Chapter 47: Physics

Introduction

The term “Physics” has been derived from a Greek word meaning “natural things”. Physics is the science devoted to the study of matter and energy. Physicists try to understand what matter is all about and its behavioural pattern. They seek to learn how energy is produced, its mode of travel from one place to another and the mechanism of its control. They also study the relationship between matter and energy. The subject may be grouped into two broad categories, viz., theoretical physics and experimental physics. Theoretical physics deal with laws and theories which are almost always expressed in the language of mathematics, and, therefore, mathematics is the basic tool of physics. Experimental physics involves carefully designed experiments and comparison of the findings with the predictions based on the theory and laws propounded by theoretical physicists.

The subjects studied by physicists my also be grouped into two broad categories, viz., classical physics and modern physics. They differ only in terms of emphasis and therefore, interrelated. Classical physics is concerned with motion and energy and consists of five basic areas, viz., (1) mechanics, (2) heat, (3) sound, (4) light, and (5) electricity and magnetism. Modern physics primarily concentrates on the basic structure of the material world. The major fields include (1) atomic, molecular, and electron physics, (2) nuclear physics, (3) particle physics, (4) fluid and plasma physics, and (5) solid state physics. A brief account of some of these branches is given in Annexure 1.

Through the centuries, physics has been closely linked to developments in technology and to advances in mathematics, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and other sciences. These linkages are reflected in the development of such topics as, astrophysics, mathematical physics, geophysics, and biophysics. It continues to make important contributions to technology. For example, solid-state physicists developed transistors and other semiconductor devices. They contributed to the enormous growth of the electronics industry since the second world war. Advances in electronics, in turn, have resulted in the development of extremely sophisticated computers.

The Nobel Prize for Physics for 2000 was awarded to Zhores Alferov, Jack Kilby and Herbert Kroemer for laying the foundation of modern Information Technology. Lasers and optical fibres have led to improvement in communication systems and medical technology. There is also a close relationship between physics and engineering. Designing of automobiles and aircrafts is based on certain principles of physics. Laws and theories of physics have been used by engineers and scientists to put satellites into the orbit. Research in physics has led to the use of radioactive material in the study, diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. Most of the home appliances have been invented using theories and principles of physics.

Educational Opportunities

Physics is one of the subjects of study both at the 10+2 and B.Sc levels. Those who want to take up engineering and technology course after 10+2 must study physics (of course, along with mathematics). The course contents of many engineering and technology courses include a substantial portion dealing with the basics of physics. At the B.Sc level, several universities offer honours degree programmes in physics. At the first degree level some universities have introduced courses in electronic sciences (BES) or B.Sc (Electronic Science). There are also stray examples of universities offering such subjects as astrophysics, biophysics as one of the combinations at the B.Sc level. However, those who want to take up the career as physicists (researchers or teachers) should study the postgraduate (M.Sc) course and continue further to obtain doctoral degrees.

There are more than 115 universities which offer M.Sc (Pysics) course. Only Annamalai University (Annamalainagar-60802) has introduced M.Sc (Physics) course through distance learning mode. A small number of universities have introduced specialised M.Sc courses in such areas as biophysics, solid state physics, material physics, space physics, and electroics science. Electronics is also a subject of study in engineering at the first degree (BE/B.Tech) and the postgraduate (ME/M.Tech) degree levels. However, courses with the nomenclature M.Sc (Applied Physics), in fact, offer specialisation in one of the branches. Annexure 2 gives a list of universities offering these courses.

M.Phil and Ph.D courses are available both in universities as well in a number of research institutions listed in Annexure 3. Research fellowships (both junior and senior) and associateships are offered by some of these institutions for undertaking both doctoral and post-doctoral research. For example, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (Calcutta-700084) offers fellowships for doing research in many frontier areas of physics and biophysical sciences. The current value of the fellowship is Rs.5,400 per month. A joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) is conducted for admission to Ph.D programes in physics at 13 research institutions (see Chapter 9 –Admission Procedures). Another route for getting junior research fellowship is to appear in the CSIR-UGC National Education Test (NET) (see Chapter 12-Scholarships, Fellowships and Educational Loans).

Career Opportunities

In fact, good career opportunities for qualified physicists are available both as teachers and researchers. For teaching jobs in universities and colleges, one has to qualify in the UGC-CSIR NET. Every year a large number of candidates are recruited by several research institutions listed in Annexure 3.

Update

National Olympiad Programme: Information about Indian Mathematical Olympiad (INMO)and International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) has been provided in Chapter 42 (Mathematics and Statistics). A major Olympiad programme in physics, Chemistry and Biology is also now in operation. The programme supported by the departments of Atomic Energy, Science and Technology, and The ministry of Human Resources Development is implemented jointly by the Homi Bhabha Centre for science Education (HBCSE)(Mumbai 400088), a National Centre of Tata institute of Fundamental Research, and the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). It Is Implemented through three stages: (1)National Standard Examination(NSE);(2) Indian National Olympiads; and (3) International Olympiad Training Camps at the HBCSE. the final teams for representing the country in the international Olympiads are selected at the end of the camp. The first stage of selection is the National Standard examination (NSE) in physics, Chemistry, and Biology, conducted by the IAPT. Students of class XI and XII are eligible to appear for the NSE.