Key Applications of Physics in Everyday Life and Modern Science
Physics is a subject that deals with natural phenomena. It is a practical, mathematical, and experimental subject with loads of logic.
Everything we study around the world, be it applications of Newton’s laws, in applications of quantum mechanics, or talk about examples for projectile motion, an example of circular motion, vector physics examples, scalar quantity examples, etc. We find the multiple applications of Physics in daily life.
On this page, we will understand the role of physics in our daily life with Physics examples.
Importance of Physics in Daily Life
Talking about the significance of Physics in our daily life, we will talk about the following Physics in our daily life examples:
Types of motion with examples in physics
Scalar quantity examples
Vector Physics Examples
Newton's second law of motion example
Centripetal force examples
Example of non-uniform acceleration
Example of a derived quantity
Projectile motion examples
Zeroth law of thermodynamics examples
Coulomb's law example
Now, we will understand the uses of Physics:
Uses of Physics
Types of Motion With Examples
Whenever there is movement or change in position of an object or body we say that the body is in motion.
Example: Moving train, flying airplane, etc.
We can classify motion into various types:
1. Rectilinear Motion: When an object possesses a linear path it is said to have a rectilinear motion.
Example: a person walking on a straight road, a train moving inside a straight tunnel.
2. Circular Motion: When the distance (radius) of the object from a fixed point remains constant, it possesses circular motion.
Example: A boy enjoying a rotary swing, a moving fan.
3. Periodic Motion: When an object moves to and fro about a fixed point or the mean position, it possesses periodic motion.
Example: moving pendulum, class timetable, multiplication tables (2 times table, each multiple initiates from 2).
4. Projectile Motion - A body making a locus of the parabola is said to be in a projectile motion.
A few projectile motion examples are:
A gun recoiled from the top of the mountain
Passing ball games between two girls
Volleyball game
A basketball player throwing the ball in the basket
A trajectory of a fired cannonball
A football kicked by a man
Scalar Quantity Examples
A physical quantity that can be measured or have a magnitude but doesn’t point to direction is said to be scalar by nature.
For example, we can measure mass, distance, the weight of a man on the moon, speed but cannot determine their direction.
Vectors Physics Examples
A quantity that can be measured numerically and we can determine its direction is said to be a vector.
For example, we can determine the displacement of the object with the direction an object takes.
Newton’s Laws of Motion Examples
Now, we will understand the applications of Newton's laws:
First law: It is the law of inertia, which states that the body remains at rest or in uniform motion. Some examples of the first law of motion are:
A needle of the wall clock continues to complete its cycle and the moment, the cells are taken out, the needles continue to remain at rest.
An employee continues to work on the project allotted by her manager until the manager (force) asks (pushes) him to do another task.
Second law: Whenever a body of mass ‘m’ undergoes a change in momentum with a changing time under the influence of the applied force, it is said to have the equation in the following form:
F = mdP/dt = ma
Newton’s second law of motion example: During winters, we push our car to move it forward, as soon as it gains momentum, it starts moving with an acceleration ‘a.’
Third law: Here, we can consider examples for frictional force:
For example, a man trying to move on a floor elevator (moving forward) is pushed backwards because of the friction and the equal and the opposite force acting on his feet.
Centripetal force examples
Spinning a cricket ball
Twirling a lasso
Coulomb’s Law Example
One of the best examples of Coulomb’s law is the electrostatic force of attraction between protons and electrons in an atom.
Application of Physics
Zeroth law of thermodynamics examples
Let’s suppose that two bodies are in contact with each other and are kept inside an adiabatic boundary, the wall between the two bodies is adiabatic as well.
Consider two vessels P and Q filled with fluid. Let P, V, T for vessel P and Q be Pa, Va, Ta, and Pb, Vb, Tb, respectively.
In an adiabatic process, no heat transfer takes place, i.e., in thermal equilibrium even if the temperatures T1 and T2 are different.
Application of Quantum Mechanics
The quantum mechanical model of an atom was proposed by an Austrian Physicist named Erwin Schrödinger, according to his theory, electrons have some matter waves.
Quantum mechanics find formulation in terms of operators, probabilities, matrices, momentum, wavelength quantities, and in terms of energy.
For the properties at a macroscopic scale-like force, there is very little treatment, so we study it in the following applications:
Wave-particle duality
Compton effect
Photoelectric effect
Moseley’s law
Planck’s radiation law
FAQs on Real-World Uses of Physics: How Physics Shapes Our Lives
1. What are some common examples of physics applications in our daily lives?
Physics is fundamental to our daily activities, visible in almost every action and device we use. Key examples include:
- Transportation: The principles of mechanics and thermodynamics govern how cars, trains, and aeroplanes move and operate efficiently.
- Home Appliances: Refrigerators use thermodynamic cycles to keep food cool, while microwave ovens use electromagnetic waves to heat food.
- Communication: Smartphones and Wi-Fi rely on the transmission and reception of radio waves, a core concept in electromagnetism.
- Entertainment: Televisions and speakers convert electrical signals into light and sound, applying principles of electronics and acoustics.
2. What is the importance of studying the applications of physics?
Studying the applications of physics is important because it connects abstract theories to the real world. It helps students understand how scientific principles solve practical problems, fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject. This knowledge is crucial for technological innovation, engineering advancements, and developing the critical-thinking skills needed for future scientific challenges.
3. How is physics specifically applied in the field of medicine?
Physics has revolutionised medicine with diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Key examples include:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves, based on principles of nuclear magnetic resonance, to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
- X-rays and CT Scans: Employ high-energy electromagnetic radiation to visualise bones and internal structures.
- Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images, commonly used in obstetrics.
- Laser Surgery: Applies focused light beams for precise cutting in procedures like vision correction (LASIK).
4. What are some key examples of classical mechanics in action around us?
Classical mechanics, the physics of motion and forces, is visible everywhere. For instance, the design of a stable bridge or building relies on the principles of statics (forces in equilibrium). The trajectory of a thrown cricket ball is a perfect example of projectile motion. Furthermore, simple machines like levers and pulleys, which make work easier, operate entirely on the laws of Newtonian mechanics.
5. Beyond simple gadgets, how do fundamental principles of electromagnetism shape modern communication?
Modern communication is fundamentally built on electromagnetism. The core application is the generation and detection of electromagnetic waves. Radio broadcasting, mobile phone calls, and Wi-Fi all work by encoding information onto these waves, which travel through space. Moreover, fibre optic cables use the principle of total internal reflection—a concept from optics, a part of electromagnetism—to transmit data as pulses of light, enabling high-speed internet across the globe.
6. Why is understanding thermodynamics crucial for designing efficient engines and refrigerators?
Understanding thermodynamics is crucial because its laws dictate the limits of converting heat into work and vice versa. The First Law of Thermodynamics (conservation of energy) governs the energy balance in an engine. The Second Law is even more critical, as it defines entropy and sets a theoretical maximum efficiency for any heat engine, like in a car. For refrigerators, it explains how work must be done to transfer heat from a cold space to a warmer one, which is the basis of cooling technology.
7. How do the applications of classical physics and quantum physics differ in technology?
The primary difference lies in the scale of their application. Classical physics deals with the macroscopic world, and its applications include large-scale engineering projects like building bridges, launching satellites, and designing vehicles. In contrast, quantum physics governs the microscopic world of atoms. Its applications are central to modern electronics, such as creating semiconductors for computer chips, developing lasers, and enabling technologies like nuclear energy and quantum computing.
8. What are some future applications of physics that could change society?
Current research in physics points towards several transformative future technologies. Quantum computing could revolutionise fields like medicine and data security by solving problems impossible for today's computers. Nuclear fusion research aims to provide a clean and virtually limitless energy source by replicating the process that powers the sun. Furthermore, advancements in materials science, driven by physics, could lead to room-temperature superconductors, ultra-strong lightweight materials, and more efficient batteries, fundamentally changing our infrastructure.
