A.

Definition of Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering

1. Mathematics

Mathematics has no generally accepted definition. Aristotle defined

mathematics as "the science of quantity" and this definition prevailed until the
18th century. Three leading types of definition of mathematics today are
called logicist, intuitionist, and formalist, each reflecting a different
philosophical school of thought.

2. Physics

Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and
behavior through space and time, and that studies the related entities of energy
and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its
main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.

3. Engineering

Engineering is the application of science and math to solve problems.

Engineers figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific
discoveries. Scientists and inventors often get the credit for innovations that
advance the human condition, but it is engineers who are instrumental in
making those innovations available to the world.

B. Mathematician, Physicist, Engineer Profession and Responsibilities

1. Mathematician
Mathematicians typically do the following:

Expand knowledge in mathematical areas, such as algebra or geometry, by

developing new rules, theories, and concepts using mathematical formulas and
models to prove or disprove theories. Apply mathematical theories and
techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences,
or other fields. Develop mathematical or statistical models to analyze data.
Interpret data and report conclusions from their analyses. Use data analysis to
support and improve business decisions. Read professional journals, talk with
other mathematicians, and attend professional conferences to maintain
knowledge of current trend.
2. Physicist

A physicist is curious about the properties of the natural world like atom
formations or the force of gravity and develop scientific theories and models
that helps them understand and explain it. They may study the evolution of the
universe and the fundamental properties of molecules and atoms. In the case
of the application of practical areas, a physicist may develop medical equipment
and advanced materials.

There are physicists that do basic research to increase scientific

knowledge by working in teams with other scientists, engineers, and
technicians. Physicists can work on applied physics which has a focus on fiber
optics, medical, or nuclear physics. This is considered more practical and can
be used for the general public more immediately, whereas those who work in
theoretical physics are more focused on what could be. They use abstract
thinking and mathematical equations to explain physical properties that interact
with the world or universe, thus having a less direct effect the general public.

Physicist mostly work in laboratories for private industries, hospitals,

research centers or universities. Most work full time, but at times can work
under grant funds. Many physicist present their research findings at
conferences and lectures and also write scientific reports that are sometimes
published in scholarly journals. This occupational field primary focus is
designing, implementing, and drawing conclusions on scientific experiments
which in turn will hopefully advance of science and industry. Most opportunities
will present in the medical field for those entering this career field.

3. Engineer

Engineers design, evaluate, develop, test, modify, install, inspect and maintain
a wide variety of products and systems. They also recommend and specify
materials and processes, supervise manufacturing and construction, conduct
failure analysis, provide consulting services and teach engineering courses in
colleges and universities.

C. Classification of Physics
 Physics, science that deals with the structure of matter and the interactions
between the fundamental constituents of the observable universe. In the broadest
sense, physics (from the Greek physikos) is concerned with all aspects of nature on
both the macroscopic and submicroscopic levels. Its scope of study encompasses not
only the behaviour of objects under the action of given forces but also the nature and
origin of gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear force fields. Its ultimate objective
is the formulation of a few comprehensive principles that bring together and explain all
such disparate phenomena.

The Scope Of Physics

While there are more branches sprouting up as science and technology progresses,
there are generally 11 branches of physics. These are as follows.
Branches of Physics
1. Classical physics
2. Modern physics
3. Nuclear physics
4. Atomic physics
5. Geophysics
6. Biophysics
7. Mechanics
8. Acoustics
9. Optics
10. Thermodynamics
11. Astrophysics

1. Classical Physics

This branch of physics is mainly concerned with the laws of motion and
gravitation as outlined in Sir Isaac Newton and James Clark Maxwell’s kinetic theory
and thermodynamics, respectively. This branch of physics deals mostly with matter
and energy. Often, physics which date before 1900 are considered classical physics,
whereas physic which date after 1900 are considered modern physics.
In classical physics, energy and matter are considered separate entities. Acoustics,
optics, classical mechanics, and electromagnetics are traditionally branches within
classical physics. Moreover, any theory qof physics that is considered null and void in
modern physics automatically falls under the realm of classical physics. As Newton's
Laws are one of the main features of classical physics, let's examine them.

What Are the Three Laws of Physics?

The three laws of physics, as they are commonly referred to, are known formally as
Newton's laws of motion. They are considered the basis of classical mechanics.
Newton's laws describe the motion of a body upon which forces may act and which
may exert forces on other bodies.
When we speak of bodies, we are not speaking of actual human bodies (although
human bodies can be included in this definition), but of any piece of matter upon which
a force may act. Newton's three laws are outlined below.

Newton's Laws of Motion (The Three Laws of Physics)

1. Law of Inertia: Iif the body is at rest, it stays at rest. If it is moving, it
continues to move with the same velocity (same magnitude and same
direction).
2. Force = Mass x Acceleration: A body's rate of change of momentum is
proportional to the force causing it.

3. Action = Reaction: When a force acts on a body due to another body,

then an equal and opposite force acts simultaneously on that body.

2. Modern Physics

Modern physics is a branch of physics that is mainly concerned with the theory of
relativity and quantum mechanics.
Albert Einstein and Max Plank were the pioneers of modern of physics as the first
scientists to introduce the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, respectively.
In modern physics, energy and matter are not considered as separate entities. Rather,
they are considered different forms of each other.

What Are the Two Pillars of Modern Physics?

The two pillars of modern physics are as follows.
1. Albert Einstein's theory of relativity
2. Max Plank's quantum theory.
What Is the Theory of Relativity?

Albert Einstein's theory of relativity is one of the most important discoveries of the
contemporary age, and states that the laws of physics are the same for all non-
accelerating observers. As a result of this discovery, Einstein was able to confirm that
space and time are interwoven in a single continuum known as space-time. As such,
events that occur at the same time for one observer could occur at different times for
another.
Einstein's theory of relativity is summarized in the formula:
E = mc2
this equation, "E" represents energy, "m" represents mass, and "c" represents
the speed of light.

What Is Quantum Theory?

Quantum mechanics is the science of the very small. It explains the behavior of
matter and its interactions with energy on the scale of atoms and subatomic particles.
By contrast, classical physics explains matter and energy only on a scale familiar to
human experience, including the behavior of astronomical bodies such as the Moon.
Classical physics is still used in much of modern science and technology.
However, towards the end of the 19th century, scientists discovered phenomena in
both the large (macro) and the small (micro) worlds that classical physics could not
explain. The desire to resolve inconsistencies between observed phenomena and
classical theory led to two major revolutions in physics that created a shift in the
original scientific paradigm: the theory of relativity and the development of quantum
mechanics.
These are the fundamental equation in quantum mechanics.

Schrödinger equation :

Klein-Gordon Equation :

3. Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics is a branch of physics that deals with the constituents,

structure, behaviour and interactions of atomic nuclei. This branch of physics should
not be confused with atomic physics, which studies the atom as a whole, including its
electrons. According to the Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia, nuclear physics is defined
as: “The branch of physics in which the structure, forces, and behaviour of the atomic
nucleus are studied.”
In the modern age, nuclear physics has become very wide in its scope and has been
applied in many fields. It is used in power generation, nuclear weapons, medicines,
magnetic resonance, imaging, industrial and agricultural isotopes, and more.

Who Discovered Nuclear Physics?

The history of nuclear physics as a distinct field from atomic physics begins with
the discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1896. The discovery of the electron
one year later indicated that the atom had an internal structure. With this, studies
began on the nuclei of atoms, thus nuclear physics was born

Nuclear physicists examine only the nucleus, not the atom as a whole.

4. Atomic Physics

Atomic physics is a branch of physics that deals with the composition of the
atom apart from the nucleus. It is mainly concerned with the arrangement and
behaviour of electrons in the shells around the nucleus. Thus, atomic physics mostly
examines electrons, ions, and neutral atoms.
One of the earliest steps towards atomic physics was recognizing that all matter
is comprised of atoms. The true beginning of atomic physics is marked by the
discovery of spectral lines and the attempt to explain them. This resulted in an entirely
new understanding of the structure of atoms and how they behave.
5. Geophysics
Geophysics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of the Earth. It is
mainly concerned with the shape, structure and composition of the Earth, but
geophysicists also study gravitational force, magnetic fields, earthquakes, magma,
and more.
Geophysics was only recognized as a separate discipline in the 19th century,
but its origins date back to ancient times. The first magnetic compasses were made
from All of these discoveries can be included in the field of geophysics, which is
defined as:
"a natural science concerned with the physical processes and physical
properties of the Earth and its surrounding space environment, and the use of
quantitative methods for their analysis."

Computer simulation of the Earth's magnetic field in a period of normal polarity

between reversals.

6. Biophysics

According to the Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia, biophysics is defined as:

“the interdisciplinary study of biological phenomena and problems, using the
principles and techniques of physics.” Biophysics studies biological problems
and the structure of molecules in living organisms using techniques derived from
physics. One of the most groundbreaking achievements of biophysics is the
discovery of the structure of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) by James Watson and
Francis Crick.
7. Mechanical Physics

Mechanical physics is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of material objects
under the influence of forces. Often called just mechanics, mechanical physics falls
under two main branches:
● Classical mechanics
● Quantum mechanics
Classical mechanics deals with the laws of motion of physical objects and the forces
that cause the motion, while quantum mechanics is the branch of physics which deals
with the behaviour of smallest particles (i.e. electrons, neutrons, and protons).

What Are the Main Branches of Mechanics?

Mechanics can be broken down into eight sub-branches. These are as follows:
1. Applied mechanics
2. Celestial mechanics
3. Continuum mechanics
4. Dynamics
5. Kinematics
6. Kinetics
7. Statics
8. Statistical mechanics

8. Acoustics
Acoustics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of all mechanical
waves in gases, liquids, and solids including topics such as vibration, sound,
ultrasound and infrasound. A scientist who works in the field of acoustics is an
acoustician while someone working in the field of acoustics technology may be called
an acoustical engineer. The application of acoustics is present in almost all aspects of
modern society with the most obvious being the audio and noise control industries.

9. Optics

Optics is a branch of physics that studies electromagnetic radiation (for

example, light and infrared radiation), its interactions with matter, and instruments
used to gather information due to these interactions. Optics includes the study of sight.
The Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia defines optics as:

“a branch of physical science dealing with the propagation and behaviour of light.
In a general sense, light is that part of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends
from X rays to microwaves and includes the radiant energy that produces the
sensation of vision.”
Who Invented Optics?
Optics began with the creation of lenses by the ancient Egyptians and
Mesopotamians. This was followed up by theories of light and vision developed by
ancient Greek philosophers and the development of geometric optics in the Greco-
Roman world.
These earlier studies on optics are known as classical optics. Studies that came
after the 20th century, such as wave optics and quantum optics, are known as modern
optics.

10. Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature
and their relation to energy and work. The behaviour of these quantities is governed
by the four laws of thermodynamics.

Who Discovered Thermodynamics?

The field of thermodynamics was developed from the work of Nicolas Léonard
Sadi Carnot who believed that engine efficiency was the key that could help France
win the Napoleonic Wars. The Scottish physicist Lord Kelvin was the first to come up
with a concise definition of thermodynamics. His definition stated:
"Thermo-dynamics is the subject of the relation of heat to forces acting between
contiguous parts of bodies, and the relation of heat to electrical agency."

What Are the Four Laws of Thermodynamics?

The four laws of thermodynamics are as follows.
1. If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in
thermal equilibrium with each other. This law helps define the concept of
temperature.
2. When energy passes, as work, as heat, or with matter, into or out from a
system, the system's internal energy changes in accord with the law of
conservation of energy. Equivalently, perpetual motion machines of the
first kind (machines that produce work with no energy input) are
impossible.
3. In a natural thermodynamic process, the sum of the entropies of the
interacting thermodynamic systems increases. Equivalently, perpetual
motion machines of the second kind (machines that spontaneously
convert thermal energy into mechanical work) are impossible.
4. The entropy of a system approaches a constant value as the temperature
approaches absolute zero. With the exception of non-crystalline solids
(glasses), the entropy of a system at absolute zero is typically close to
zero, and is equal to the natural logarithm of the product of the quantum
ground states.
11. Astrophysics

The word "astrophysics" is a combination of two Latin-derived words: astro,

which means "star," and phisis, which means "nature."
Thus, astrophysics can be defined as a branch of astronomy which is concerned with
the study of universe (i.e., stars, galaxies, and planets) using the laws of physics.

What Is the Difference Between and Astrophysicist and an Astronomer?

Technically speaking, astronomers only measure the positions and
characteristics of celestial bodies, whereas astrophysicists use the application physics
to understand astronomy.
However, the terms are now used interchangeably, since all astronomers use
physics to conduct their research.

D. Emerging Technology Related to Engineering Physics

Li-Fi

Light might be the preferred option for transmitting data over long distances via
cables, but when it comes to short range wireless, radio waves rule in the form of Wi-
Fi and Bluetooth. Now Mexican company Sisoft, working with researchers from the
Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM), has developed a wireless
technology that transmits data in visible light emitted from LED lamps, while lighting
the room at the same time.

Called Li-Fi, which is short for light fidelity, the technology is what is known as
Visible Light Communication (VLC). Unlike infrared-based systems, VLC involves
transmitting data using light visible to the human eye. In this case it is transmitted as
intermittent, imperceptible flickers of light emitted by LEDs.
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https://www.britannica.com/science/physics-science

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https://www.princetonreview.com/college-majors/439/engineering-physics

Halliday, D. (2011). Fundamentals of physics. 9th ed. John Wiley & Sons.

Lindley, D. (1999). Quantum Mechanics. Retrieved from

https://www.pbs.org/transistor/science/info/quantum.html

Quick. (2015, May 02). 10 Gbps Li-Fi system shows wireless data transfer in a new
light. Retrieved from https://newatlas.com/li-fi-wireless-technology/32968/

Rafiq, M. (2019, August 21). Physics: Definition and Branches. Retrieved from
https://owlcation.com/stem/Physics-Definition-and-Branches