Science : Science is a systematic attempt to understand natural phenomena in as much detail and depth as possible, and use the knowledge so gained to predict, modify and control phenomena.
Steps involved in a scientific method
- Systematic Observations : This is the first step involved in any scientific method. In this, observations are made regarding various phenomenon happening in the universe and questions are raised about them. Sometimes a hypothesis about the phenomenon is also formed during this stage.
- Controlled Experiments : A controlled experiment is one in which everything is held constant except for one variable. Usually a set of data is taken for a control group, which is commonly the normal or usual state, and one or more other groups are examined, where all conditions are identical to the control group and each other except this variable. Sometimes it's necessary to change more than one variable, but all of the experimental conditions will be controlled so that only the variables being examined change and the amount or way they change is measured.
- Qualitative and quantitative reasoning : In this step certain conclusions are reached by considering the observations of controlled experiments. These conclusions later can give rise to scientific theory. The hypothesis framed in the first step are further substantiated from the observations of experiments.
- Mathematical Modelling : The theory so formulated in the previous step are expressed in the form of mathematical formulas. Mathematical modelling involves expressing the results of the experiments in terms of mathematical relationships among the various variables observed.
- Verification or falsification of scientific theory : The theory so formed are further examined by other scientists by doing their own analysis and experiments in this step. The formulated theories are verified or declared as false by other scientists who further examine the already formulated scientific theory.
Physics : Physics is a study of the basic laws of nature and their manifestation in different natural phenomena. The basic thrusts in Physics are unification and reduction.
Physics has got two domains of interest namely the macroscopic and microscopic. Classical Physics deals with macroscopic phenomenon and includes subjects like Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics and Thermodynamics. The microscopic domain of physics deals with the constitution and structure of matter at the minute scales of atoms and nuclei and their interaction with different probes such as electrons, photons and other elementary particles. Quantum theory is the framework used for explaining these microscopic phenomenon.
Fundamental forces in nature
- Gravitational Force : The gravitational force is weak, but very long ranged. Furthermore, it is always attractive. It acts between any two pieces of matter in the Universe having mass.
- Electromagnetic Force : Electromagnetic force relates to the presence and interactions between charged particles. Electromagnetic force covers electrostatic and magnetic phenomena. The field of quantum electrodynamics (classical or relativistic), is used to explain interactions at the subatomic level. Electromagnetic force has an infinite range of interaction. It is considerably stronger than the gravitational and weak forces. The photon is the key particle of exchange for electromagnetic force.
- Strong Nuclear Force : It is this force that binds atomic nuclei together and stops them flying apart due to the mutual repulsion of their protons and is the dominant interaction in reactions and decays of most of the fundamental particles.
- Weak Nuclear Force : The weak interaction is a force that is involved in nuclear beta decay and other radioactive processes. All particles experience the weak interaction.
| Name | Relative Strength | Range | Operates among |
| Gravitational force | 10–39 | Infinite | All objects in the universe |
| Weak nuclear force | 10–13 | Very short, Sub-nuclearsize (-10-16m) | Some elementary particles, particularly electron and neutrino |
| Electromagnetic force | 10–2 | Infinite | Charged particles |
| Strong nuclear force | 1 | Short, nuclear size (-10-15m) | Nucleons, heavier elementary particles |
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