Modern Physics - Definition, Father of Modern Physics, FAQs
Modern physics is a field of physics that uses post-Newtonian notions to study the fundamental nature of the universe. Some experimental discoveries in the early twentieth century did not meet the expectations of classical physics, which describes physical phenomena on a small scale. These hypotheses eventually gave birth to modern physics. Quantum theory and the theory of relativity are the two cornerstones of modern physics. Quantum theory describes small-scale physics and gravity, whereas relativity theory describes large-scale physics and gravity. Both theories can be used to approximate the outcomes of classical theory.
This Story also Contains
- What Is Modern Physics?
- Who is the Father of Modern Physics?
- Concept of Relativity
- Modern Physics Formulas
What Is Modern Physics?
Modern physics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of matter, energy, and forces at very small scales (atomic and sub-atomic) and at very high speeds close to the speed of light. It goes beyond classical physics and explains phenomena that classical laws cannot.
Modern physics mainly includes:
- Quantum Mechanics - study of atoms and subatomic particles
- Theory of Relativity - study of space, time, and high-speed motion
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics - structure of atoms and nuclei
Modern physics helps us understand technologies like lasers, semiconductors, nuclear energy, medical imaging, and space science.
Who is the Father of Modern Physics?
Albert Einstein is known as the Father of Modern Physics. He developed the Theory of Relativity and introduced the famous equation $\mathrm{E}=\mathrm{mc}^2$, which transformed our understanding of space, time, energy, and gravity. His work laid the foundation for modern areas of physics such as quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and cosmology.
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Concept of Relativity
- No big object can travel faster than the speed of light. For all observers, the laws of physics remain unchangeable.
- The curvature of spacetime is caused by mass.
- The length of an object decreases as it approaches the speed of light (length contraction). The speed of a moving clock decreases (time dilation).
- The cause-effect structure (causality) or the sequence of events is preserved.
- The masses of gravity and inertia are the same.
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Topics of Modern Physics
The following are the topics that are regarded as important to the subject's foundation:
- The evolution of the atomic model in general and atomic theory in particular
- Radiation from a black body
- Experiment with Franck and Hertz
- Rutherford's experiment (Geiger–Marsden experiment)
- Gravitational lensing is a type of gravitational lensing that occurs
- Experiment Michelson–Morley
- Effect of photoelectricity
- Thermodynamics at the quantum level
- In general, radioactive phenomena
- Mercury's perihelion precession
- Experiment Stern–Gerlach
- Solid
- wave-particle duality
Modern Physics Formulas
Modern Physics deals with the behavior of matter and energy at atomic, sub-atomic scales and at very high speeds. Below is a compact, exam-ready formula sheet covering the most important relations.
Constants
- Speed of light: $c=3 \times 10^8 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$
- Planck's constant: $h=6.63 \times 10^{-34} \mathrm{~J} \mathrm{~s}$
Mass-energy equivalence: $E=m c^2$
Energy from mass defect: $\Delta E=\Delta m c^2$
Photon energy: $E=h f$
Photon energy (wavelength form): $E=\frac{h c}{\lambda}$
De Broglie wavelength: $\lambda=\frac{h}{m v}$
Einstein's photoelectric equation: $h f=W+K E_{\max }$
Maximum kinetic energy of emitted electron: $K E_{\max }=h f-W$
Electron Kinetic Energy
Classical form: $K E=\frac{1}{2} m v^2$
Did you know?
- Light can be bent by gravity. It creates gravitational lensing, which is the bending of light when it comes close to a huge object.
- Near a large object, time slows down.
- Gravitational attraction occurs as a result of spacetime bending.
- Gravitational waves are created when a mass accelerates and causes ripples in spacetime. Gravitational waves were discovered in 1915.
- By setting proper constraints, classical physics can be recovered from current physics.
- Quantum physics is verified by electron interference, photoelectric effect, hydrogen spectrum, and blackbody radiation.
- Planetary orbital anomalies, temporal gaps in satellites, and gravitational waves all fit relativity's predictions.
- Gravitational force, electromagnetic force, strong and weak forces are the four primary forces in nature. The Standard model describes the last three forces.
- Scientists are attempting to combine quantum theory and the theory of relativity by developing a more broad theory, dubbed the "theory of everything."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The behaviour of matter and energy on a normal scale of observation is the focus of classical physics, but most of current physics is concerned with the behaviour of extreme conditions, or on a very big or very tiny scale, affecting matter and energy.
"One of the major problems with twentieth-century physics is that so much of modern physics is built on two foundations that emerged in the early twentieth century," he explains. "One is relativity, and the other is quantum mechanics," says the author.
Niels Bohr and Max Planck, two of the founding fathers of quantum theory, each received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on quanta.
It comprises of physical notions based on Sir Isaac Newton's foundational works, as well as mathematical methods established in the 17th century by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Joseph-Louis Lagrange, Leonhard Euler and others used the term "motion of bodies under the influence of a system of forces" to describe how bodies move when they are subjected to a set of forces.
Galileo Galilei was the first to utilise a refracting telescope to make key astronomical discoveries, and he pioneered the experimental scientific process. He is known as the "Father of Modern Astronomy" and "Father of Modern physics," among other titles. Galileo was dubbed the "Father of Modern Science" by Albert Einstein.
Physics uses mathematical formulas to explain how the natural world works. The achievements in electronics that have resulted in modern computers and electronic media are due to physics theory.
Modern physics is important because it helps us understand the behavior of matter and energy at very small scales and very high speeds, where classical physics fails. It explains concepts like atoms, electrons, photons, and nuclear energy. Modern physics forms the basis of many technologies used in daily life, such as computers, mobile phones, lasers, semiconductors, medical imaging (X-rays, MRI), nuclear power, and space technology. It also helps scientists study the structure of the universe, including stars, black holes, and galaxies. Without modern physics, many advancements in science, medicine, communication, and technology would not be possible.
Modern physics was mainly developed by Albert Einstein and Max Planck.
Max Planck is considered the founder of quantum theory, which marked the beginning of modern physics.
Albert Einstein expanded modern physics through the theory of relativity and his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
