Hi, I'm your physics instructor, Scott Hatfield. Like you, I am a citizen of the universe, a living thing. Like you, I'm made of various elements and most of the atoms making up my body were produced deep inside ancient stars billions of years ago.
While I am made up of matter, like all living things I use available energy to keep myself alive. In fact, amazingly enough, the matter making up my body is really just "scrunched-together" energy itself !
Many students like to know why we study physics. The simplest answer I can give is that physics is the most basic of the sciences: it looks at the most basic of phenomena, like matter, energy, motion and forces. It is also basic because it forms the basis of other sciences like chemistry and biology. A solid understanding of physics is not just an abstract field of study, however: it also forms the basis of mechanics, electronics, computer technology and many other careers predicted to be growth fields in this century.
The more we learn about this basic science we call physics, the more we appreciate and value our place in the universe. In particular, you may come to share my view that the 21st century is truly the most exciting time in the history of our species; it will carry with it the greatest of opportunities and the most perilous of risks. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be your guide in developing your understanding of physics. |
