“But what is physics?”

نویسندگان

چکیده

I took my first physics class ever at Stanford University in January 1960. The professor was Leonard Schiff, then also the chairman of department. lecture hall full mostly freshmen, some excited and terrified thought calculus-based taught by one most distinguished members department.Leonard began talking about difference between basic applied research, perhaps not a topic calculated to excite group. But guy (not I, let me assure you) raised his hand stop lecturer for question: “Yes, but what is physics?” stopped tracks. doubt he had been asked that question way.After thinking few moments, responded, “Why, whatever physicists do.” In 61 years career as physicist, I’ve never heard definition liked better. Physics isn’t manipulation mass energy measurement ever-more-precise quantities. Instead, it’s people trained those arts decide do.That’s used more than once wandered from MeV- GeV-range nuclear particle physics, planetary orbital mechanics, strategic arms control, diplomacy with Chinese Soviet colleagues. As long I’m using mental attitudes doing need apologize changing interests skills.And so, thanks February 2021 issue, which demonstrates encourages enormous range activities we can collectively call “physics”: neutrinos rare-earth magnets, lunar exploration, tech transfer, measurable differences whisky whiskey. think would have charmed delighted. wish hundred copies give high school seniors, mid-degree undergraduate majors, grad students, who left lab other careers.© American Institute Physics.

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ژورنال

عنوان ژورنال: Physics Today

سال: 2021

ISSN: ['0031-9228', '1945-0699']

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/pt.3.4715