The History of Physics

The History of Physics

Mr. Custer

What is Physics?

• A natural science that studies matter, energy, and forces through time and space. 

• One of the oldest disciplines of study.

• The name "Physics" is derived from the Greek word meaning "knowledge of nature."

Ancient Greece

• Aristotle (right) was the first to refer to the science as "physics".

• Eratosthenes used Physics principles to estimate the circumference of the earth.

• Archimedes developed the law of buoyancy to describe how objects float.

The Scientific Revolution

• This occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries.

• Copernicus (right) started this movement with his development of Astronomy.

• Galileo is considered the "father of modern physics".
  
  

Sir Isaac Newton

• Created a single system to describe the workings of the universe: The Three Laws of Motion.

• Developed Calculus under quarantine during the Great Plague of London beginning in 1665.

Modern Physics

• Began in the early 20th century.

• Albert Einstein revolutionized science in 1905 with his theory of relativity.

• Max Planck (right) introduced the basic ideas of Quantum Physics, which is the theory of atoms and subatomic systems.

Time for ​a Learning Check!

​Do you have any questions?

Multiple Choice

Which scientist had the earliest discovery?

• Planck

• Newton

• Eratosthenes

• Einstein

• Copernicus

Multiple Select

Select all of the scientists who were part of the Modern Physics revolution.

• Einstein

• Newton

• Aristotle

• Planck

• Galileo

Open Ended

Which discovery from this presentation did you find the most interesting?