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0-INTRODUCTIONT F
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What is Physics?
● Ancient Greek: “knowledge of nature” (Aristotle)
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● XIXth century:

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Physics = Mechanics + optics + acoustics + electricity + heat + material
properties
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Forces occurring in nature are related.
● Nowadays: The study of energy and matter.

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The analysis of measurable phenomena leads to general laws.
Basis of Engineering and Technology.

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Basis: Two arbitrary bodies can influence/affect each other. Physical properties

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can be examined taking into account the interactions of a set of bodies.
● Set: system
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Physical systems: small (Particle Physics) or large (Astrophysics).

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HOW IS AN ANALYSIS DONE?

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1. Analyse individually the factors that influence the system. Use simplified

2. Experiments: to observe physical phenomena.

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systems (with similar properties as those of the original one). Models.

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3. Use mathematical relationships to express the relations emerging from the
analyses of physical systems.
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Therefore, Physics isTthe science that
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on the basis of s
studies the interactions

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experiments.

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Mathematics
of Physics.

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(See 1st topic)
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STRUCTURE OF THE LAWS OF PHYSICS, SYMMETRY

AND CONSERVATION LAWS
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As a consequence of symmetries occurring in Nature, someH
conservation laws may be defined.
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These laws express that the total value of a magnitude in an
isolated system is constant as the system evolves over time.

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For example, conservation laws for momentum and energy.

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Conservation laws are very important in Physics.

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AGGREGATION STATES OF MATTER

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STATE
Does it keep
the shape?
Does it keep Molecular
the volume? distribution

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Physical
properties

GAS No No
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T FStatistically
homogeneous1
Isotropic2

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LIQUID No Yes

SOLID Yes

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Periodically
homogeneous1
Anisotropic3

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The same physical properties along parallel directions.
The same physical properties in all directions.

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Different physical properties along different directions.
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