1. Branches of Physics:
    • Classical Mechanics: Classical mechanics describes the motion of objects under the influence of forces, including Newton’s laws of motion and the principles of energy and momentum conservation.
    • Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics studies the relationships between heat, energy, and work, including concepts such as temperature, entropy, and the laws of thermodynamics.
    • Electromagnetism: Electromagnetism explores the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, as well as their interactions with charged particles and currents, as described by Maxwell’s equations.
    • Optics: Optics deals with the behavior of light and its interactions with matter, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, and the formation of images.
    • Quantum Mechanics: Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels, incorporating principles such as wave-particle duality, uncertainty, and quantization.
    • Relativity: Relativity theory, developed by Albert Einstein, encompasses both special relativity (which deals with the behavior of objects moving at high speeds) and general relativity (which describes the gravitational interactions between massive objects and the curvature of spacetime).
  2. Key Concepts:
    • Force and Motion: Physics studies the motion of objects and the forces that cause them to move, including concepts such as acceleration, velocity, inertia, and gravitational attraction.
    • Energy: Energy is a fundamental concept in physics, encompassing various forms such as kinetic energy, potential energy, thermal energy, and electromagnetic energy.
    • Waves and Oscillations: Physics studies the behavior of waves and oscillations, including sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and mechanical waves like those produced by vibrating strings or pendulums.
    • Particles and Fields: Physics explores the properties of elementary particles, such as electrons, protons, and neutrons, as well as the fundamental forces (gravitational, electromagnetic, weak, and strong) that govern their interactions.
  3. Applications:
    • Physics has numerous practical applications in fields such as engineering, technology, medicine, astronomy, and environmental science.
    • In engineering, physics principles are used to design and optimize structures, machines, electronics, and systems, as well as to develop new materials and technologies.
    • In medicine, physics is applied in imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound, as well as in radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
    • In astronomy, physics helps us understand the origins, evolution, and behavior of celestial objects and phenomena, from stars and galaxies to black holes and the cosmic microwave background.
    • In environmental science, physics contributes to the study of climate change, pollution, renewable energy sources, and sustainable development.
  4. Research and Discoveries:
    • Physics research drives scientific progress and innovation, leading to new discoveries, theories, and technologies that expand our understanding of the universe.
    • Breakthroughs in physics have revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson, the detection of gravitational waves, and the confirmation of the expanding universe.
    • Physics research also has practical applications, ranging from the development of semiconductor technology and quantum computing to the exploration of nuclear fusion as a clean energy source.

Course

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Dr Kakali Bandyopadhyay

Associate Professor(M.Sc.(Gold Medalist), Ph.D.)

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Dr Minakshi Chakraborty (Sen)

Associate Professor(M.Sc., Ph.D.(Prof. S.N.Ghosh Young Scientist Awardee))

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Dr Budhaditya Chatterjee

Assistant Professor(M.Sc., Ph.D)