8.5 Organization of the Physics Curriculum
The term physics is derived from the Greek word φύσις (physis), meaning “nature”. Today we define physics as the natural science of that studies the properties, changes and interactions of matter and energy – from subatomic particles to the Universe (see powers of ten, section 8.2). Although physics is a very large and diverse field of study, most textbook authors and physics teachers organize it in a manner similar to that shown in table 8.8. The outline of your book or class will be your "road map" for physics. Study the outline that follows (or the one used by your teacher or textbook) and review it throughout the course.
Table 8.8 Organization of the physics curriculum |
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I. Newtonian Mechanics II. Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics |
III. Electricity and Magnetism IV. Waves and Optics V. Modern Physics |