1.1.1.1 What is Physics?

Science word is derived from the Latin word ‘Scientia’ which means ‘to know’. Science has many disciplines, Physics being one of them. The word Physics is derived from the Greek word ‘Fusis’ meaning ‘nature’. Physics is that branch of Science which deals with the study of matter and energy or matter or motion i.e. Physics is a study of matter and energy in its different forms. In other words, physics is the study of nature and its laws. We expect that all the different events taking place in nature always take place according to some basic rules and revealing these rules of nature from the observed events in physics.

As physics is a study of nature and its behaviour it is real science. No one has been given authority to frame the rules. Sir Issac Newton, Einstein are the great physicist because using the observations available at that time, they could guess and frame the laws of physics, which explain these events and the observations in a convincing way. If a new phenomenon is observed which can not be explained using existing laws or rules we are always free to change the rules.

Knowledge of Physics overlaps with other sciences considerably, hence such overlapping gives rise to subjects like Biophysics, Biochemistry, Astrophysics, Geophysics, etc.

Physics can be conveniently divided into two parts, classical Physics (Pre-1900) and modern Physics (Post – 1900). Classical physics includes the study of mechanics, gravitation, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. Modern Physics includes the study of quantum mechanics, relativity, atoms, molecules, nuclei, elementary particles, and condensed matter.

The complex physical phenomena involving wide range of length, mass. and time can be easily understood due to following reasons:

• A quantitative study of various natural phenomena shows that there is some regularity and symmetry even in the most complex phenomenon which helps us to understand it.
• All these phenomena can be explained in terms of only a few basic laws.
• Complex phenomena can be separated into simpler phenomena and by understanding these simple phenomena, the complex phenomena can be understood.

Scientific Methods:

The study of science and particularly in Physics is based on systematic observation, logical reasoning, model making, and theoretical prediction and necessary modifications. All the four steps taken together constitute what we call the ‘scientific method’. The scientific method helps us to describe the given physical phenomenon or behavior of a physical system in terms of a limited number of laws. This gives us what we call ‘theory’. The theory should be self-consistent and consistent with known experimental data. The discrepancy between the theory and experimental data has to lead to new theories in Physics.

Relation Between Physics and Mathematics:

Physics is directly related to maths because the description of nature becomes easy if we have the freedom to use mathematics. In physics, we use mathematical techniques like algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Thus mathematics is a language of physics. Without knowledge of mathematics, it would be much more difficult to discover, understand and explain the laws of nature. But we should note that mathematics itself is not physics. To understand nature is a journey of physics, mathematics is the mean of the journey.

Back to List of Sub-Topics

1.1.1.2 Scope of Physics:

The scope of physics is broad and encompasses the study of the fundamental principles governing the natural world. Physics not only explores the properties and behaviour of matter and energy but also plays a crucial role in advancing technology, contributing to other scientific disciplines, and addressing fundamental questions about the nature of the universe. Here are key aspects of the scope of physics:

Mechanics:

Mechanics is a branch of physics, which deals with the motion of material bodies. In this branch, the forces responsible for producing or changing the motion of the body are studied. The energy involved is also studied. Newton’s laws of motion, the law of conservation of momentum and energy, Newton’s gravitation law forms the base of this branch of Physics.

Heat:

Heat is the energy that a body possesses by virtue of the motion of the molecules of which it is composed and the potential energy due to interatomic forces. The term heat is also used to indicate the energy in the process of transfer between an object and its surroundings because a difference exists between their temperatures. Thermodynamics is the name given to the branch of physics which studies the relationship between heat and mechanics.

Acoustics:

Acoustic is a branch which studies sound. Wave motion is studied in this branch.  An object in a state of vibration can set medium particles in the vibration and this disturbance in the medium can travel from one point to another. Thus sound is wave motion itself.

Optics:

Optics is a branch of science which studies electromagnetic waves to which the eye responds (light). Propagation of light means the propagation of electromagnetic waves with varying electric and magnetic fields through a vacuum or a transparent medium. It has two broad branches: geometric optics and physical optics.

Electricity and Magnetism:

These topics are interrelated with each other. We have to take the help of another topic when we are studying one of them individually. Electricity deals with the forces on charged particles, the effect of such forces. It also studies the phenomenon caused by the motion of charged particles. Magnetism can have an effect on the electric current. magnetic materials can be used in producing electric currents. Electronics is the branch of electricity.

Modern Physics:

Modern physics is the branch of physics which deals with the recent developments in the science-related to physics such as Radioactivity, X-Rays, Cathode Rays, Atomic and Molecular Structure, Quantum Theory and wave mechanics, etc.

Back to List of Sub-Topics

1.1.1.3 Pioneers of Physics

Back to List of Sub-Topics

1.1.1.4 Click Here to find the List of Noble Prize Winners in Physics

Conclusion:

Physics is a branch of science that seeks to understand the fundamental principles governing the natural world, encompassing everything from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. It involves the study of matter, energy, space, and time, as well as the interactions between these elements. Physicists explore the fundamental laws and forces that govern the behaviour of the universe and seek to explain and predict the observed phenomena. Physics relies heavily on mathematical models and experimental observations. The scientific method is a fundamental aspect of physics, involving the formulation of hypotheses, experimentation, and the development of theories that can be tested and refined through further observations and experiments.

Related Topics:

• 1.1.2 Scientific Methods
• 1.1.3 Scientific View
• 1.1.4 Physics and Other Sciences

For More Topics in Physics Click Here

The post 1.1.1 Introduction to Physics appeared first on The Fact Factor.

• The process is a series of inter-related functions.
• George R. Terry defines it as a distinct process consisting of planning, organizing, actuating and controlling performed to achieve stated objectives.
• In this perspective, management is creation, operation, and direction of the organization through systematic, coordinated and cooperated efforts of human and machine resources.
• Under this perspective, its functions are planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating and directing to achieve the goal of the organization.
• As a process, management consists of four aspects:
• As a social process – Human resource is an important factor in an organization. It is concerned with developing a healthy relationship among people. It is the duty of the manager to create between people, which is productive and supportive of organizational goals.
• As an integrating process – Men, money, and material are resources of an organization. Manager brings together human, physical, and financial resources so as to achieve the organizational purpose.
• As a continuous process – Management is a never-ending process. It is concerned with constantly identifying the problem and solving them by taking adequate steps. The manager should be innovative and up to date.
• A universal Process – Management is not restricted to corporate offices or boardrooms, but it is applicable everywhere in daily life for e.g. human relations, parenting, education etc.

Management as a Function:

• Management includes a set of duties, responsibilities, and relationships to set up an organization. Some scholars see them as functions to be performed by the manager.
• Using these functions manager can decide objectives, prioritize them, prepare an action plan and expedite it to achieve the goals of the organization.
• As a function, management consists of five aspects:
• Planning – According to KOONTZ, “Planning is deciding in advance – what to do when to do & how to do. It bridges the gap between where we are & where we want to be”. A plan is a future course of actions and it is the basic function of management. Strategic management sets the goals of the organization. Planning chalk out the action plan to achieve these goals. Planning is necessary to ensure proper utilization of human & non-human resources. Planning avoids confusion, uncertainties, risks, wastages etc.
• Organizing – According to Henry Fayol, “To organize a business is to provide it with everything useful or its functioning i.e. raw material, tools, capital and personnel’s”. Organizing is the process by which the physical, financial and human resources are brought together to develop a productive relationship amongst the resources so that the goals of the organization can be achieved. Organizing as a process involves: Identification and classification of activities, assignment, and delegation of duties and creating responsibility and coordination between authority and responsibility.
• Staffing- The main purpose of staffing is to put right man on right job According to Kootz & O’Donnell, “Managerial function of staffing involves manning the organization structure through the proper and effective selection, appraisal & development of personnel to fill the roles designed in the structure”.  Staffing gained importance due to the advancement of technology, increase in size and nature of the business, the complexity of human behaviour etc. Staffing involves manpower planning, recruitment, selection, placement, training and development, remuneration, appraisals, promotions, transfers, layoffs, retrenchment etc.
• Directing – This is a very important function of management because it actuates the organizational methods to work efficiently for achieving the goal of the organization. The direction is an inert-personnel aspect of management which deals directly with influencing, guiding, supervising, motivating sub-ordinate for achieving the goal of the organization. Directing involves supervision (directing and overseeing the work of subordinates), motivation (inspiring and encouraging subordinates through monetary or non-monetary methods), Leadership (manage, influence and guide activities of subordinates) and communication (transferring information, experience, suggestions and opinions from one person to another verbally or written).
• Controlling – According to Koontz & O’Donnell “Controlling is the measurement & correction of performance activities of subordinates in order to make sure that the enterprise objectives and plans desired to obtain them as being accomplished”.  According to Theo Haimann, “Controlling is the process of checking whether or not proper progress is being made towards the objectives and goals and acting if necessary, to correct any deviation”.  The purpose of control is to make sure that everything in the organization occurs in accordance with the standards and plans. Controlling involves Establishment of standard performance, measurement of actual performance,  comparison of actual performance with the standards and finding out deviation if any and taking corrective action.

Management as an Activity:

• According to Koontz, “Management is what a manager does”. As management is an activity it can be studied, mastered and practiced. Management as an activity cannot be studied in isolation. The management is an activity because a manager is a person who accomplishes the objectives of the organization by directing and controlling the efforts of others. Management as an activity includes three aspects:
• Informational activities – These activities involve transferring information, experience, suggestions, and opinions from one person to another verbally or in written form. The manager maintains a communication link between the subordinates and superiors. It guarantees the effective functioning of an enterprise.
• Decisional activities – Basically management is decision making. Therefore, managers are continuously involved in decisions of different kinds. These decisions become the basis for the actions of subordinates and associated departments
• Inter-personal activities – The managers have to interact with superiors as well as the subordinates.  He must maintain good relations with them and between them.

Management as a Team:

• Management is a task carried out by a group of people who share the responsibility of guiding and coordinating the efforts of other team members. Managers have the responsibility of guiding and directing their respective teams from the different hierarchical position. Considering a team there are three types of managers
• Patrimonial / Family Manager: Those who have become managers by virtue of their being owners or relatives of the owners of the company.
• Professional Managers: Those who have been appointed on account of their specialized knowledge and qualifications.
• Political Managers / Civil Servants / Military Personel: Those who manage have been appointed by virtue of training and experiences.

Management as a Science:

• Science is a systematic body of knowledge pertaining to a specific field of study that contains general facts which explain a phenomenon. Management satisfies following criteria of science
• Cause & Effect Relationship – Principles and laws of science put cause and effect relationship between various variables. e.g. Under the action of gravity (the cause), the apple falls down (the effect). All the outcome (effects) in management can be explained with reasons (cause) behind it. Similarly, the outcome (effect) can be predicted by studying the action (cause).
• Universally acceptance principles – Principles of science can be applied in all situations, at all time & at all places without any anomalies. E.g. – the law of gravitation which can be applied universally. Some principles of management like the Principle of Unity of Command (one man, one boss) is true everywhere.
• Experimentation & Observation – In science new principles can be discovered, studied and implemented in laboratories on a smaller scale. Observations are made during experimentation. Its merits, demerits, and applications are studied. Then this principle can be applied on a large scale. The Same thing is true for management.
• Test of Validity & Predictability – Validity of scientific principles can be tested at any time or any number of times. Similarly, the principles of management can be verified.

Management as an Art:

• Art has the following characteristics
• Practical Knowledge: Every art requires practical knowledge, therefore, learning of theory is not sufficient. It is very important to know the practical application of theoretical principles. In the management, mere knowledge of management is not essential but to apply effectively so as to achieve organizational goal economically.
• Personal Skill: Every artist has his or her unique style of working or performing. The level of success and quality of performance depends on this uniqueness. Every manager has his own way of managing things based on his knowledge, experience, and personality. This personal skill decides the success of the manager.
• Creativity: Creativity is the basis of art. Using their intuition, imagination, and intelligence they produce something which is unique and may not be present before. Successful manager combines this creativity to combines human and non-human resources in a useful way to achieve desired goals.
• Perfection through practice: Practice makes a man perfect. After achieving success artist never stop practicing. Similarly, managers learn through the method of trial and error initially but by practice becomes perfect in the job of managing.
• Goal-Oriented: Every artist has a clear idea of what he is going to create and achieve. In the same way, the management also directed towards the accomplishment of pre-determined goals.

Management as a Discipline:

• Any branch of knowledge that fulfills the following two requirements is known as a discipline: a) There must be scholars & thinkers who communicate relevant knowledge through research and publications. and b) The knowledge should be formally imparted through education and training programs. Management satisfies both the conditions.

The post Management in Different Perspectives appeared first on The Fact Factor.