Grade 10
  1. Mechanics  1.1. Dynamics  1.1.1. Motion in one dimension  1.1.2. Motion in two dimensions  1.1.3. Displacement and Distance  1.1.4. Speed and Velocity  1.1.5. Acceleration  1.1.6. Graphical representation of motion  1.1.7. Equations of motion  1.1.8. Free fall and acceleration due to gravity  1.1.9. Projectile motion  1.1.10. Relative speed  1.2. Dynamics  1.2.1. Newton's Laws of Motion  1.2.2. Inertia and mass  1.2.3. Force and its types  1.2.4. action and reaction force  1.2.5. Friction and its effects  1.2.6. Coefficient of friction  1.2.7. Circular motion  1.2.8. Centripetal force and centripetal acceleration  1.2.9. Momentum and Impulse  1.2.10. Conservation of momentum  1.2.11. Newton's third law and applications  1.3. Work, Energy and Power  1.3.1. Work done by the force  1.3.2. Work–energy theorem  1.3.3. Kinetic energy  1.3.4. Potential energy  1.3.5. Mechanical energy  1.3.6. Energy Conservation  1.3.7. Power and efficiency  1.3.8. Renewable and non-renewable energy sources  1.4. Gravitational force  1.4.1. Newton's law of universal gravitation  1.4.2. Gravitational field and field strength  1.4.3. Acceleration due to gravity on different planets  1.4.4. Kepler's laws of planetary motion  1.4.5. Orbits and satellites  1.4.6. Weight and apparent weight  1.4.7. Gravitational potential energy
  2. Properties of matter  2.1. States of matter  2.1.1. Solid, liquid and gas  2.1.2. Molecular structure of matter  2.1.3. Intermolecular forces  2.1.4. Plasma and Bose–Einstein condensate  2.2. Pressure  2.2.1. Definition of Pressure  2.2.2. Pressure in liquids  2.2.3. Atmospheric pressure  2.2.4. Pascal's principle  2.2.5. Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy  2.2.6. Surface tension and capillarity  2.3. Elasticity  2.3.1. Hooke's law  2.3.2. Stress and strain  2.3.3. Elastic Limit and Modulus of Elasticity  2.3.4. Applications of Elasticity
  3. Thermal physics  3.1. heat and temperature  3.1.1. Difference Between Heat and Temperature  3.1.2. Temperature scale  3.1.3. Thermal expansion  3.1.4. Thermal equilibrium  3.2. Heat transfer  3.2.1. Conductivity  3.2.2. Convection  3.2.3. Radiation  3.2.4. Insulation and its applications  3.3. Thermal properties of matter  3.3.1. Specific heat capacity  3.3.2. Latent heat and phase change  3.3.3. Boiling and Melting Point  3.3.4. Heat engines and refrigeration  3.4. Laws of Thermodynamics  3.4.1. Zeroth law of thermodynamics  3.4.2. First law of thermodynamics  3.4.3. Second law of thermodynamics  3.4.4. Carnot cycle
  4. Waves and optics  4.1. Nature and properties of waves  4.1.1. Types of waves in nature and properties of waves  4.1.2. Transverse and longitudinal waves  4.1.3. Wave parameters  4.1.4. Reflection and refraction of waves  4.1.5. Superposition and Interference  4.1.6. Standing Waves and Resonance  4.1.7. Doppler effect  4.2. Sound waves  4.2.1. Characteristics of sound waves  4.2.2. Speed of sound in different mediums  4.2.3. Applications of sound waves  4.2.4. Ultrasound and its uses  4.3. Light Waves and Optics  4.3.1. Nature of light  4.3.2. Reflection of light  4.3.3. Laws of reflection  4.3.4. Mirrors and Image Formation  4.3.5. Refraction of light  4.3.6. Snell's Law  4.3.7. Lenses and Image Formation  4.3.8. Total internal reflection and critical angle  4.3.9. Optical fibre  4.4. Optical Instruments  4.4.1. Microscope  4.4.2. Telescope  4.4.3. Human eye and vision defects  4.4.4. Camera and its working principle
  5. Electricity and Magnetism  5.1. Electrostatics  5.1.1. Electric charge and its properties  5.1.2. Conductors and Insulators  5.1.3. Coulomb's law  5.1.4. Electric field and field lines  5.1.5. Electric potential and potential difference  5.1.6. Capacitors and Capacitance  5.2. Current Electricity  5.2.1. Electric current and its measurement  5.2.2. Ohm's law  5.2.3. Resistance and resistivity  5.2.4. Series and Parallel Circuits  5.2.5. Electric power and energy  5.2.6. Kirchhoff's Laws  5.3. Magnetism and Electromagnetism  5.3.1. Magnetic field and field lines  5.3.2. Magnetic effects of electric current  5.3.3. Electromagnetic induction  5.3.4. Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction  5.3.5. Transformers and Applications  5.3.6. AC and DC current
  6. Modern Physics  6.1. Nuclear physics  6.1.1. Structure of the atom  6.1.2. Bohr's atomic model  6.1.3. Electron Energy Levels  6.1.4. X-rays and applications  6.2. Radioactivity  6.2.1. Types of radiation  6.2.2. Half-life and radioactive decay  6.2.3. Nuclear reactions and applications  6.2.4. Fission and Fusion  6.3. Quantum physics  6.3.1. Wave–particle duality  6.3.2. Photoelectric effect  6.3.3. Energy quantization  6.3.4. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
  7. Electronics and Communication  7.1. Semiconductors  7.1.1. Conductors, Insulators and Semiconductors  7.1.2. Diodes and their applications  7.1.3. Transistors and Logic Gates  7.1.4. LEDs and photodiodes  7.2. Communication Systems  7.2.1. Basics of communication  7.2.2. Analog and digital signals  7.2.3. Wireless and optical fibre communication  7.2.4. Radio Waves and Modulation

Grade 10 ↓


Modern Physics


Modern physics is a branch of physics that deals with post-Newtonian concepts in the world of physics. It provides a framework for new understanding of various phenomena that classical physics could not explain. It includes the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Beginning

Modern physics began in the early 20th century when scientists began experimenting with very small objects (such as atoms) and very fast moving objects (such as light). Classical physics developed by Isaac Newton and others could not accurately describe these phenomena. Therefore, new theories were needed to overcome these shortcomings.

Theory of relativity

The theory of relativity developed by Albert Einstein changed our understanding of space, time and motion. There are two parts of relativity: special relativity and general relativity.

Special relativity

Special relativity deals mainly with objects that are moving close to the speed of light. Its most famous conclusion is that time is not absolute. This means that time can pass differently for two observers depending on their relative speed.

Relative speed

For example, if you travel in a spaceship at a speed close to the speed of light and then return to Earth, you will find that less time has passed for you than for people on Earth. This is due to a concept called time dilation.

        Time Dilation Formula: t' = t / √(1 - v²/c²)

Where:

  • t' is the time experienced by the moving observer.
  • t is Earth-time.
  • v is the velocity of the spacecraft.
  • c is the speed of light.

General relativity

General relativity is an extension of special relativity and includes gravity as the curvature of spacetime due to mass.

Imagine that a flat rubber sheet represents space. If you place a heavy ball on the sheet, it will create a crater. Any smaller ball placed near the heavy ball will roll onto it. This is a simple analogy of how gravity works in general relativity.

The way planets orbit the Sun can be explained using this concept. The Sun makes a dent in spacetime, causing the planets to orbit around it rather than flying through space.

The general theory of relativity is also responsible for explaining phenomena such as black holes and gravitational waves. These are regions of extremely strong gravity from which even light cannot escape, and are ripples in spacetime caused by massive objects moving through space.

Quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics is another foundation of modern physics that deals with very small particles like electrons and photons. It tells us about the behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level.

Uncertainty principle

An interesting feature of quantum mechanics is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This principle states that it is impossible to know precisely both the position and momentum of a particle at the same time.

Think of trying to catch a small, fast-moving insect in your room. You can try to find either where it is at a given time (position) or how fast and where it is going (velocity), but not both at the same time.

        Uncertainty Principle Formula: Δx * Δp ≥ ħ / 2

Where:

  • Δx is the uncertainty in position.
  • Δp is the uncertainty in momentum.
  • ħ is the reduced Planck constant (1.0545718 x 10⁻³⁴ Js).

Wave–particle duality

Another key concept in quantum mechanics is wave–particle duality, which states that particles, such as electrons, behave as both particles and waves.

For example, imagine a wave of water flowing through two side-by-side holes. The waves will create ripples on the surface of the water. If you do a similar experiment with electrons, they too will create a pattern of waves, indicating their wave nature.

This dual nature of particles is one reason why quantum mechanics is often called probabilistic, considering probabilities about the location of a particle rather than certainties.

Applications of modern physics

Modern physics has brought revolutionary changes not only in science but also in technology. Here are some applications:

Electronics

Quantum mechanics is important in the development of semiconductors and transistors. These are essential components for all electronic devices such as smartphones, computers and televisions.

Medical technology

Modern physics has enabled the development of advanced medical imaging technologies such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans, which are based on the principles of electromagnetic waves and quantum mechanics.

Space probes

Understanding relativity is essential for tasks such as launching satellites and spacecraft. GPS systems also rely on adjustments based on relativistic calculations to provide accurate position data.

Conclusion

Modern physics represents a fascinating journey into the unknown that challenges our perceptions of reality. It reshapes the way we think about time, space, and the fundamental nature of the universe. Although some concepts may seem confusing at first, they open up new possibilities for technological advancement and a deeper understanding of our universe.


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