http://www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Physical Science
1.10 Scope of Physics
- Identify the scope of physics.
- Describe ways that physics explains the world around you.
Did you ever look at your reflection in a funhouse mirror? That’s what the person in this picture is doing. This type
of mirror distorts your features in silly ways. Do you know how a mirror like this one works? Physics, which is a
branch of physical science, can explain it.
The Scope of Physics
Physicsis the study of energy, matter, and their interactions. It’s a very broad field because it is concerned with
matter and energy at all levels—from the most fundamental particles of matter to the entire universe. Some people
would even argue that physics is the study of everything! Important concepts in physics include motion, forces such
as magnetism and gravity, and forms of energy such as light, sound, and electrical energy.
Q:How do you think physics explains the distorted images formed by a funhouse mirror?
A:Physics explains how energy interacts with matter. In this case, for example, physics explains how visible light
reflects from mirrors to form images. Most mirrors, such as bathroom mirrors, have a flat surface. Light reflected
from a flat mirror forms an image that looks the same as the object in front of it. Funhouse mirrors, like the one
pictured above, are different. They have a curved surface that reflects light at different angles. This explains why the
images they form are distorted.
Physics in the World Around You
Physics can help you understand just about everything in the world around you. That’s because everything around
you consists of matter and energy. Several examples of matter and energy interacting are pictured in theFigure1.12.
Read how physics explains each example.