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.

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This Story also Contains

1. Who is the Father of Modern Physics?
2. What is Modern Physics?
3. Concept of Relativity

Who is the Father of Modern Physics?

Physics is the scientific study of all natural phenomena, both theoretically and experimentally. Numerous scientists have contributed to the subject's advancement. The title "Father of Physics" is bestowed on three scientists at different times, based on their most significant achievements. Galileo is known as the Father of Observational Physics for his contributions to Astrophysics.

The laws of motion and gravitation were created by Sir Isaac Newton. His idea, which works fine on a small scale, is the foundation of classical physics. In mathematics, he also taught calculus theory. Newton is renowned as the Father of Physics because of his significant contributions.

Albert Einstein is widely regarded as the founder of modern physics. He established both the special and general theories of relativity. These theories explain how objects behave at great speeds (near the speed of light) and in the presence of gravity. For his explanation of the photoelectric effect, he received the Nobel Prize.

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What is Modern Physics?

Modern physics is a field of physics concerned with post-Newtonian concepts in the physical universe. It is based on two important twentieth-century breakthroughs: Relativity and Quantum Mechanics.

Modern physics frequently includes parts of quantum mechanics and Einsteinian relativity, as well as a more advanced description of nature through new theories that differ from classical descriptions. Quantum effects, for example, frequently require atomic distances. Relativistic effects, on the other hand, usually entail velocities that are slower than the speed of light.

The following are some of the most important notions in quantum theory:

1. Particle - Wave Light has the properties of both a wave and a particle. Photons, or energy quanta, make up light. The nature of particles is that they travel in waves. Particles are spatially delocalized.
2. The Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to measure a particle's precise position and momentum at the same time.
3. Problem with Measurement: Observing or measuring a system affects its condition.

Concept of Relativity

1. No big object can travel faster than the speed of light. For all observers, the laws of physics remain unchangeable.
2. The curvature of spacetime is caused by mass.
3. The length of an object decreases as it approaches the speed of light (length contraction). The speed of a moving clock decreases (time dilation).
4. The cause-effect structure (causality) or the sequence of events is preserved.
5. The masses of gravity and inertia are the same.

Topics of Modern Physics

The following are the topics that are regarded as important to the subject's foundation:

1. The evolution of the atomic model in general and atomic theory in particular
2. Radiation from a black body
3. Experiment with Franck and Hertz
4. Rutherford's experiment (Geiger–Marsden experiment)
5. Gravitational lensing is a type of gravitational lensing that occurs
6. Experiment Michelson–Morley
7. Effect of photoelectricity
8. Thermodynamics at the quantum level
9. In general, radioactive phenomena
10. Mercury's perihelion precession
11. Experiment Stern–Gerlach
12. Solid
13. wave-particle duality

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."