The fields and uses of physics

The story of man’s civilization is the story of his study of nature and the application of his knowledge in his life. Primitive man was born, lived and died with little change in his manner of living from generation to generation.

The laws of nature were not studied. The use of tools, first of stone and later of metals, the domestication of animals, the development of writing- and counting, all progressed slowly since rapid advance was not possible until man began to gather data and check theories. Till that time most of man’s knowledge was based on the speculations of the Greeks. Not until a little over three centuries ago did man adopt the scientific method of studying his environment. After this development the civilization has become increasingly more rapid. The advance of all the natural sciences has been almost simultaneous: in fact, many of the prominent scientists were walking in more than one field of knowledge.

We shall limit our attention to the one field of physics. Probably more than any other science physics has changed the conditions under which man lives. Physics deals not with man himself, but with the things he sees and feels and hears. This science deals with the laws of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, light, which have been applied in numerous combinations to built our machine age. Modern physics also deals with electronics, atomic phenomena, photo electricity, X-rays, radioactivity, the transmutation of matter and energy and the phenomena associated with electron tubes and the electric waves of modern radio.

The practical application of the developments of physics continues at an ever increasing rate.

“Practical physics” plays, therefore, no small role, for the laws of physics are applied in every movement we make, in every attempt at communication, in the warmth and light we receive from the sun, in every machine. Practical applications of physics are not all made by physicists, for the majority of those who apply the principles of physics are called “engineers”.

In fact, most of the branches of engineering are closely related with one or more sections of physics: civil engineering applies the principles of mechanics; mechanical engineering utilizes the laws of mechanics and heat; electrical engineering is based on fundamentals of electricity, etc. The relation between engineering and physics is so close that a through knowledge and understanding of physical principles is important for progress of engineering. One of the tools common to physics and engineering is mathematics.

If we are to make effective use of the principles and measurements of physical science, we must have a workable knowledge of mathematics. Physics and mathematics are thus the basic “foundations of engineering”.

COMMENTARY

not until - тільки

workable knowledge - практичне знання

Titanium

The development of titanium as a basic industrial metal is without precedent in metallurgical industry. Other modern industrial metals, such as aluminum and magnesium, came into use relatively slowly because from the very beginning the supply of metal exceeded the demand, making it necessary to stimulate the demand by suggesting new uses.

It has been quite the opposite in the case of titanium. The demand has exceeded the supply from the time it was demonstrated to be a practical engineering material.

The rapid growth of titanium has been unparalleled by the technological development of any other metal. It was discovered in 1790, but it was not until 1943 that its potentialities were realized. Since then, its development was rapid.

Titanium is the fourth most abundant structural metal in nature. Its supply is exceeded only by aluminum, iron and magnesium, and it ranks ahead of copper, lead and zinc.

Ore deposits and beach sands throughout the world contain large quantities of titanium. The Ukraine processes great supplies of titanium. In fact, ilmenite is named for the Ilmen Mountains in the Lirals. Large deposits of this valuable metal are found in the USA, Canada, Australia and Norway. Titanium is lightweight, strong, corrosion resistant and abundant in nature. It is finding increasing application in many different fields.

COMMENTARY

came into use - входили у вживання

to stimulate - стимулювати (попит)

it has been quite the opposite in the case of titanium - з титаном вийшло зовсім навпаки

it was demonstrated to be a practical engineering material - було показано, що він є практично важливим технічним матеріалом

it ranks ahead of - знаходиться перед