Section 3

Text 2. WHAT IS PHYSICS AND WHY TO STUDY IT?

Key terms: physics, branch of science, property, tool, elementary sys­tem, fundamental process, nature, govern, firefighter, therapist, quantum theory, propagation of sound waves, solid matter, determine

Physics is the branch of science that deals with properties, changes and interactions of matter and energy. It comes from the Latin word physica, meaning nature. So physics is the study of nature and principles that govern the physical world around us.

Physics is a tool that will let you fulfil your curiosity about the world and reach your full potential. Through the study of physics you will learn about some of the men and women who made significant contributions to science and technology.

An understanding of physics is needed in many different careers. A firefighter needs an extensive knowledge of heated gases in order to bring flame under control. A therapist must know how_, different systems of the body interact in order to treat injuries Architects and civil engineers use physical princi­ples in designing buildings and other structures, Botanists and zoologists also use physics. The movement of water_, to the top of tall trees is partially explained' using the electrical forces between molecules.

The physicist seeks to understand the way In which the most elementary systems in Nature really operate,. The discoveries made by the physicists not only broaden our view of fundamen­tal processes, but frequently are of, crucial importance in ad­vancement of other sciences. The development of quantum theo­ry, for example, permitted the chemist to understand the variety of facts that had been gathered about the chemical structures and chemical reactions. The rules that the physicists formulated concerning the propagation of sound waves in solid materials allowed' the geologist to use seismological techniques for the in­vestigation of the interior of the Earth. The basic laws of fluid flow, developed more than a hundred years ago, are used by meteorologists and oceanographers in their studies of the move­ment of air and water masses. The law of physics determine all physical processes.

As you see, physics is an important science. It increases our understanding of numerous common phenomena; it is the foun­dation for our further studies in science and technology, and it is a stepping stone to many careers.

Vocabulary notes

branch of science галузь науки

property, n властивість

govern, v керувати, управляти

tool, n інструмент

curiosity, n цікавість

design, v, n проектувати; конструкція, проект

partially, adv частково

to increase, v збільшувати

a stepping stone місток

TASKS

І. Translate these international words:

'matter, 'energy, 'nature, 'principle, po'tential, contri'bution, tech'nology, ca'reer, gas, control (n, v), 'therapist, 'system, 'architect, 'civil, engi'neer, 'structure, 'botanist, zo'ologist, 'molecule, phe'nomenon.

ІІ. Answer the questions on the text:

1. What is physics? 2. What does the word physica mean? 3. In what branches of science and technology is the knowledge of physics necessary? 4. Why do the firefighters need some knowledge of physics? 5. Why do we say that physics is the foundation for further studies in science and technology?

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

1. Read these dialogues. Make up dialogues of your own using modifi­cations.

Situation: It is your first day at the University. You are meeting new people.

• Hi, are you a student?

— Of course I am. Why else should I be at the University on the first of September! And you?

— Me, too. I'm very proud that I passed my entrance exams successfully and was enrolled.

• Are you a physics student?

— Yes, I'm going to do physics at the university. And what faculty are you in?

• As for me, I'm going to do mathematics, which is right­fully called «the queen of science».

— I know that mathematics is «the queen of science», and I shall use it in mastering physics.

• But why did you choose physics as your future profes­sion_, but not mathematics?

— Because knowledge of physics gives us understanding of the way in which all the system in the world operate. It is a tool which will let you fulfil your curiosity about the world.

• Oh, I see that you really are good at physics.

• I'm afraid you exaggerate. But that's why I am here, at the University.

— Then, I wish you success in your mastering physics and other not less important subjects, such as mathematics and English.

• The same for you. I hope we shall meet in a months and speak about our freshers' impressions.

• Till next month, then.

• Bye, see you later.

2. Speak on the role of physics in our life.

3. Imagine that your friend asks you to help him choose his future profession. Would you advise him to become a physicist?

Keys to the crossword:

Across: 2. chance, 5. entrance, 7. fail, 8. lucky, 9. exam, 10. subjects.

Down: 1. take, 2. confess, 3. now, 4 compare, 5. early.