PSC2121 TOPICS: The topics we will study fall into the following broad categories:
GOALS AND AIMS OF SCIENCE: To understand nature by seeking the relationships between FACTS (usually observations). Understanding is achieved through LAWS, THEORIES and MODELS that serve to organize the "raw" facts.
LAWS: Are statements, often in mathematical language, of a relationship between physical quantities (such as how the pressure of a gas changes with its volume, how the extension of a spring depends on the load applied, etc). Their real value is that they are inviolate and they enable us to PREDICT behavior. Laws may be explained by theories.
THEORIES: Are introduced to "explain" laws. However, they are often considered tentative, perhaps because of our lack of a complete understanding. Thus, they can, and often are, replaced by simpler, or possibly more sophisticated, detailed or rational theories.
MODELS: Are "pictorial" representations of theories. They make concepts that are often difficult to appreciate more clear. As our understanding of a phenomenon develops, models are often replaced by more "useful" models.
UNITS: The physical quantities we deal with MUST be given precise meanings (in science, we call them UNITS). Just think, you would never go into a shop and ask for "two" ... you would specify "two apples" or "two stamps", etc. And so, in science, we MUST always give a unit to any measurement or observation. This has led to the definition of FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICAL QUANTITIES. It is important that you know soemthing about units and their definitions (and historical development) and so you should read Chapter 2 of Merken's book. Here is a link to a short tutorial on converting units.
SCIENTIFIC NOTATION: During this course you will encounter scientific notation. Here is a link to a short tutorial on the most important rules.