Basic Laws of Physics - A Complete Guide

Basic Laws of Physics - A Complete Guide

Vishal kumarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 04:49 PM IST

Physics is a branch of Science, where the occurrence of anything (Physical, Mechanical, Chemical) is governed by principles, deduced either experimentally or theoretically. Physics is the study of the reason or cause of any changes. Its study includes vast variations ranging from small atomic structures to ever-expanding universes. Every creature has experienced the effects of any laws explained in Physics in their life, so it's become very important to study and understand life governing “Fundamentals of Physics”. In this introductory chapter, we will study the Principles of Physics, and observe all laws of physics and their resemblance to our daily lives. We will study basic Physics and the nature of Physical laws.

This Story also Contains

  1. What are Laws?
  2. Principles of Physics
  3. Important Laws of Physics Class 12
  4. How Laws are Formulated?
  5. Summary
Basic Laws of Physics - A Complete Guide
Basic Laws of Physics

What are Laws?

It is a conclusion drawn from past references of scientific experiments and observation. These laws are being continuously checked or they are being under evaluation for proper validation. Broadly speaking study of Physics has been classified as:

  1. Classical Physics
  2. Atomic Physics

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between classical and modern physics?
A:
Classical physics generally refers to theories developed before the 20th century, focusing on macroscopic phenomena and based on Newton's laws and Maxwell's equations. Modern physics, including quantum mechanics and relativity, deals with phenomena at extreme scales (very small or very large) and high speeds, often challenging our intuitive understanding of the world.
Q: How does physics contribute to technological advancements?
A:
Physics contributes to technological advancements by providing the fundamental understanding of natural phenomena that can be harnessed for practical applications. Examples include the development of lasers, semiconductors, and nuclear energy, all of which stem from discoveries in physics and have led to numerous technological innovations.
Q: How do physicists deal with the vast range of scales in the universe?
A:
Physicists deal with different scales by developing specialized theories and tools for each domain. For example, quantum mechanics is used for subatomic scales, while general relativity is applied to cosmic scales. Physicists also work on unifying theories to bridge these different scales and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the universe.
Q: What is the significance of constants in physics?
A:
Constants in physics, such as the speed of light or Planck's constant, are fundamental values that remain unchanged under specific conditions. These constants play crucial roles in physical theories, providing fixed reference points and allowing for consistent calculations and predictions across different phenomena and scales.
Q: How do physicists approach the concept of time?
A:
Physicists approach the concept of time as a dimension that is intricately linked with space, forming the fabric of spacetime. In classical physics, time is treated as absolute, but in modern physics, particularly in relativity, time is understood to be relative and can be affected by motion and gravity. The nature of time remains an active area of research in physics.

Principles of Physics

Any laws that we study in Physics are governed by its principles. According to Physics the physical laws of matter, energy and the fundamental forces of nature govern the interactions between different entities.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is meant by the "physical world" in physics?
A:
The "physical world" in physics refers to the observable universe and all its components that can be studied through scientific methods. This includes matter, energy, forces, and their interactions across various scales, from subatomic particles to cosmic structures.
Q: What is the scientific method, and how is it applied in physics?
A:
The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating phenomena, involving observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis. In physics, this method is applied by formulating theories based on observations, making predictions, and conducting experiments to test these predictions, leading to the refinement or development of new theories.
Q: What is the role of experimentation in physics?
A:
Experimentation plays a crucial role in physics by allowing scientists to test hypotheses, validate theories, and discover new phenomena. Experiments provide empirical evidence to support or refute theoretical predictions and often lead to unexpected discoveries that drive the field forward.
Q: How does physics intersect with other scientific disciplines?
A:
Physics intersects with other scientific disciplines in various ways. For example, it provides the foundation for understanding chemical bonding in chemistry, cellular processes in biology, and Earth's systems in geology. Interdisciplinary fields like biophysics, geophysics, and astrophysics demonstrate the broad applicability of physical principles across sciences.
Q: What is the importance of symmetry in physics?
A:
Symmetry is a fundamental concept in physics that helps simplify complex problems and reveal underlying principles. It plays a crucial role in formulating conservation laws, understanding particle physics, and developing unified theories. Symmetries in physical laws often reflect deeper truths about the nature of the universe.

Important Laws of Physics Class 12

Here, we will see some basic physics laws for which they exist in our surroundings.

1. Newton’s laws of motion

The three Newton's laws of motion are:

  • The first Law of motion: An object remains at rest or of uniform motion unless compelled by an external force
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$F=0 \Rightarrow constant $

  • Second law of motion: The force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration.

$F=m a$

  • Third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

$
F_{\text {action }}=-F_{\text {reaction }}
$

2. Universal Law Of Gravitation

Newton's law of gravitation states that the attractive force between two masses is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

$ F=G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$

3. Law of Conservation Of Energy

The conservation of energy law explains that energy can neither be destroyed nor created and can only be transformed from one form to another form.

$
E_{\text {total }}=\text { constant }
$

4. Archimedes Principles

The Archimedes principle states that the object immersed in a fluid experiences a buoyant force which is equal to the fluid's weight displaced by the object.

$
F_b=\rho V g
$

5. Faraday’s laws

Faraday's law states that induced electromotive force in a closed circuit is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux in that circuit.

$
\mathcal{E}=-\frac{d \Phi_B}{d t}
$

6. Laws of Thermodynamics

First law of thermodynamics: Change in internal energy is equal to the difference of heat added from work done by the system.

$
\Delta U=Q-W
$

The second law of thermodynamics: In a cyclic process the entropy never decreases

$
\Delta S \geq 0
$

7. Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

It is impossible to precisely predict the momentum and position of a particle.

$
\Delta x \Delta p \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}
$

8. Conservation Of Momentum

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant if there is no external force applied.

$
m_1 v_1+m_2 v_2=\text { constant }
$

9. Ohm's Law

Ohm's law states that current through a conductor is directly proportional to the product of voltage and resistance.

$
V=I R
$

10. Coulomb's Law

The force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance bet. This is called Coulomb's law.

$
F=k \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}
$

Apart from the above-mentioned basic laws of physics, there are numerous laws left behind.

How Laws are Formulated?

For any assumptions to be formulated as Laws, it should follow:

  • Must exist in confined (given) Space and Time.
  • Conservative in the state of quantity.
  • True, and must hold verification under specified condition
  • Must be derived in simplest form.

Nature of Physical laws

As we have studied before, laws are encapsulated by the conclusion drawn from past references and their universal acceptance.

Summary

This article gives an overview about what are the laws of physics, the principles of physics, how laws are formulated, the physics important laws, and the nature of physics laws. In this article, we have discussed the explanation and equation of some important physics laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do physicists approach the study of time irreversibility?
A:
Time irreversibility, or the arrow of time
Q: What is the role of emergence in physics?
A:
Emergence in physics refers to the appearance of complex behaviors or properties in systems that are not predictable from the properties of their individual components. This concept is crucial in understanding phenomena across various scales, from the behavior of fluids to the properties of materials and even consciousness. Emergence challenges reductionist approaches and highlights the importance of studying systems as wholes.
Q: How do physicists approach the study of chaos and complexity?
A:
Physicists study chaos and complexity by investigating systems that are highly sensitive to initial conditions and exhibit non-linear behavior. Chaos theory provides tools for understanding seemingly random phenomena in deterministic systems. The study of complex systems involves analyzing emergent behaviors that arise from the interactions of many simple components, applicable to fields ranging from fluid dynamics to social systems.
Q: How does physics address the concept of causality?
A:
Physics addresses causality as the relationship between causes and effects in physical systems. While classical physics assumes strict causality, quantum mechanics introduces elements of probabilistic causality. In relativity, the concept of causality is preserved but complicated by the fact that the order of events can depend on the observer's reference frame, leading to the idea of light cones and causal structure of spacetime.
Q: How does physics address the concept of time?
A:
Physics addresses time as a fundamental dimension of the universe, closely linked with space. In classical physics, time is treated as absolute and uniform. However, Einstein's theory of relativity showed that time can be affected by motion and gravity, leading to phenomena like time dilation. The nature of time, including its direction and whether it's fundamental or emergent, remains an active area of research in physics.
Q: What is the role of prediction in physics?
A:
Prediction plays a crucial role in physics as a way to test and validate theories. A successful physical theory should not only explain observed phenomena but also make accurate predictions about future observations or experiments. The ability to make precise predictions, such as the existence of new particles or the behavior of celestial bodies, is a hallmark of powerful physical theories.
Q: How do physicists approach the study of motion?
A:
Physicists study motion by analyzing the change in position of objects over time. This includes understanding velocity, acceleration, and the forces that cause motion. While classical mechanics, based on Newton's laws, describes motion at everyday scales, relativistic mechanics is needed for objects moving at very high speeds, and quantum mechanics for motion at atomic and subatomic scales.
Q: What is the significance of fields in physics?
A:
Fields are a fundamental concept in physics, representing regions of space where a force or influence exists. Examples include electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields. The field concept allows physicists to describe action at a distance and provides a framework for understanding fundamental forces. In modern physics, fields are considered as fundamental as particles in describing the nature of reality.
Q: How does physics deal with the concept of entropy?
A:
Physics deals with entropy as a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. The concept is central to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, playing a crucial role in understanding heat, energy transformations, and the direction of natural processes. The second law of thermodynamics, which states that the entropy of an isolated system always increases, has profound implications for the nature of time and the fate of the universe.
Q: What is the role of symmetry in formulating physical laws?
A:
Symmetry plays a fundamental role in formulating physical laws. Many laws of physics, such as conservation laws, arise from underlying symmetries in nature. For example, the conservation of energy stems from time-translation symmetry. Identifying and understanding symmetries helps physicists develop more general and powerful theories, as well as simplify complex problems.