optical devices
Optical Instruments
Microscopes and telescopes
Historical Development
Ibn al-Haytham (1021)
Published "Book of Optics," establishing scientific method in optics.
Newton & Huygens (1670s)
Debated particle vs wave nature of light.
Young & Fresnel (1800s)
Established wave theory through interference experiments.
Fundamental Laws & Equations
Law of Reflection
Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection
Snell's Law
Refraction at interfaces
Lens Equation
Image formation by lenses
Modern Applications
Medical Applications
- • Laser surgery
- • Endoscopy
- • Microscopy
- • Optical imaging
Technology
- • Fiber optics
- • Digital cameras
- • Display screens
- • Optical computing
Interactive Demonstrations
Modern Physics
The Revolution in Physics
Modern physics emerged when classical theories failed to explain new phenomena, leading to revolutionary theories that changed our understanding of nature.
Special Relativity
Space, time, and mass-energy
Quantum Theory
Wave-particle duality
Nuclear Physics
Atomic nuclei and radioactivity
Particle Physics
Fundamental particles and forces
Key Discoveries
Planck (1900)
Discovered quantum nature of energy with blackbody radiation.
Einstein (1905)
Published special relativity and explained photoelectric effect.
Rutherford (1911)
Discovered the atomic nucleus through scattering experiments.
Fundamental Theories
Mass-Energy Equivalence
Einstein's famous equation
Time Dilation
Time slows at high speeds
Length Contraction
Objects shorten along motion
Modern Applications
Nuclear Technology
- • Nuclear power
- • Medical imaging
- • Radiation therapy
- • Nuclear dating
Particle Physics
- • Particle accelerators
- • Detector technology
- • Antimatter studies
- • Cosmological research
Quantum Mechanics
The Quantum World
Quantum mechanics describes nature at its most fundamental level, revealing a world where particles behave like waves, measurements affect outcomes, and certainty gives way to probability.
Wave Functions
Quantum states and probability
Uncertainty Principle
Fundamental limitations
Quantum Systems
Particles and potentials
Quantum Effects
Tunneling and entanglement
Historical Development
Schrödinger (1925)
Developed wave mechanics and his famous equation.
Heisenberg (1925)
Introduced matrix mechanics and uncertainty principle.
Dirac (1928)
United quantum mechanics with special relativity.
Fundamental Principles
Schrödinger Equation
Evolution of quantum states
Uncertainty Principle
Position-momentum uncertainty
Energy Levels
Quantized energy states
Modern Applications
Quantum Technology
- • Quantum computers
- • Quantum cryptography
- • Quantum sensors
- • Quantum teleportation
Research Applications
- • Materials science
- • Chemical modeling
- • Quantum optics
- • Molecular design