Physical Science

Physical science is a broad term encompassing the various branches of natural science that study non-living systems. Physical science comprises four general areas: physics, astronomy, chemistry, and the Earth sciences. Each of these is, in turn, split into fields and subfields. This article examines the historical development, scope, principal concerns, and methods of Physical Science.

Basic Principles of Physical Sciences

The physical science’s foundations lie upon fundamental theories and concepts, each of which describes and models a certain aspect of the behaviour of nature. As with other sciences, these pivotal theories and concepts were discovered using the scientific method. In the next few sections, let us go through the basic principles of the four branches of Physical Science.

Basic Principles of Physics

Physics is a fundamental science because other natural sciences deal with systems that obey physics laws. The physical laws of energy, matter, and nature’s forces govern the interactions between particles, such as atoms and molecules. Some basic principles of physics are:

• Newton’s Laws of Motion
• Gravity Theory
• Work, Energy and Power
• Force, Mass and Weight
• Energy Conversion, Transfer and Conservation
• Thermodynamics Laws
• Heat Flow

Understand the Laws of Motion and the concepts behind these theories by watching this intriguing video.

Basic Principles of Chemistry

Chemistry is notably known as the science of matter, specifically at the micro-level. It mainly deals with compounds and elements, and the formation of atoms, molecules, and ions. Chemistry also studies the composition, structure, behaviour, properties, and the changes that compounds and elements undergo during a reaction with other substances. The study of Chemistry mainly includes the following:

• Water and its properties
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Atomic Theory
• Quantum Mechanics Principle

Basic Principles of Astronomy

Astronomy is the science of heavenly bodies and their interactions in space. Its studies mainly entail the following:

• The origin of the universe, the most commonly accepted scientific theory of the origin of the universe is the Big Bang Theory.
• The Solar System, specifically Earth in the Solar System
• The measurement of Time
• The features and composition of the Moon
• The interactions between the Moon and the Earth
• The characteristics of stars and galaxies

Watch the video and discover the secrets hiding among the stars.

Basic Principles of Earth Science

Earth science is the study of the planet Earth, the only life-bearing planet in the solar system. Its studies mainly include:

• Soil Science
• Rocks and Minerals
• Geology
• Earth’s Atmosphere
• Geophysics
• Earth’s Tectonic Structure

Importance of Physical Science in our Daily Life

A few points of importance of physical science in our daily life are as follows:

• Studying physical science develops the intellect. In particular, it sharpens one’s skills in exploration and experimentation.
• Physical Science plays an important role in technological advancement. Modern inventions and conveniences were possible because of physical science.
• Science helps us appreciate art and nature, especially in things like symmetry and proportion.
• A physical science education allows us to ponder, think and diagnose things more critically.

Every time you look into a mirror, your brain perceives as if there is another person on the other side. Watch to see why this happens.

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