Conclusion

Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic Waves

Text Box: Physics adopts a different approach from other natural sciences. While most natural sciences, Biology for instance, concern themselves with highly complex objects (biological systems) and therefore view each phenomenon as a whole, necessitating a matching approach; in a way, physics deals with more fundamental things. Physics starts with simple structures, thereby analyzing such phenomena as e.g. how matter is composed of microscopic particles or according to what laws light spreads in a gravitational field. Due to the multiple fundamental nature of the analyzed phenomena, and also the possibility of deducing the behavior of the macro cosmos based on that of the micro cosmos, the predictions made by physics are in most cases more fundamental, and as a result, more extensive than those of the other sciences. These predictions influence, in a direct manner, the view we have of the way the world functions and the how it is built up. The other sciences definitely contribute by way of discoveries and insights, which are of great importance to mankind`s future, but physics exclusively, because of its requirement for an encapsulated, non-contradictory theory, holds the key to changing our world view. In the past centuries, physicists have repeatedly clashed with the church as a result of the influence physics insights have exerted on the way the world is viewed. The developments brought forth contradicted the Bible’s claim of being the sole source of understanding and knowledge. An example of notoriety is Galilei’s hypothesis that the earth revolves around the sun, which was based on observations. It is a common error or misinterpretation that Physics attempts to question the rather more religious or metaphysical biblical answer to the question why certain occurrences take place. On the contrary, it is this approach, which is descriptive and free of values, that makes physical evidence irrefutable and has finally allowed physics to prevail against these dogmas. Being a physicist nowadays doesn’t necessarily mean that one must be engaged in basic research. On the contrary, a considerable number of physicists work in other, mostly application-oriented areas. Thus, physicists may, for instance, work in large industrial research laboratories, contributing to the development and manufacturing of innovative products. They may also be concerned with the utilization and application of new processes of medical diagnosis and therapy. Today, physics has become indispensable. It is a science that is a prerequisite for research and development work in other areas. Here one need only think of the physics which is required in the development of absolutely new material based on nano-structures, or laser physics as a prerequisite for modern optical storage media. The examples cited above show that forward-looking developments are based on the insights of physics. This applies most especially to all problems, or rather solutions thereof, which are critical for our future. Whether it pertains to new materials, the development of fuel cells for a more environmentally-friendly propulsion techniques, or nuclear fusion as a source of energy in the future, in any event, physics creates the conditions for solving problems.