The Contributions of physics to science and society Are practically endless. And is that if there is a science that has to do with each and every aspect of our life, that is the physics.
If we think about it for a moment, everything around us is made of matter and energy, and the interactions between them allow everything we can and can not see to be in perfect working order.
Physics, when studying these interactions and everything that has to do with matter and energy, has contributed in a great way to that today we have a modern world full of technology and scientific advances.
However, physics has not only contributed to scientific advances; Has also made the society we live in develops in a positive way in such a way that we all benefit. And not only that, it has also increased our understanding of everything around us and now we are better able to understand and take advantage of natural phenomena.
From the means of transportation to the way we relate to each other, we can thank physics without a doubt for having changed our lives for good.
10 great contributions of physics to science and society
1- Our understanding of the world around us
Today it would be impossible for us to make chemical compounds or develop existing technology if we had never discovered the way all things are composed.
From the nineteenth century, physicists began to discover the most fundamental parts of matter, until they finally understood the concept of atoms and their components, and how their manipulation and knowledge could result in great benefits.
2- The means of transport
If it were not for the current means of transport, the existence of large cities would be impossible. However, physics has contributed to the design and availability of increasingly fast and safe means of transport, which allows us to move from one point to another of the city without much difficulty or even to go around the world.
3- The media
Similarly, the media have advanced so much thanks to the study of physics that it is now possible for us to communicate with a person on the other side of the world in a matter of seconds. And with the increase in the speed of internet connections and the use of smartphones, it is even possible to make video calls from the palm of the hand.
4 - Space exploration
In ancient times, people staring at the stars could only imagine what was up there. Because of this, many superstitions and legends continue to exist to this day. But thanks to physics, it is now possible for us to understand and to closely observe many phenomena and celestial bodies of the universe.
He Hubble telescope , Launched in space in 1990, was responsible for great advances in the study of the universe. For example, thanks to its discoveries it was possible to calculate the rate of expansion of the universe.
5- The sources of energy
Thanks to our understanding of the creation, manipulation and storage of energy, we have been able to tap into energy sources that were previously unknown.
For example, the use of solar energy has become more and more an impulse since it is a source of both renewable and clean energy. And, according to the calculations, the sunlight that falls to the earth only for an hour and a half, if it were used, would be enough to cover the electrical needs of the whole world for a year.
6- The production of food
Food production has also benefited from the scientific advances of physics. From irrigation methods to food modification to increase its production and nutritional value, we can thank physics for the great progress that has been made in this field.
7- Architecture
One of the great benefits of physics to the field of architecture is the designs that protect buildings and homes against natural disasters. One example is that great strides have been made in the quality of engineering and architecture related structures that are able to withstand the force of an earthquake.
8- Social networks
The rise of social networks in the 21st century has given a twist to the way we relate and communicate. Although at the beginning it was mainly younger people who used this type of tools more commonly, it is now the older adults over 50 years old who represent the most growing demographic in use of social networks.
9- Study of animals and plants
The study of animals and plants has resulted in a better understanding of the different physical characteristics that allow them to live and develop. Now many scientists are busy studying features for the purpose of applying them to new technologies.
For example, in recent years it has been discovered that certain characteristics of shark skin can stop up to 99.99% of bacteria, and this is being used for the creation of new medical instruments.
10- Human Comfort
It is not difficult to find examples of how advances in physics have increased human comfort. Now it is possible to turn on the TV or open the garage from afar with the use of a simple button. However, the achievements go much further.
Modern medical procedures can now be carried out almost without any pain thanks to the contributions in the field of anesthesia and the development of new methods, such as minimally invasive surgeries.
Examples of contributions from physics to science and to society are innumerable. All it takes is looking at the sides to see how life has changed in a matter of a few years and to discover amazing achievements. Now, we can follow the expectation of what new surprise keeps us physics for the future.
References
- Dr. David P. Stern. (2004). The Discovery of Atoms and Nuclei. March 28, 2017, from NASA, Web site: spof.gsfc.nasa.gov.
- HubbleSite. The Telescope. March 28, 2017, NASA, Web site: hubblesite.org.
- ENERGY.GOV (2013). Solar Energy Technology Basics. March 28, 2017, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Website: energy.gov.
- University of Portland. Buildings and earthquakes-Which stands? Which falls?. March 28, 2017, from Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, Website: iris.edu.
- NDSU. (2016). Social Media and Older Adults. March 28, 2017, North Dakota State University, Website: ag.ndsu.edu.
- Jennifer Alsever. (2013). Sharklet: A biotech startup fights germs with sharks. March 28, 2017, from CNNMoney, website: money.cnn.com.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Minimally invasive surgery. March 28, 2017, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Web site: mayoclinic.org.