UNIT ONE

PHYSICS AND HUMAN SOCIETY

Learning objective:
After completing this unit, you will be able to:
• Get acquainted with the impact of physics on
society.
• Familiarize yourself with physics communities and
their roles.
• Develop basic understanding of the making of
physics knowledge.
• Familiarize yourself with basic principles and
applications of physics in various disciplines.
• Acquire basic knowledge and understanding of
nature and appreciate it.
• Update yourself with the current status of physics.
 Introduction
• What is the definition of physics?
• The word Physics comes from a Greek word
phusis meaning "nature".
• Physics is the branch of science that deals
with the fundamental principles of nature,
the behavior of matter and energy, and
the interactions between them.
• Matter-The physical substance that occupies
space and has mass.
• Energy- The ability to do work or cause
change.
• It allows us to comprehend and explain different
• Physicsplays a significant role in driving
innovation and economic growth
across various sectors worldwide.
• These sectors include:
 Energy
Security
 Advanced manufacturing
 Data extraction and analysis
 Healthcare and diagnostics
 Finance, and communication
 Importance of physics to society

Learning outcome: At the end of this

section, you will be able to:
• Explain the importance of physics to
society
1. Contribution to fundamental
knowledge
• Physics is the sciences that generate
fundamental knowledge that fuels:
The development of technology
Economic growth of the world.
 What is fundamental
knowledge?
• Fundamental knowledge is
knowledge gained by
understanding how things work.
• It encompasses the core
principles, concepts, theories,
and facts that serve as the
building blocks for further
learning and exploration.
 Activity

1.Is is fundamental knowledge?

2.Is the discovery of electric
charge a fundamental
knowledge?
3.Is fundamental knowledge?
1. Is is fundamental
knowledge?
• Yes it is. It is the general
understanding of how
things move under the
influence of force.
• It is used to describe the
motions of planets,
satellites, cars, airplanes,
rockets, etc.
2. Is the discovery of electric
charge a fundamental
knowledge?
• Yes it is. The nature of the electron
was unknown before J.J Thomson
discovered it.
• The discovery of electrons by J.J
Thompson was a fundamental
discovery.
• The application of electrons is:
• Electricity
• Computer
• Navigation
• Health and medicine
3. Is fundamental knowledge?

Albert Einstein formula was not

applied immediately.

It took some 30 or more years

for generation of electricity from
nuclear reactors and the use of
atomic bombs.
 2. Contribution to technological
infrastructure
• Physicsprovides understanding how to
designing safer structure.
• Physics provides trained personnel
needed to take advantage of scientific
advances and discoveries.
3. Contribution to education
• Physics is an important element in the
education of chemists, engineers, and
computer scientists, as well as
practitioners of the other physical and
biomedical sciences.
4. Contribution to global economy
• The future of any country and its
contribution to the global
economy is linked to its ability to
develop its human capital in the
field of science and
engineering.
• Through its scientists and
engineers, it is able to develop
infrastructure for trade and
industry.
5. Contribution to other disciplines
• Physics extends and enhances our
understanding of other disciplines,
such as:
 The earth
 Agricultural
 Chemical
 Biological and environmental
sciences
 Astrophysics and
Cosmology
6. Contribution to climate
change
• Physics can play an important
role in:
Developing strategies to
combat climate change
The development of
cleaner energies
Development of
technological
advancements.
7. Contribution to quality of life
• Physics improves our quality of life by
providing the basic understanding
necessary for developing new
instrumentation and techniques for
medical applications, such as:
Computer tomography (CT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Ultrasonic imaging, and
Laser surgery.
Computer Tomography (CT) is a medical
imaging technique that uses X-ray
technology and computer processing to
create detailed cross-sectional images of the
body.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a
medical imaging technique that uses a
strong magnetic field and radio waves to
generate detailed images of the internal
structures of the body.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a
medical imaging technique that uses radioactive
substances to produce three-dimensional images
of the functional processes within the body.
Ultrasonic imaging also known as
ultrasound imaging or sonography,
is a medical imaging technique that
uses high-frequency sound
waves to create real-time images of
the internal structures of the body.
Laser surgery is a medical
procedure that utilizes the focused
and intense beam of light generated
by a laser to perform surgical
operations.
 8. Contribution to technology
• Scientific discoveries shape modern society &
technology.
• Discoveries such as:
Magnetism
Electricity
Conductors, and
others made modern conveniences, such as:
Television
Computers, and
Phones and
Other business and home technologies
possible.
• Modern transportation like :
Aircraft
Telecommunications, has brought people closer
 The Influence of Physics on Society

Objective: At the end of this section you will be able

to:
 Explain the important of physics in transport,
electronics and health.
• Physics plays a vital role:
 For the development of both simple and complex
mechanical devices.
 For complex modern machines like quantum
computers and nuclear reactors, physics provides
the fundamental principles and understanding
necessary for their creation.
• Withoutphysics, the design and functionality of
these machines would be impossible to achieve.
 In the development and functioning of
various everyday objects and
technologies.
• For example:
• Semiconductors are essential components
in electronic devices such as computers and
smartphones, and their behavior is governed
by the principles of quantum mechanics.
• X-rays are a form of electromagnetic
radiation that allows for medical imaging and
materials analysis.
• Lasers utilize the physics of light
amplification by stimulated
emission of radiation, enabling
applications in fields like
telecommunications, medicine,
and manufacturing.
 Cont.…
• GPS devices rely on principles
of relativity and satellite
technology to provide accurate
positioning and navigation.
• Radio transmitters use
electromagnetic waves to transmit
signals for communication.
• Bar code scanners utilize optics
and light reflection principles
to read and decode barcodes.
 Cont.…
• Transportation vehicles such as
automobiles, airplanes and
space shuttles could not be
constructed without the help of
physics experts.
• For military purposes, informing
the design of weapons.
 For inventing the atomic bomb.
 In the creation of nuclear weapons.
Physics Communities and Their Roles
Learning objective:
At the end of this section you will be able to:
 Discuss about physics communities and their
roles.
• Physics communities are an organized group of
persons associated together for scientific
purposes.
1. Ethiopian Physical Society (EPS)
• Ethiopian Physical Society (EPS) was
established by Ethiopian physics professionals
to enhance physics research and education,
thereby contributing its share to the overall
development of the country.
 Objectives of EPS
1.To promote physics education and
research in the country
2. To organize and coordinate various
conferences on physics education and
exchange of scientific information
3. To popularize physics in order to make
students develop interest in physics
4. To promote active participation of
Ethiopian physicists and the general
public in the design and
implementation of the physics
curriculum
5. To create a means for disseminating
• Ethiopian
2. Ethiopian Physics Society in North America (EPSNA)
Physics Society in North
America (EPSNA) was established to
promoting physics education and
research among Ethiopians in Ethiopia
and North America.
• EPSNA's mission was to enhance the
education and training of Ethiopian
Physics professionals through donations
of educational materials, field
equipment, computing facilities, and
scholarships.
 African association of physics students (aaps)

• Africanassociation of physics
students (aaps) is Student-run
educational association.
• It comprises students and recent
graduates who are interested in
physics.
 Making of Physics Knowledge
At the end of this section you will be
able to:
 Discuss how scientific knowledge is
constructed.
 Discuss the roles that the learning of physics
plays to the individual intellectual satisfaction.
• There are two types of knowledge from two
entirely different sources.
1. Posteriori (Experiential) knowledge
• Knowledge through experience
• Seeing something, hearing about
something, feeling something called a
posteriori knowledge.
 2. Priori knowledge
•A priori knowledge refers to knowledge that is
independent of experience and is derived from
reason itself.
•a priori knowledge is based on deductive
reasoning and can be known to be true without
the need for empirical verification.
• It plays a crucial role in various fields, such as
philosophy, mathematics, and theoretical
sciences.
Examples:
Mathematical equations
Tautologies, and
Certain principles of logic.
• Experiential (a(a posteriori)
Experiential posteriori)knowledgeknowledge
refers to knowledge that is acquired through
direct experience or empirical observation of
the world.
• Itencompasses various types of knowledge
based on different sensory experiences
and observations.
• Some common types of experiential
knowledge include:
1.Perceptual knowledge
Knowledge gained through direct sensory
perception, such as seeing, hearing,
tasting, smelling, and touching.
For example, knowing that an object is red
 2. Empirical knowledge
• Knowledge gained through systematic
observation, experimentation, and
data collection.
• Thisincludes scientific knowledge that is
based on empirical evidence and the
scientific method.
3. Procedural knowledge
• Knowledge of how to perform certain
tasks or skills, acquired through practice
and repetition.
• Examples include riding a bicycle,
playing a musical instrument, or
driving a car.
• refers to the information or facts that an
individual has stored in their memory. It includes
things like facts, concepts, and events that can
be recalled consciously.
• For example:
Remembering historical dates or knowing
the capital of a country is forms of memory
knowledge.
5. Intuitive knowledge
• refers to a form of understanding or insight that
is gained without conscious reasoning or
logical analysis.
Example: The ability to ride a bicycle.
• Your body and mind develop an intuitive
understanding of how to maintain balance, pedal,
and steer without consciously thinking about
6. Introspection knowledge
• Refers to the process of self-reflection and
examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and
experiences.
• Itinvolves looking inward and gaining insights
about oneself through introspective analysis.
• This type of knowledge is often used in fields like
psychology and philosophy to understand human
behavior and consciousness.
7. Testimonial knowledge
• Knowledge gained through the testimony or
accounts of others.
• This includes information obtained from books,
lectures, conversations, or other forms of
communication.
 Non-Experiential Knowledge (a priori Knowledge)

• Non-experiential knowledge, also

known as a priori knowledge,
refers to knowledge that is
independent of experience or
empirical evidence.
• It is knowledge that can be obtained
or justified through reason, logic, or
deduction, rather than relying on
observations or sensory perception.
 Cont.….
• Examples of non-experiential knowledge include:
Mathematical truths- refer to statements or
propositions that are universally accepted as
true within the realm of mathematics.
These truths are based on logical reasoning
and rigorous proof.
"2 + 2 = 4"
Logical principles- are fundamental rules or
principles that govern reasoning and rational
thinking
Philosophical concepts- These concepts
often involve fundamental questions about
existence, knowledge, ethics, reality, and the
nature of human experience.
• The Scientific method
scientific method is an ordered series of
steps to acquire knowledge based on
experimental evidence.
• It involves a series of steps that include:
1.Observation- the act of gathering information
or data through the use of our senses or
scientific instruments.
2.Question- refers to an inquiry or problem that
drives the research process.
3.Research - refers to the systematic and
organized process of gathering information,
data, and evidence to answer a specific
question.
4.Hypothesis- is a proposed explanation or
prediction that is based on existing knowledge,
observations, or theories.
 Cont.….
5. Experiment- is a controlled procedure
designed to test a hypothesis or answer a
specific research question.
6. Analysis- refers to the process of
examining and interpreting the data and
results obtained from experiments or
observations.
7. Conclusion- refers to the final outcome
or result of a scientific investigation or
experiment.
8. Evaluation
If our hypothesis is not correct, we must
form another hypothesis
 The mission of physics and carrier
Objective: Atawareness
the end of this section, you
will be able to:
Explain the job opportunities concerning to
physics.
The mission of physics is:
 To advance science, engineering, and
innovation throughout the world for the benefit
of all and serving Society.
• To understand the fundamental principles and
laws that governs the behavior of the universe.
• It seeks to explain the nature of matter, energy,
space, and time through observation,
experimentation, and mathematical analysis.
• Career awareness in physics involves
promoting an understanding of the various
career paths and opportunities available to
individuals with a background in physics.
• Physics graduates can also work in many
different industries – including:
 Education
 Automotive and aerospace industries
 Defense,
 Public sector,
 Healthcare
 Energy, materials
 Technology, computing and
 IT.
• There are several
Physics careers exciting
in space and astronomy career
opportunities in the field of physics
related to space and astronomy.
1.Astrophysicist: Astrophysicists
study the physical properties and
behavior of celestial objects such as
stars, galaxies, and black holes.
2.Space Scientist: Space scientists
focus on the exploration and study of
space.
3.Planetary Scientist: Planetary
scientists study planets, moons,
asteroids, and other celestial bodies
within our solar system.
4. Astronomer: Astronomers
observe and study celestial objects
using telescopes and other
instruments.
5. Spacecraft Engineer:
Spacecraft engineers design, build,
and test spacecraft and satellites.
6. Space Mission Specialist:
Space mission specialists are
involved in planning and executing
space missions.
• Physics plays a crucial role in healthcare,
Physics careers in healthcare
contributing to various careers and
applications.
1.Medical Physicist: Medical physicists
apply principles of physics to ensure the
safe and effective use of radiation in
medical imaging, radiation therapy, and
nuclear medicine.
2.Biomedical Engineer: Biomedical
engineers utilize physics principles to
design and develop medical equipment
and devices.
3.Radiologist: Radiologists are medical
doctors who specialize in interpreting
medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans,
and MRI scans.
5. Medical Imaging Specialist:
Medical imaging specialists
operate and maintain imaging
equipment, such as X-ray
machines, CT scanners, and
ultrasound devices.
6. Radiation Therapist:
Radiation therapists administer
radiation treatments to patients
with cancer or other diseases.
 Physics careers in engineering

• Physics careers in engineering can

encompass a wide range of roles and
responsibilities.
1.Aerospace Engineer: These professionals
utilize physics concepts to design and
develop aircraft, spacecraft, and related
systems.
2.Civil Engineer: Physics knowledge is
valuable in areas such as structural
analysis, fluid dynamics, and geotechnical
engineering, where understanding the
behavior of materials and forces is crucial.
 3. Electrical Engineer: Physics plays a
significant role in electrical circuit design,
electromagnetism, and semiconductor
devices, enabling engineers to develop
electronic systems and technologies.
4. Mechanical Engineer: Physics principles
are essential for mechanical engineers in
areas like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics,
and solid mechanics, allowing them to design
and optimize mechanical systems.
5. Materials Engineer: Understanding the
properties and behavior of materials at the
atomic and molecular level is vital for
materials engineers, who work on developing
new materials and improving existing ones.
 Physics careers in energy

• Thereare several physics careers in the field of

energy.
1.Renewable Energy Engineer: As a renewable
energy engineer, you would work on designing,
developing, and implementing technologies that
harness renewable energy sources such as
solar, wind, hydro, or geothermal power.
2.Nuclear Physicist: Nuclear physicists study
the behavior and properties of atomic nuclei
and their interactions.
• They can work in the field of nuclear energy,
where they contribute to the design and
operation of nuclear power plants, nuclear
reactors, and nuclear fusion research.
 3. Energy Analyst: Energy analysts
use physics and mathematical models
to analyze energy systems and make
recommendations for improving their
efficiency and sustainability.
4. Energy Consultant: Energy
consultants provide expert advice on
energy-related matters to businesses,
governments, or individuals.
5. Energy Researcher: Physics
researchers often focus on energy-related
topics such as energy storage, energy
conversion, or energy efficiency.
6. Energy Policy Analyst: Energy
policy analysts evaluate and
develop energy policies and
regulations.
7. Oil and gas companies: Oil and
gas companies are businesses
involved in the exploration,
extraction, refining, and distribution
of oil and gas resources.
 Physics careers in technology

• There are numerous physics careers

in the field of technology.
1.Electronics Engineer: Electronics
engineers apply principles of
physics to design, develop, and test
electronic components and
systems.
2.Photonics Engineer: Photonics
engineers focus on the use of light
and optical technologies in various
applications.
3. Materials Scientist: Materials
scientists study the properties and
behavior of different materials at the
atomic and molecular level.
4. Computational Physicist:
Computational physicists use computer
simulations and mathematical modeling
to study complex physical phenomena.
5. Data Scientist: Data scientists
analyze large datasets using statistical
and computational techniques to extract
insights and make informed decisions.
6. Robotics Engineer: Robotics
engineers design, develop, and
program robotic systems for various
applications, including
manufacturing, healthcare, space
exploration, and autonomous
vehicles.
7. Quantum Computing
Researcher: Quantum computing
researchers explore the principles of
quantum mechanics to develop new
computing technologies.
 Geophysics and meteorology careers

• Geophysics and meteorology offer a

wide range of career opportunities.
1.Geophysicist: Geophysicists study the
Earth's physical properties and
processes using various techniques,
such as seismic imaging, gravity and
magnetic surveys, and electrical
resistivity measurements.
• Theywork in industries like oil and gas
exploration, environmental
consulting, and natural hazard
assessment.
2. Seismologist: Seismologists
specialize in the study of
earthquakes and seismic waves.
3. Volcanologist: Volcanologists
study volcanic activity and its impact
on the environment.
4. Atmospheric Scientist:
Atmospheric scientists, also known
as meteorologists, study the Earth's
atmosphere and weather patterns
5. Climate Scientist: Climate
scientists focus on studying long-term
climate patterns, climate change, and
its impacts.
6. Environmental Consultant:
Geophysicists and meteorologists can
work as environmental consultants,
assessing and managing
environmental risks.
7. Geohazard Specialist: Geohazard
assess and mitigate risks associated
with natural disasters like landslides,
floods, and hurricanes.
8. Remote Sensing Specialist:
Geophysicists and meteorologists
can work in remote sensing, using
satellite and airborne data to
study the Earth's surface and
atmosphere.
 Research scientist careers

• The main reason to study physics is to

help you gain more in-depth, specialized
knowledge to prepare you to work
effectively in a specific field.
• Potential areas of specialization include:
 Astrophysics

Particle
Dynamics
physics

Biotechnolog
Aerospace
y

Nanotechnolo
Meteorology
gy
 Laser physics

Climat
e Atmospheri
scienc c physics

Oceanic and
planetary
physics and
 1.5. Current status of physics

At the end of this section you will be able to:

• List at least five recent new developments or
discoveries in the fields of physics.
Major recent discoveries in physics
• Some of major recent discoveries in physics are:
1. Discovery of exoplanets
2. Black holes
3. Quantum cryptography
4. High energy physics (Particle
Accelerators)
5. Gravitational wave (Large scale
structures)
 Discovery of exoplanets
• An exoplanet (extrasolar planet) is a
planet outside our solar system.
• As of October 2022, there are 5197
confirmed exoplanets in 3833 planetary
system.
• However, one notable contribution was
made by Swiss astronomers Michel
Mayor and Didier Queloz. In 1995, they
announced the discovery of the first
exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star, known
as 51 Pegasi b.
• Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz won
the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2019.
 Black holes

•A black hole is an extremely dense object whose

gravity is strong that nothing not even light (all
electromagnetic wave) can escape.
•A black hole is a celestial object with such a strong
gravitational pull that nothing, including light, can
escape from it.
• It is formed when a massive star collapses under
its own gravitational force.
• As the star collapses, its mass becomes
concentrated in an infinitely dense region called a
singularity.
• Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genze. And Andrea M.
Ghez has won the Nobel Prize in 2020 for discovery
black hole formation and discovery of supermassive
compact object (Black hole) at the center of our
• Cryptography
Quantum cryptography
is a way of sending
information and messages in
secret.
• Think of your bank account
number, password etc.
• without the secret encryption all
these are at risk.
• Quantum cryptography is an
application of quantum physics that
enhances the security of the
information exchange at higher
level.
 High energy physics (Particle Accelerators)

• July 4, 2012 EC, CERN scientists (thousands

of them doing collaboratively from almost
every corner of the world) discovered a
particle called Higgs Boson.
• CERN (European Organization for
Nuclear Research) is an international
scientific organization that operates the
largest particle physics laboratory in the
world.
• Scientists at CERN conduct cutting-edge
research in various fields of physics,
including particle physics, nuclear
physics, and cosmology.
• They use powerful particle
accelerators, such as the Large Hadron
Collider (LHC), to study the
fundamental particles and forces that
make up the universe.
• The Higgs boson is a subatomic
particle that was first theorized by
physicist Peter Higgs.
• It
is a subatomic particle like photons,
protons and electrons but at the very
basic level.
• The experiment took 60 years to
prove the existence of this particle.
 Gravitational wave (Large scale structures)

• One recent physics discovery is the

detection of gravitational waves.
• Gravitational waves are ripples in the
fabric of space-time caused by the
acceleration of massive objects, such as
black holes or neutron stars.
• Theywere predicted by Albert Einstein's
theory of general relativity over a
century ago, but their direct detection
remained elusive until recently.
• AlbertEinstein's theory of gravity that says
gravity (gravitational force) is a wave
that travels with the speed of light.
• In September 14, 2015, the
Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-Wave Observatory
(LIGO) made the groundbreaking
observation of gravitational waves
for the first time.
• Thisdiscovery confirmed a major
prediction of general relativity and
opened up a new window to study
the universe.
 Global warming

• Global warming refers to the long-term

increase in Earth's average surface
temperature due to human activities,
primarily the emission of greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere.
• Climate
is a long-term weather variability
averaged over many years and decades.
• Some of the variables are temperature,
humidity, atmospheric pressure and
wind.
• According to World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) a typical variability
average year is 30 years.
• The 30-year standard reference
periods should be updated every decade
to reflect the changing climate and its
impact on daily weather.
• Syukuro Manabe and Klaus
Hasselmann have won the Nobel Prize in
Physics in 2021 for modeling earth's
climate and reliability predicting global
warming.
• Burning fossil fuels, deforestation,
and industrial processes release
greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide,
methane), trapping heat in the
atmosphere and causing global warming.
 James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

• It is an infrared telescope located between earth

and sun at a distance of 1,500,000 km beyond
Earth's orbit around the Sun.
• It is operating at the temperature of(−223 °C)
important for infrared detection of the galaxies
and other large-scale structures.
• It will tell us about assembly of galaxies, birth of
stars and atmospheres of exoplanets and objects
in our solar system.
For example: Star formation in
Carina Nebula
• The Carina Nebula is a well-known region of
active star formation located in the Carina
constellation.
 Future perspectives

1. The Ethiopian Science and Art Museum

• The Ethiopian Science and Art Museum,
inaugurated by PM Abiy Ahmed on October 4,
2022, in Addis Ababa, aims to inspire and attract
young students towards science.
• The museum has an exhibition hall dedicated to
scientific and developmental research.
• The museum includes several building complexes
with specific focuses, such as:
Interactive display screens,
Cyber security,
Geographical information system (GIS),
Data analysis,
Manufacturing, and robotics.
 2. Planetarium
• The Ethiopian Space Science Society
(ESSS) operates a planetarium in Addis
Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia.
• The planetarium serves as an
educational and recreational facility
where visitors can learn about
astronomy, space science, and the
wonders of the universe through
immersive shows and presentations.
• Itprovides a unique opportunity for
people to explore and understand
celestial phenomena in a simulated
environment.