what is the role of physics in technology essay

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• Why Physics?
• Introduction

Why Study Physics?

• Physics Careers
• Physics at Cornell

There are hundreds of possible college majors and minors. So why should you study physics?

Physics is interesting.

Physics helps us to understand how the world around us works , from can openers, light bulbs and cell phones to muscles, lungs and brains; from paints, piccolos and pirouettes to cameras, cars and cathedrals; from earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes to quarks, DNA and black holes. From the prosaic . . . to the profound . . . to the poetic. . .

Physics helps us to organize the universe. It deals with fundamentals, and helps us to see the connections between seemly disparate phenomena.

Physics gives us powerful tools to help us to express our creativity , to see the world in new ways and then to change it.

Physics is useful.

Physics provides quantitative and analytic skills needed for analyzing data and solving problems in the sciences, engineering and medicine, as well as in economics, finance, management, law and public policy.

Physics is the basis for most modern technology , and for the tools and instruments used in scientific, engineering and medical research and development. Manufacturing is dominated by physics-based technology.

Physics helps you to help others. Doctors that don’t understand physics can be dangerous. Medicine without physics technology would be barbaric. Schools without qualified physics teachers cut their students off from a host of well-respected, well paying careers.

Students who study physics do better on SAT, MCAT and GRE tests. Physics majors do better on MCATs than bio or chem majors .

Majoring in physics provides excellent preparation for graduate study not just in physics, but in all engineering and information/computer science disciplines; in the life sciences including molecular biology, genetics and neurobiology; in earth, atmospheric and ocean science; in finance and economics; and in public policy and journalism.

Physics opens the door to many career options.

More options, in fact, than almost any other college subject. Conversely, not taking physics closes the door to more career options. You can't become an engineer or a doctor without physics; you’re far less likely to get a job in teaching; your video games will be boring and your animated movies won’t look realistic; and your policy judgments on global warming will be less compelling.

College and corporate recruiters recognize the value of physics training.

Although the number of job ads specifically asking for physicists is smaller than, e.g., for engineers, the job market for those with skills in physics is more diverse and is always strong .

Because physics encourages quantitative, analytical and “big picture” thinking, physicists are more likely to end up in top management and policy positions than other technical professionals. Of the three top science-related positions in the U.S. government, two - Energy Secretary and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy - are currently held by physicists.

Physics is challenging.

This is one aspect that scares off many students. But it is precisely one of the most important reasons why you should study physics!

All of us - including professional physicists - find college physics courses challenging, because they require us to master the many concepts and skills that make training in physics so valuable in such a wide range of careers.

This also means that physics is much harder to learn after college (on your own or on the job) than other subjects like history or psychology or computer programming. You’ll get the most bang for your college buck if you take physics and other hard-to-learn subjects in your undergraduate years. You don't need to earn As or even Bs. You just need to learn enough to have a basis for future learning and professional growth.

Learn more about Physics at Cornell .

1.1.4 Physics and Other Sciences

• Post author By Hemant More
• Post date October 15, 2019
• 3 Comments on 1.1.4 Physics and Other Sciences

Science > Physics > Physics and Other Sciences

LIST OF SUB-TOPICS

• 1.1.4.1 Introduction
• 1.1.4.2 Physics and Technology
• 1.1.4.3 Important Scientific Principles
• 1.1.4.4 Physics and Chemistry
• 1.1.4.5 Physics and Biology
• 1.1.4.6 Physics and Astronomy
• 1.1.4.7 Physics and Mathematics
• 1.1.4.8 Physics and Society

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. Technology plays an important role in the benefit of society. Actually the technology is the practical application of Physics and other branches of science. Thermodynamics, a branch of physics, is evolved from the need to understand and improve the working of heat engines. The steam engine played a very important role in the Industrial Revolution in England. Physics and technology are mutually stimulated by each other; the discovery of concepts in physics is driven by technical problems, and the advancements in physics give rise to new technical problems that weren’t previously considered.   Physics and technology are interrelated. It is observed that technology gives rise to new physics and at other times physics generates new technology.

Back to List of Sub-Topics

1.1.4.1 Physics and Technology:

The relationship between physics and technology is deeply intertwined, with physics serving as the foundational science that underlies many technological advancements. Physics provides the principles, theories, and fundamental understanding of the natural world, and these insights are harnessed to develop new technologies that shape our daily lives. Here are key aspects of the relationship between physics and technology:

• Scientific Discoveries and Technological Innovations: Many technological breakthroughs stem from scientific discoveries in physics. For example, the understanding of electromagnetic principles laid the foundation for technologies such as radio, television, and telecommunications.
• Electronics and Semiconductor Physics: The field of electronics is built on the principles of semiconductor physics. Transistors, integrated circuits, and microprocessors are key components of electronic devices and computing systems, all rooted in the understanding of solid-state physics.
• Quantum Mechanics and Information Technology: Quantum mechanics, a branch of physics, is becoming increasingly relevant in information technology. Quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and quantum communication leverage the principles of quantum mechanics for novel computing and secure communication technologies.
• Optics and Photonics: Advances in optics, which is a branch of physics, contribute to technologies such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices. These technologies are widely used in communication, medical diagnostics, and manufacturing.
• Materials Science and Engineering: Physics principles guide the development of new materials with specific properties. This is crucial for the advancement of technologies in fields such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and renewable energy.
• Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology, which involves manipulating materials at the nanoscale, relies on principles of quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics. It has applications in medicine, electronics, materials science, and energy.
• Mechanics and Engineering: Classical mechanics, a branch of physics, provides the principles underlying the design and operation of mechanical systems, from simple machines to complex structures. It is foundational to engineering disciplines and the development of machinery.
• Thermodynamics and Energy Technologies: Thermodynamics principles are crucial for the design and operation of energy technologies, including power plants, engines, and refrigeration systems. Understanding heat transfer and energy conversion processes is essential for optimizing efficiency.
• Communication Technology: The principles of electromagnetism and information theory contribute to the development of communication technologies, including wireless communication, satellites, and the internet.
• Medical Technology: Physics plays a key role in various medical technologies, including imaging devices (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), diagnostic tools, and therapeutic technologies such as radiation therapy and laser surgery.
• Astronomy and Satellite Technology: Technologies developed for space exploration and astronomy, such as satellites, telescopes, and space probes, often involve advanced physics concepts. These technologies have practical applications in communication, navigation, and Earth observation.
• Renewable Energy Technologies: Physics principles guide the development of renewable energy technologies, including solar cells, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. Understanding the behaviour of light, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics is critical for optimizing energy conversion.
• Data Storage and Quantum Computing: Physics principles are applied in the development of data storage technologies, such as hard drives and solid-state drives. Additionally, quantum computing technologies leverage quantum mechanics to process information in ways that classical computers cannot.
• Robotics and Automation: Physics principles, especially in mechanics and control systems, are fundamental to the design and operation of robots and automated systems used in manufacturing, healthcare, and various industries.

The relationship between physics and technology is dynamic and reciprocal. Physics provides the theoretical foundation, guiding principles, and understanding of natural phenomena, while technology translates these principles into practical applications that transform and enhance various aspects of human life and industry. The synergy between physics and technology continues to drive innovation across a wide range of fields.

Physics and Technology are Supplementary to Each Other:

Physics Generating New Technology:

• Newton’s law of motion helped in the development of rockets.
• Bernoulli’s principle helped in the development of an airplane’s wings.
• The concept of thermodynamics helped in the development of heat engines.
• The heating effect of electric current helped in the development of incandescent bulbs and vacuum diodes.
• The chemical effect of electric current is used in electroplating, electrotyping, and electrorefining.
• The phenomenon of electromagnetic induction is used in electric generators, electric motors, and electric furnaces.
• The principle of conservation of energy is used in power plants.
• The theory of propagation of electromagnetic waves is applied in television, radio transmission and in wired and wireless communication.
• Digital electronics has application in computers and calculators.
• The discovery of nuclear fission has provided a tremendous source of energy. In nuclear reactors, a large amount of energy is released where mass is converted into energy. This energy is used to power generation in nuclear power plants and for destruction in a nuclear bomb.
• The phenomenon of population inversion has given rise to lasers which has very wide applications.
• The tidal energy from sea waves and solar energy is used to produce electrical energy.

Technology Generating New Physics:

• Using a discharge tube cathode rays were discovered. When cathode rays were stopped by tungsten block X-rays are produced. The discovery of x-rays helped in further development of physics. It helped in study of atomic structure, spectral analysis etc.
• Maxwell and Hertz’s work with electromagnetic waves led to the creation of wireless technology. This development of wireless technology stimulated the scientific interest in spark discharge and electrical emission. Wireless technology also led to the refinement of the theory of atoms and the development of a new theory on the states of metals.

1.1.4.2 Important scientific Principles:

1.1.4.3 Physics and Chemistry:

Physics is useful in study of chemistry particularly in the study of atomic structure, molecular structure, X-ray diffractions, radioactivity, periodic properties of elements, nature of valency, chemical bonds in molecules, crystal structure of solids, etc.

Physics and chemistry are two closely related branches of science that share a deep connection, and they together form the foundation of physical chemistry. Here are several ways in which physics and chemistry are interrelated:

• Atomism and Molecular Structure: Both physics and chemistry contribute to our understanding of the structure of matter. The concept of atoms and molecules, fundamental to chemistry, has roots in early atomic theory and gained support through various physical experiments and models. Atomism is the philosophical and scientific idea that matter is composed of fundamental, indivisible particles called atoms. The concept of atomism has ancient roots, with early Greek philosophers such as Democritus proposing the existence of atoms around the 5th century BCE. Over time, the idea evolved and gained more acceptance, eventually forming the basis for our modern understanding of molecular structure.
• Quantum Mechanics: Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in both physics and chemistry. It describes the behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It plays a central role in understanding the behaviour of matter at the atomic and subatomic levels, providing the theoretical framework for explaining the properties and interactions of atoms and molecules. In chemistry, quantum mechanics is essential for describing electronic structure, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, and spectroscopy. The quantum mechanical model of the atom, which emerged from the collaboration of physicists and chemists, laid the groundwork for understanding electronic structure and chemical bonding.
• Spectroscopy: Spectroscopy is a technique that involves the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation. It is used extensively in both physics and chemistry. In physics, spectroscopy helps identify the elemental composition of celestial bodies, while in chemistry, it provides information about molecular structure, chemical bonding, and electronic transitions. Spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique that plays a crucial role in chemistry for studying the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation. It provides valuable information about the structure, composition, and dynamics of molecules. Various spectroscopic methods are employed in chemistry, each offering unique insights into different aspects of molecular behaviour.
• Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is a branch of physical science that deals with the relationships between heat, work, and energy. It has applications in both physics and chemistry, providing a framework for understanding and predicting the behaviour of systems undergoing changes. The principles of thermodynamics provide a foundation for the study of physical chemistry. Thus, thermodynamics is a fundamental concept in both physics and chemistry. It provides a unified framework for understanding energy changes, heat transfer, and the spontaneity of processes in diverse systems, ranging from chemical reactions to heat engines.
• Statistical Mechanics: Statistical mechanics is a bridge between physics and chemistry that explains macroscopic thermodynamic behaviour in terms of the statistical properties of microscopic particles. It is used to derive thermodynamic laws from the behaviour of individual particles, contributing to our understanding of the behaviour of gases, liquids, and solids.
• Chemical Kinetics: Chemical kinetics is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of reaction rates, mechanisms, and the factors affecting the speed of chemical reactions. It explores how quickly or slowly chemical reactions occur and the factors that influence the rates of these reactions. Key concepts in chemical kinetics include reaction rates, rate laws, reaction mechanisms, and reaction orders.  The study of reaction rates, is an area where physics concepts, such as collision theory, are applied to understand the mechanisms and dynamics of chemical reactions. The rates of chemical reactions can be explained using principles from classical mechanics.
• Electrochemistry: Electrochemistry explores the relationship between chemical processes and electrical energy. It involves the study of redox reactions and the behaviour of ions in solution. Physics principles, particularly those related to electrical circuits and conductance, are applied to understand electrochemical phenomena.
• Materials Science: Physics and chemistry collaborate in the field of materials science, where the properties and behaviours of materials are studied. Understanding the structure-property relationships of materials involves both chemical considerations (composition, bonding) and physical considerations (electronic structure, crystallography).
• Physical Organic Chemistry: Physical organic chemistry integrates principles from both physics and chemistry to study the relationship between molecular structure and reactivity. It investigates how the electronic and steric factors influence the mechanisms and rates of organic reactions.

The relationship between physics and chemistry is intimate and pervasive. They share common principles and methodologies, and advancements in one field often contribute significantly to the other. Physical chemistry, as a discipline, specifically focuses on the intersection of physics and chemistry, providing a comprehensive understanding of the principles that govern the behaviour of matter.

1.1.4.4 Physics and Biology:

The discovery of optical microscope or electron microscope helped biology in studying the microorganisms and the structure of cells. X-rays are used to study defects, fractures in human body. Ultrasonography is used to study inner organs. Radiography is used for treatment of cancer etc. Physics and biology are two distinct scientific disciplines, but they are interconnected and share fundamental principles. The relationship between physics and biology is evident in several ways:

• Biophysics: Biophysics is a scientific discipline that sits at the intersection of physics and biology. It involves the application of physical principles and methods to study biological systems, aiming to understand the mechanisms and processes that govern life at various levels of organization, from the molecular to the organismal. Biophysics integrates the principles and methodologies of physics with the complexity of biological systems. It provides a quantitative and rigorous approach to understanding life processes, offering insights that are essential for advancing both physics and biology. The interdisciplinary nature of biophysics contributes to advancements in medical research, biotechnology, and our overall understanding of the fundamental principles underlying living organisms.
• Molecular Biology: Molecular biology is a branch of biology that focuses on the study of biological processes at the molecular level. It involves the understanding of the structure and function of biomolecules, the mechanisms of molecular interactions, and the regulation of various cellular processes. Understanding these mechanisms often involves concepts from physics and chemistry, such as the behaviour of biomolecules, molecular interactions, and the structure and function of macromolecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins. Thus, molecular biology provides a detailed understanding of the fundamental processes that govern life at the molecular level. Its insights have profound implications for medicine, genetics, biotechnology, and our overall understanding of the molecular basis of living organisms.
• Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics, a branch of physics, plays a crucial role in understanding energy transfer and transformation in biological systems. Thermodynamics plays a crucial role in understanding and describing various processes within biological systems. The principles of thermodynamics provide a framework for analyzing energy transfer and transformation, as well as the spontaneity and efficiency of biochemical reactions. Thermodynamics is essential for unravelling the energetics of cellular processes, predicting the feasibility of biochemical reactions, and gaining insights into the efficient utilization of energy in living organisms. It provides a foundation for studying metabolism, cellular respiration, and other fundamental processes that sustain life.
• Quantum Biology: Quantum biology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the application of quantum mechanics principles to biological systems. While classical physics effectively describes many macroscopic phenomena, quantum biology investigates whether quantum effects play a role in the behaviour of biological molecules and processes at the microscopic level. It is important to note that quantum biology is a relatively young and evolving field, and some of its claims and hypotheses are still a subject of debate and ongoing research. While there is evidence suggesting quantum effects in certain biological processes, the extent to which quantum mechanics is relevant to the overall functioning of living organism remains an open question. Quantum biology represents a fascinating intersection between quantum physics and the complexity of biological systems, and it continues to inspire new avenues of research and exploration.
• Neurophysics: Neurophysics is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles and techniques of physics to study the structure and function of the nervous system. It seeks to understand the physical mechanisms that underlie neural processes, from the level of individual neurons to complex neural networks. Neurophysics seeks to bridge the gap between physics and neuroscience, using the tools and concepts of physics to gain insights into the fundamental principles governing the structure and function of the nervous system. This interdisciplinary approach is essential for advancing our understanding of brain function and for developing new technologies for both basic research and clinical applications.
• Biomechanics: Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical aspects of living organisms, including their structure, function, and motion, using principles from physics and engineering. It applies the laws and methods of mechanics to understand how biological systems move, respond to forces, and maintain their structural integrity. Biomechanics plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the mechanical aspects of living organisms. It has applications in various fields, including medicine, sports science, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and orthopaedics, contributing to the development of interventions and technologies that improve human health and performance
• Electrophysiology: Electrophysiology is the branch of physiology that studies the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It involves the measurement and analysis of electrical currents and voltages generated by physiological processes. Electrophysiological techniques are widely used to understand the function of cells, organs, and entire organisms. Electrophysiology is a versatile and essential field that provides valuable insights into the electrical aspects of biological systems. It has broad applications in neuroscience, cardiology, muscle physiology, and clinical diagnostics, contributing to our understanding of normal physiology and the mechanisms underlying various diseases.
• Statistical Physics and Evolution: The connection between statistical physics and evolution is an interdisciplinary area that explores how principles from statistical physics can be applied to understand evolutionary processes. While classical Darwinian evolution relies on natural selection acting on individual organisms based on their traits, statistical physics provides a framework for describing the collective behaviour of large populations. The application of statistical physics to evolution provides a mathematical and computational framework for understanding the dynamics of genetic variation and adaptation within populations. It helps explore the role of chance, randomness, and collective behaviours in shaping evolutionary trajectories and patterns of biodiversity. The interdisciplinary nature of this field contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexity of evolutionary processes.

The relationship between physics and biology is multifaceted, with principles from physics providing a foundation for understanding the physical and molecular processes that govern living organisms. The interdisciplinary nature of these fields allows scientists to apply tools and concepts from physics to gain deeper insights into the complexities of biological systems.

1.1.4.5 Physics and Medicine:

The relationship between physics and medicine is profound, and physics plays a crucial role in various aspects of medical science and healthcare. The application of physics principles and technologies in medicine has led to advancements in diagnostics, imaging, treatment, and research.

• X-ray Imaging: Physics principles, particularly those related to electromagnetic radiation, are fundamental to X-ray imaging. X-rays are used for diagnostic purposes, such as detecting fractures, tumors, and assessing the condition of internal organs.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI relies on principles of nuclear magnetic resonance, a phenomenon in quantum mechanics. Magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses are used to create detailed images of soft tissues, providing valuable information for diagnosis.
• Computed Tomography (CT): CT scans use X-rays and principles of tomography to create cross-sectional images of the body. Physics guides the design of CT scanners and the interpretation of images.
• Radiation Therapy: Physics is essential in the field of radiation oncology for cancer treatment. Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. Accurate dose delivery and treatment planning involve sophisticated physics principles and technologies.
• Ultrasound Imaging: Ultrasound imaging utilizes principles of acoustics. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted into the body, and the echoes are used to create images of internal structures. Physics guides the interpretation of ultrasound images and the design of ultrasound equipment.
• Nuclear Medicine: Nuclear medicine involves the use of radioactive materials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Physics principles, such as radioactive decay and detection methods, are central to procedures like positron emission tomography (PET) scans and radioiodine therapy.
• Biophysics: Biophysics applies physics concepts to study biological systems. Understanding the physical properties of biological molecules, cellular processes, and biomechanics is crucial for advancing knowledge in areas such as physiology, pharmacology, and neuroscience.
• Medical Instrumentation: Physics principles guide the development of medical instruments and devices. Technologies like electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), and medical lasers are examples of applications where physics is integral to device functionality.
• Dosimetry and Radiation Safety: Physics is essential for measuring and monitoring radiation doses in medical procedures. Dosimetry ensures that patients receive the prescribed dose in radiation therapy while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. Physics principles also guide radiation safety protocols for healthcare professionals.
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS): MRS, an extension of MRI, measures the concentration of certain biochemical compounds in tissues. It provides insights into cellular metabolism and is used in research and clinical settings.
• Medical Physics Research: Physicists engage in medical research to develop new technologies and improve existing ones. Research areas include the development of advanced imaging techniques, novel treatment modalities, and innovative diagnostic tools.
• Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineers often apply physics principles to design medical devices and technologies. This includes the development of prosthetics, medical imaging systems, and diagnostic equipment.
• Health Monitoring and Wearable Devices: Physics-based sensors and technologies are employed in wearable devices for health monitoring. Examples include accelerometers for activity tracking and biosensors for measuring physiological parameters.
• Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine: Physics principles are applied in drug delivery systems, including the design of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Understanding the behavior of particles at the nanoscale is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

The integration of physics and medicine continues to drive advancements in healthcare, leading to improved diagnostics, personalized treatments, and enhanced patient care. The collaboration between physicists, engineers, and medical professionals is essential for pushing the boundaries of medical science and technology.

1.1.4.6 Physics and Astronomy:

Galileo developed first optical telescope. It is used for studying distant planets. Giants telescope by physics are used to study stars, galaxies etc. Radio telescope helped in discovery of pulsars and quasars.

Physics and astronomy are closely related disciplines, with physics serving as the foundational science that underpins much of our understanding of the universe. The relationship between physics and astronomy is intricate, as both fields share common principles and methodologies. Here are key aspects of their interconnection:

• Fundamental Laws of Physics: The laws of physics, including Newton’s laws of motion, gravitation, and the laws of thermodynamics, provide the basic principles governing the behaviour of matter and energy. These laws apply universally, forming the foundation for understanding celestial bodies and their interactions.
• Celestial Mechanics: Celestial mechanics, a branch of physics, applies the principles of classical mechanics to the motion of celestial bodies. Newton’s law of gravitation is fundamental in describing how planets, stars, and other celestial objects move within gravitational fields.
• Gravitational Astronomy: Einstein’s general theory of relativity, a cornerstone of modern physics, extended and refined our understanding of gravity. Gravitational astronomy explores phenomena such as gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime caused by the acceleration of massive objects.
• Astrophysics: Astrophysics integrates principles from physics to study the properties and behaviour of celestial objects. This includes the study of stellar structure and evolution, the behaviour of galaxies, and the properties of the interstellar medium. The laws of thermodynamics are particularly relevant in understanding processes within stars and galaxies.
• Spectral Analysis: Physics-based techniques, such as spectroscopy, are widely employed in astronomy. Spectral analysis allows astronomers to determine the composition, temperature, density, and motion of celestial objects by studying the light they emit or absorb.
• Nuclear Physics and Stellar Fusion: Nuclear physics principles are crucial in understanding stellar processes, such as nuclear fusion reactions that power stars. The study of stellar nucleosynthesis, which involves the synthesis of elements within stars, relies on nuclear physics concepts.
• Cosmology: Cosmology, the study of the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe, relies heavily on physics. The application of general relativity, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics contributes to our understanding of the cosmos on the grandest scales.
• Particle Astrophysics: Particle physics principles are applied in astrophysics to study high-energy particles originating from celestial sources. Cosmic rays, high-energy photons, and neutrinos are investigated to understand the extreme conditions in the universe.
• Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Physics plays a key role in addressing the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, which together constitute a significant portion of the universe. Understanding their nature requires the application of particle physics and cosmological principles.
• Observational Techniques: Physics-based instruments and techniques, such as telescopes, detectors, and imaging devices, are crucial in observational astronomy. Advances in physics contribute to the development of cutting-edge instruments that enhance our ability to explore the universe.
• Astroinformatics: Computational methods and data analysis techniques from physics are increasingly employed in the emerging field of astroinformatics. This involves handling large datasets, simulations, and complex modelling to extract meaningful information from astronomical observations.
• Space Exploration: Physics plays a central role in the design and operation of spacecraft and probes for space exploration. The principles of mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics are applied in creating and navigating space missions.

The relationship between physics and astronomy is symbiotic, with physics providing the theoretical and experimental framework for understanding the fundamental laws that govern the universe. The interdisciplinary nature of the two fields enhances our ability to explore and comprehend the complexities of the cosmos.

1.1.4.7 Physics and Mathematics:

The relationship between physics and mathematics is deep and fundamental. Mathematics serves as the language of physics, providing the tools and framework to formulate theories, express relationships, and make predictions about the physical world. Here are several aspects of the intricate connection between physics and mathematics:

• Descriptive and Predictive Power: Mathematics enables physicists to describe physical phenomena precisely and make predictions about the behavior of systems. Equations and mathematical models are used to express the fundamental laws of nature, guiding our understanding of the physical universe.
• Formulation of Physical Laws: Physical laws, such as Newton’s laws of motion, Maxwell’s equations for electromagnetism, and Einstein’s equations of general relativity, are formulated mathematically. Mathematics allows the expression of complex relationships in concise and elegant forms, facilitating the development of theoretical frameworks.
• Quantitative Analysis: Mathematics provides the tools for quantitative analysis and measurement. The use of mathematical equations allows scientists to quantify physical quantities, predict outcomes, and compare observations with theoretical expectations.
• Mathematical Modelling: Physicists use mathematical models to represent real-world phenomena. These models, often expressed as differential equations or other mathematical structures, capture the essential features of a system and enable predictions and simulations.
• Symmetry and Conservation Laws: The concept of symmetry in mathematics plays a crucial role in physics. Symmetry principles, such as Noether’s theorem, connect symmetries with conservation laws, revealing profound connections between mathematical structures and physical quantities like energy, momentum, and angular momentum.
• Calculus and Dynamics: Calculus is a fundamental branch of mathematics used extensively in physics. It provides tools for understanding rates of change, motion, and the accumulation of quantities. Differential equations, integral calculus, and concepts like limits are essential in describing dynamic systems.
• Vector Spaces and Linear Algebra: Vector spaces and linear algebra are foundational in physics. They are used to represent physical quantities with magnitude and direction (vectors) and describe linear transformations, quantum states, and other mathematical structures.
• Complex Numbers in Quantum Mechanics: Complex numbers play a central role in quantum mechanics. Wave functions, probability amplitudes, and quantum operators are often expressed using complex numbers, providing a powerful mathematical framework for understanding the quantum realm.
• Statistical Methods and Probability Theory: Probability theory and statistical methods are employed in physics to describe uncertainty, randomness, and the behavior of large ensembles of particles. These mathematical tools are essential in statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and cosmology.
• Group Theory in Particle Physics: Group theory, a branch of abstract algebra, is extensively used in particle physics. Symmetry groups and representations play a key role in classifying particles and understanding the fundamental forces in the Standard Model of particle physics.
• Topology and Field Theory: Topology is applied in the study of phase transitions and defects in materials, while field theory, a branch of mathematics, is crucial in theoretical physics. The mathematical framework of field theory is used in quantum field theory, which describes the fundamental forces and particles in the universe.
• Mathematical Rigor and Clarity: Mathematics provides a level of rigor and clarity in expressing physical theories. Mathematical formulations allow for precision, logical deduction, and the development of a unified and consistent theoretical framework.

The relationship between physics and mathematics is symbiotic. Physics relies on the language of mathematics to formulate theories, model physical systems, and make predictions. Conversely, the challenges posed by physical phenomena often drive the development of new mathematical concepts and techniques, leading to a continual exchange and enrichment of both disciplines.

1.1.4.8 Physics and Society:

Society’s reliance on technology represents the importance of physics in daily life. Many aspects of modern society would not have been possible without the important scientific discoveries made in the past. These discoveries became the foundation on which current technologies were developed.

Physics, as a fundamental branch of science, has profound and far-reaching impacts on society. The relationship between physics and society is multifaceted, encompassing technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, environmental understanding, and contributions to our daily lives. Here are several ways in which physics influences society:

• Technological Advancements: Physics is at the core of technological innovations. Advances in semiconductor physics have led to the development of computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Fields like quantum physics and materials science drive progress in emerging technologies, including quantum computing and advanced materials.
• Energy Production and Consumption: Physics plays a crucial role in energy-related issues. Understanding the principles of thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and nuclear physics is essential for the generation, distribution, and efficient use of energy. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, rely on principles of physics.
• Medical Imaging and Diagnosis: Medical physics contributes to advancements in diagnostic imaging techniques, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). These technologies allow for non-invasive visualization of internal structures, aiding in medical diagnosis and treatment.
• Communications and Information Technology: The field of optics and electromagnetism underlies the development of communication technologies, including fiber optics, lasers, and telecommunications. Information theory, a branch of physics, forms the basis for data compression, encryption, and transmission.
• Transportation: The physics of motion and fluid dynamics play a role in transportation technologies. Aerodynamics is crucial for designing efficient aircraft, while principles of mechanics and thermodynamics contribute to the design of automobiles and engines.
• Environmental Science: Physics is integral to understanding environmental phenomena. Climate science relies on principles of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and radiative transfer. Physics also contributes to environmental monitoring technologies and the study of pollution and climate change.
• Materials Science and Engineering: Advances in materials science, guided by principles of physics, have led to the development of new materials with unique properties. This impacts industries such as electronics, construction, aerospace, and healthcare.
• Scientific Research and Innovation: Physics drives scientific research and innovation across disciplines. Technologies such as particle accelerators and synchrotrons contribute to fundamental research in physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science.
• Educational Impact: Physics education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. It contributes to a scientifically literate society, shaping the perspectives and decisions of individuals in various fields.
• Space Exploration: Physics is fundamental to space exploration and our understanding of the universe. Technologies developed for space missions have practical applications on Earth, and space research contributes to advancements in astrophysics and cosmology.
• Social and Ethical Considerations: Physics, especially in fields like nuclear physics and artificial intelligence, raises social and ethical considerations. Society grapples with the responsible use of technology, environmental impacts, and ethical considerations associated with scientific research.
• Global Challenges: Physics contributes to addressing global challenges, including sustainable development, clean energy solutions, and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Scientific collaboration and the application of physics principles are crucial for finding solutions to pressing global issues.

The relationship between physics and society is dynamic and reciprocal. Physics provides the tools and knowledge that shape technological progress, influence daily life, and contribute to societal well-being. Conversely, societal needs and challenges drive the pursuit of new avenues in physics research and application. The intersection of physics and society is a key driver of progress in science, technology, and the improvement of human conditions.

From above explanation we can conclude that world has come closer and standard of living is increased. But at the same time it created some problems in the society.

• With knowledge physics, an atom bomb is developed. The atomic bomb explosion at Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed thousands of people many became physically disabled.
• Constant use of energy resulted in the problem of global warming and the greenhouse effect.
• Continuous use of technology from day to night made our life lazy. 

Conclusion:

Physics, often referred to as the “fundamental science,” plays a central role in influencing and interacting with various other scientific disciplines. The relationship between physics and other sciences is intricate, with physics providing foundational principles and concepts that are applied and extended in interdisciplinary research. The relationship between physics and other sciences is interdisciplinary and mutually enriching. Physics provides a fundamental framework for understanding the natural world, and its principles are applied across diverse scientific domains, fostering collaboration and advancing knowledge across disciplinary boundaries.

Related Topics:

• 1.1.1 What is physics?
• 1.1.2 Scientific Methods
• 1.1.3 Scientific View

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The Roles of Physics in Our Modern Society

Difference Between Metaphysics & Quantum Physics

Physics touches every aspect of our lives. It involves the study of matter, energy and their interactions. As such, it is one area of science that cuts across all other subjects. Other sciences are reliant on the concepts and techniques developed through physics. Other disciplines — such as chemistry, agriculture, environmental and biological sciences — use the laws of physics to better understand the nature of their own studies. Physics focuses on the general nature of the natural world, generally through a mathematical analysis.

Public Interest in Physics

Physics is one of the most difficult subjects taught in schools. A number of students are even more daunted with its use of mathematics. In a study done in UK from 1985 to 2006, it was found that there was 41 percent decrease in the number of entries to A-level examinations in sciences. This decreasing trend is similar in other countries. Despite this trend, physics remains an integral part of the educational system. It is through physics that new methodologies were developed that helped improve the quality of life, including things such as automobiles and modern construction.

Importance of Physics in the Current Society

Society’s reliance on technology represents the importance of physics in daily life. Many aspects of modern society would not have been possible without the important scientific discoveries made in the past. These discoveries became the foundation on which current technologies were developed. Discoveries such as magnetism, electricity, conductors and others made modern conveniences, such as television, computers, phones and other business and home technologies possible. Modern means of transportation, such as aircraft and telecommunications, have drawn people across the world closer together — all relying on concepts in physics.

Importance of Physics in Meeting Future Energy Requirements

In 1999 during the World Conference on Science (WCS), the UNESCO-Physics Action Council considered physics an important factor in developing solutions to both energy and environmental problems. Physics seeks to find alternative solutions to the energy crisis experienced by both first world and developing nations. As physics help the fields of engineering, bio-chemistry and computer science, professionals and scientists develop new ways of harnessing preexisting energy sources and utilizing new ones.

Importance of Physics in Economic Development

In the United Nations Millennium Summit held in 2000, it was recognized that physics and the sciences will play a crucial role in attaining sustainable development. Physics helps in maintaining and developing stable economic growth since it offers new technological advances in the fields of engineering, computer science and even biomedical studies. These fields play a crucial role on the economic aspect of countries and finding new and better ways to produce and develop products in these fields can help boost a country’s economy. Similarly, the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) asserted that physics will generate the necessary knowledge that will lead in the development of engines to drive the world’s economies.

In Rwanda, the education ministry was mandated to develop the country’s scientific and technical know-how. Medical physics and information technology benefited the country by developing a national nutrition program and an epidemic surveillance system. Physics and engineering helped rural areas gain safe drinking water through gravimetric techniques, irrigation techniques and rainwater harvesting.

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• The Importance of Physics to Society

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What Role Do Physics Play in Modern Technologies?

Physics is considered one of the most complicated science subjects in school because of how it is taught. Because of the complex nature of physics, a physics teacher is the only person who can best explain to you the concepts, theories, and laws of this subject. I’m not saying that you must take at least one year of physics in high school or university, but if you do, there are some advantages you will get, as most students experience.

The development of technologies makes us live in a real world of wonders where we are discovering new things every day. Physics plays an essential role in many technologies like communication, medicine, space exploration, and many others. Many students need physics homework help . There are a lot of professional homework assistance services on the internet, and AssignmentShark can be considered among the best.

Importance of Physics in the Current Society

The present world has witnessed spectacular progress in terms of technology at a breakneck pace. This has been made possible only because of Physics. Without this science, there would be no use of communication equipment, transport systems, television, and many more such facilities.

The advancements in this science have led to improvement in living standards and have saved many people's lives. For example, an application known as sonar is used for navigation underwater. This invention has resulted in quick rescue from accidents, and ships can now find underwater mines and ammunition.

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The development of this science has been instrumental in increasing the speed of trains and other vehicles from 20 to 100 miles per hour. The growth in logistics has led to increasing prosperity as humans, and food products could be transported to distant places within a short period of time.

Importance of Physics in Meeting Future Energy Requirements

This is a time for change and for transformation. An era of change need not be a dark time of hardship. Instead, it can be a time of tremendous growth and experience. Change is the only constant in life, but the development we reap from change makes life worth living.

Read:  Benefits of Using AI for Small Busines

Physics plays a significant role in meeting the future energy requirements for modern cities. They are used to develop efficient systems that utilize the available resources and convert them into maximum utility. In modern times, different sciences have been developed. And this has led to the development of powerful technologies. In turn, these technologies have changed the way we live today. Some people go as far as to say that technology is what defines our current era.

Importance of Physics in Medical Technologies

When we talk about the fundamental principles of physics, it is essential to note that they are also vital to the development of medical technologies. In most cases, the principles or laws of physics can be applied to this field in one way or another.

The advances in medical technology have brought about remarkable changes and benefits. For instance, they have contributed significantly to diagnosing diseases, monitoring, and managing them.

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The principles of physics are vital in most instances of medical technology or its development. Medical technologies based on quantum physics include X-ray, which is used for diagnosing, drug discovery, anti-aging, and many more.

Furthermore, the advancements in medical technology using the laws of physics include computers and communication devices present in almost every home today. These technologies are now used by professionals all over the place to diagnose and monitor patients.

Importance of Physics in Modern Engineering

Physics lies at the heart of engineering, science, and technology. From the invention of the light bulb to the design of a revolutionary new spacecraft, physics plays a vital role in modern technologies.

In order to understand the importance of physics in modern engineering, the student must refer to a few points of physics:

Physics is a branch of science that deals with various scientific principles.

Physics has two disciplines, which are Classical Physics and Modern Physics.

Classical Physics, also called Newtonian Physics, was developed by Isaac Newton. It is a branch of science that deals with the study of matter and energy in terms of their interaction and kinetic effects, as governed by Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, and classical mechanics.

Modern Physics is a branch of science that deals with the study of matter, energy, and their interaction.

The following are some fields in physics: Atomic physics, General physics, Classical Mechanics, Geophysics, and Nuclear physics.

The students pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering must take a course in Physics. This is because Engineering studies are based on the concepts of Physics.

Importance of Physics in the IT Industry

Physics is the study of matter and energy. Everything, including the things that make up computers, is made of atoms. Physics is also the study of how these things interact with each other.

The IT industry is composed of tech companies that create new stuff, and physics is an integral part of what they do. The IT industry uses physics in many ways to make computers and other devices that we use in day-to-day life. Physics is used to make semiconductors, which are essential for computers. Semiconductors are created by reducing silicon (Si) to a fine powder and then subjecting it to extremely high temperatures, causing it to melt and turn into liquid. Then, by subjecting this liquid substance to electrical impulses with a vacuum chamber, we can create a crystal that conducts electricity.

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People who work in this industry are involved in all this as well as creating new things such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. People use physics everyday when they do things like sending emails or making phone calls using a cell phone.

Importance of Physics in the Communication Industry

Physics is a branch of natural science that deals with matter and energy and their relation with each other, and the study of their interactions affects the phenomena of nature. Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences and has a wide range of applications to modern technologies.

The importance of physics in modern technology can be recognized because it enables mobile devices, computers, televisions, watches, and many other modern technologies to operate in an automated manner. The various physical theories have contributed to the invention and advancement of these technologies.

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For instance, in communication, physics has been utilized in different ways to develop wireless communication, optical fiber technology, and satellite broadcasting. In addition to this, physics also provides a theoretical foundation for telecommunication. The design and performance of modern systems depend on understanding physical theories.

Therefore, from the above discussion, it can be concluded that physics is an essential subject in the development of modern technologies. Physics has been used in the development of electronic equipment, but it has also helped improve signal transmission.

Importance of Physics in Scientific Investment

The most important feature is that the practical skills students acquire in studying Physics can be used to develop new solutions for scientific issues that are more than just theoretical. The knowledge and skills acquired in physics allow people to test new ideas in practice to prolong human staying on earth or make it easier.

The current world depends on scientific discoveries and advances in technology. Many developments have changed people’s living conditions. For example, people do not need to use candles or lantern lights because of the appearance of electrical energy.

The Verdict

Physics is the study of nature using natural forces and laws to explain why things occur and how they move. Physics is one of the fascinating subjects, and it’s something that most people are interested in. One of the reasons this subject is so fascinating is that it can be applied practically in almost all areas of life. We can see the use of physics daily in our travels, activities, and technology. The most exciting fact is that very few people know how physics is applied or when they are applied.

From the simplest objects around us to the most complex machines, physics has always played an essential role. For example, if it weren’t for physics, we wouldn’t have made such a technological advancement today. Still, many people don’t know about the things where physics plays a significant role in their lives.

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What is the importance of physics in science technology and society?

Physics generates fundamental knowledge needed for the future technological advances that will continue to drive the economic engines of the world. Physics contributes to the technological infrastructure and provides trained personnel needed to take advantage of scientific advances and discoveries.

What is the role of physics in technology?

Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences and has a wide range of applications to modern technologies. The importance of physics in modern technology can be recognized because it enables mobile devices, computers, televisions, watches, and many other modern technologies to operate in an automated manner.

What are the importance of physics in science?

Physics is the basis for most modern technology, and for the tools and instruments used in scientific, engineering and medical research and development. Manufacturing is dominated by physics-based technology. Physics helps you to help others. Doctors that don’t understand physics can be dangerous.

What is role of physics & technology in our daily life?

We use physics in our daily life activities such as walking, cutting, watching, cooking, and opening and closing things. Physics is one of the most elementary sciences that contributes directly to the development of science and the development of new technologies.

What is the importance of modern physics in science development?

The importance of modern physics includes; Exploration of relativistic speeds and microscopic world phenomena. The other importance is providing valuable explanations about several phenomena in the physical world.

What is relationship between physics and technology?

Briefly Technology is primarily based on Engineering which has its basis on Physics and Maths. So physics is the basic science of understanding natural phenomena and technology is the application of such ideas to solve everyday problems. Physics explains and describes natural phenomena.

Is physics the most important science?

Physics is the most fundamental and all-inclusive of the sciences, and has had a profound effect on all scientific development. In fact, physics is the present-day equivalent of what used to be called natural philosophy, from which most of our modern sciences arose.

What is physics and importance of physics?

Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, with its main goal being to understand how the universe behaves.

What is physics used for in real life?

Physics extends well into your everyday life, describing the motion, forces and energy of ordinary experience. In actions such as walking, driving a car or using a phone, physics is at work. For everyday living, all the technologies you might take for granted exploit the rules of physics.

What are the benefits of physics?

Studying physics strengthens quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills that are valuable in areas beyond physics. Students who study physics or engineering physics are prepared to work on forefront ideas in science and technology, in academia, the government, or the private sector.

What are the uses of physics in the modern world?

Physics in the Modern World focuses on the applications of physics in a world dominated by technology and the many ways that physical ideas are manifest in everyday situations, from the operation of rockets and cameras to space travel and X-ray photography.

Which is the most important theory of physics?

The pillars of modern physics, and perhaps the most revolutionary theories in the history of physics, have been relativity theory and quantum mechanics. Newtonian mechanics was subsumed under special relativity and Newton’s gravity was given a kinematic explanation by general relativity.

What is the relationship between physics and other science?

Physics is the branch of science related to the study of basic laws of nature and their manifestations concerned with the different natural phenomena. It is also referred to as the “fundamental science” because it constrains all the other significant branches of the sciences.

Why technology is called Applied Physics explain with example?

Applied physics is the application of the science of physics to helping human beings and solving their problems. It differs from engineering because engineers solve well-defined problems. Applied physicists use physics or conduct physics research to develop new technologies or solve engineering problems.

What are the applications of physics?

• In the Field of Transportation and Movement.
• In the Field of Aviation and Space Science.
• In the Field of Technology and Computer Science.
• In the Field of Energy.
• In the Field of Medicine.
• In Communications and Satellites.

How is physics the most fundamental science?

Physics is the most fundamental and exact of the physical sciences. Its laws are basic to deep understanding in all of technology, and in many fields of study, such as astronomy, chemistry, engineering, materials science, photonics, biology, medicine, geology, and environmental science.

What if there is no physics?

Without the understanding of physics today, many applications in physics such as electronics and mechanics would not exist today. We would be living without modern technology or instruments. A hammer, for example, would be well within our grasp, but things like the internet would be beyond us.

What are the three importance of physics in our daily life?

We use the principle of physics in our everyday life activities such as walking, cooking, cutting, watching, and opening and closing objects. Firstly, Walking involves numerous principles of physics. It does involve laws of inertia, friction, gravitational law, and Kinetic and Potential energy.

What is the importance of physics in communication?

Physics allows us to understand the electromagnetic radiation we use to transmit data with fiber optics and satellites and to build computers that interpret those signals and transmit data on the Internet.

What are five 5 main reasons why people study physics as a science?

• 1) There is something for everyone.
• 2) It gives you a chance to apply the math that you have learned.
• 3) It strengthens problem solving skills.
• 4) Physics paved the way for all of our current technology.
• 5) It gives you perspective.

Why is physics important in medicine?

Physics begets many of medicine’s current practices and technologies, including, but not limited to X-rays, medical imaging procedures such as Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, MRI and the operation of ventilator machines.

How do you think physics is related to our nature or environment?

Physics is related to environmental science because many physical forces shape the environment in which organisms live. The weather that a particular area experiences, for example, is determined by physical forces such as how much solar radiation the area receives.

What are the important questions in physics?

• 1 – The origin of the Universe:
• 2 – The nature of Dark Matter:
• 3 – The nature of Dark Energy:
• 4 – The formation of structures in the Universe:
• 5 – The validity of General Relativity:
• 6 – The validity of Quantum Mechanics:

What are the concepts of physics?

The concepts of physics include factors like heat, light, motion, energy, matter, and electricity. In addition to this, it also talks about the relation between matter and energy with the help of mathematics.

What is the most interesting topic in physics?

• Wave Particle Duality. PASIEKA/Science Photo Library/Getty Images.
• Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.
• Quantum Probability & The Measurement Problem.
• Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
• Quantum Entanglement & Nonlocality.
• Unified Field Theory.
• The Big Bang.
• Dark Matter & Dark Energy.

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Physics is everywhere around us. The word Physics originated from the Ancient Greek language meaning; knowledge of nature it is the natural science that studies matter, its motion, and behavior through space and time. Physics studies the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main objective is to understand how the universe behaves. Physics generates vital knowledge needed for future technological advances.

Significance of Physics in our daily life

All the activities in our daily life include the application of physics. For example, ironing clothes, cooking, washing, replying to a telephone call, and listening to the radio, are some of the activities where we practice the principles of physics.  When you look at the light bulb above you, you remember Thomas Alva Edison. When the telephone bell rings, you remember Alexander Graham Bell. Marie Curie was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. When you see the blue sky, you think of Sir C.V. Raman. Physics is involved in running automobiles and trains, moving objects, flying airplanes, and kites, orbiting satellites, zooming jet planes, etc. Physics has applications in the construction of bridges, buildings, roads, houses, ships, and boats. Knowledge of physics will help the common people to escalate, realize and relate better to the environment. The laws of physics explicate the principle behind the existence of thunder and lightning or a rainbow in the sky. Several modern services like washing machines, refrigerators, and floor polishers make use of the principles of physics. Physics is also applied in the systems of communication, modern means of transportation, and advancement in medicine, industry, and agriculture. So, it is a fact that all the comforts which make the life of common people more enjoyable and easy are based on solid principles of physics and their commercial applications.

Physics in Engineering and Technology

There exist two groups of physicists: pure physicists and applied physicists. Pure physicists acquire

scientific knowledge used in very practical applications. Meanwhile, applied physicists, as the name

suggests, explore problems in technology and industry. If you’re picturing a physicist, Isaac Newton,

Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, or Stephen Hawking might come to mind. Engineering is an almost entirely applied science. However, the difference between applied physics and engineering is that engineers are much more concerned with how a scientific theory, device, or technology can be used. They are less concerned than physicists with the theoretical basis underlying the technique used to solve the problem. Famous engineers include Alexander Graham Bell, Nikola Tesla, and Steve Wozniak. The physicist studies the way the world works, and the engineer takes that information and uses it to design, build and produce. Physicists specialize in areas as diverse as astronomy, astrophysics, nuclear physics, molecular physics, biomechanics, neuroscience, financial markets, aircraft design, robotics, quantum computing, and other fields too numerous to name. Physicists follow the basic principles surrounding energy and matter and their interactions. Whereas engineers simply put, that they want to know the “why,” and they often want to apply this knowledge to build new devices and create new technologies. There is no better example of this way of thinking than the invention of the transistor at Bell Labs, a discovery that won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956. In a way, the team’s discovery set the entire digital revolution in motion. Without transistors, smartphones and computers wouldn’t exist! Ultimately, engineers aim to create things—bridges, computer hardware, chemical solutions—and they use the laws of the universe as a guide. Furthermore, the study of physics develops the ability for problem-solving, logical thinking, and also the ability to think intellectually. Physical concepts, such as classical mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, molecular physics, optics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, etc., play a vital role in the process of innovation, which is, decisive in the development of engineering branches.

Engineering is basically physics applied to create something more practical. It can be mechanical, electrical, civil, computer, electronics, space, etc., but they’re all basically governed by physics. There’s no way you would solve complex engineering problems without understanding the physics behind them. In Civil Engineering, the laws of physics can tell you about forces, tension, harmonic vibrations and oscillations, tensile strength, elasticity, and all kinds of other concepts that you can use to make calculations about your designing and construction work .

For every subject of Mechanical Engineering, you need the help of physics in dealing with aircraft, watercraft, engines, robotics, weapons, cars, pneumatics, hydraulics, and others by using core areas

including mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and electricity. Electrical engineering involves designing electrical circuits including motors, electronic appliances, optical fiber networks, computers, and communication links. Electrical engineers often need to convert electrical energy to other forms of energy, with the understanding of mechanics and thermodynamics. Knowing the fundamentals of Electrical Engineering, in addition to, how small-scale components like integrated circuits and various types of transistor logic, all functions require at least an intermediate understanding of Electromagnetism, which you learn from Physics. Electronics include the workings of transistors, diodes, and semiconductors. The integrated circuit uses physics to study how various tiny transistors are connected in circuits. Electromagnetism is used for antennae design, RF signals, wireless communications, etc. The field of robotics relies on a lot of things physics such as dynamics, mechanics, motors, etc. as well as optics (in cameras for computer vision). Since Electrical engineering leads to Electronics engineering and finally to Computer engineering  Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, it can be concluded that the mother of all engineering branches is Physics.

An engineer might design the product itself, or just figure out a way to build it. But either way, success is impossible without an understanding of the physics behind each of them. Thus, it is factual that Physics has a substantial role in Engineering. I conclude with a famous quote from Missile Man of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam sir, “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher that will be the biggest honor for me.”

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Technology and Mathematics

• Research Article
• Open access
• Published: 26 April 2019
• Volume 33 , pages 117–139, ( 2020 )

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In spite of their practical importance, the connections between technology and mathematics have not received much scholarly attention. This article begins by outlining how the technology–mathematics relationship has developed, from the use of simple aide-mémoires for counting and arithmetic, via the use of mathematics in weaving, building and other trades, and the introduction of calculus to solve technological problems, to the modern use of computers to solve both technological and mathematical problems. Three important philosophical issues emerge from this historical résumé: how mathematical knowledge depends on technology, the definition of the hybrid concept of a (technological) computation, and the (perhaps surprising) usefulness of mathematics in technology. Each of these issues is briefly discussed, and it is shown that in order to analyze them, we need to combine tools and ideas from both the philosophy of technology and the philosophy of mathematics. In conclusion, it is argued that much more of interest can be found in the historically and philosophically unexplored terrains of the technology–mathematics relationship.

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Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

1 Introduction

There is a considerable literature on the relationship between technology and science, but as yet not much has been written on that between technology and mathematics. Nevertheless, they are closely connected in several ways. Modern technology would be unthinkable without mathematics. The relationship is reciprocal, since mathematics also needs technology. Today, mathematicians use computers not only for calculations, but also for numerous other tasks, including the search for proofs, validations, and counter-examples.

This introduction to the technology−mathematics relationship starts with four sections summarizing its historical development, from the early technological tools for counting and arithmetic (Section  2 ), via the use of increasingly advanced mathematics in practical trades and in engineering (Section  3 ), to the development of computers (Section  4 ), and their use to solve mathematical tasks that could never have been solved without them (Section  5 ). Three major philosophical issues that emerge from this historical outline are summarized (Section  6 ) and then presented in somewhat more detail: how mathematical knowledge depends on technology (Section  7 ), the concept of a (technological) computation (Section  8 ), and the reason why mathematics is so useful in technology (Section  9 ). Finally, some conclusions are drawn on the need for further research (Section  10 ).

2 How it All Began

We usually see mathematics as concerned with concepts and arguments that are totally independent of material reality. Mathematics should be equally accessible to a “brain in a vat” as it is to our own embodied brains. But in practice, we rely heavily on aide-mémoires in the form of notes on paper, blackboards, and computer screens. It has been like that since the very beginning of mathematics.

The art of counting is arguably the most fundamental mathematical procedure. We are not born with that ability. It had to be invented, and now it has to be passed on from generation to generation. It is known in the vast majority of human communities, but not in all of them (Pica et al. 2004 ; Dehaene et al. 2008 ). When counting, we often take the help of one-to-one correspondences with sets of small objects such as stones, twigs, or pieces of wood. For instance, inhabitants of the Nggela Islands (part of Solomon Islands) keep track of the number of guests at a feast by collecting a small item from each of them as they arrive (Sizer 2000 , p. 260).

If we want to keep numbers in memory over a long period of time, collections of loose objects are not reliable enough. More durable notes are needed. Notches on objects such as bones or pieces of wood have been used for that purpose in many parts of the world (Sizer 2000 , p. 260). A small bone about 11,000 years old that was found in Congo has three columns with in total 167 tally marks (Huylebrouck 1996 ). Footnote 1 Knots on strings have been used in many cultures for the same purpose (Jacobsen 1983 ; Sizer 2000 ). The Incas used sets of connected knotted strings (khipus) for bookkeeping and taxation purposes (Urton and Brezine 2005 ; Gilsdorf 2010 ). In some cultures, warriors made cuts on their own bodies, or those of their wives, to keep track of how many enemies they had slain (Lagercrantz 1973 ).

Notches and knots provide more reliable and long-lasting records of numbers than stones and sticks, but the latter have the advantage of being more suitable for supporting arithmetical operations such as addition and subtraction. The use of small movable objects to perform arithmetic is well-known from preliterate societies (Sizer 1991 , p. 54). In several cultures, this practice was developed into more sophisticated devices, such as counting boards with a positional system. On a counting-board, a single pebble could represent numbers higher than 1, such as 5, 10, or 50, depending on its place on the board. Such counting boards were used by the ancient Greeks (Melville 2015 ) and, according to Herodotos, by the Egyptians as well (Lang 1957 ). The Romans used a hand-held abacus, the size of a modern pocket calculator or large smartphone (Menninger 1992 , p. 305). The movable pebbles (calculi) on the abacus gave rise to our word “calculation.” Similar devices are also known from medieval Europe (Periton 2015 ) and from the major ancient Asian and Latin American civilizations.

The philosophical lesson from the history of these devices is that from the very beginnings of mathematics, the reliability of our mathematical operations depends crucially on the stability and durability of the technological devices we use to support them. Ancient calculators assumed that the pebbles did not move around by themselves on the counting board or abacus. Today, when performing pen and paper calculations, we assume that the numbers we write stay the same when we do not look at them. From a practical point of view, these are trivial assumptions, but from an epistemological point of view they are worth paying attention to. They show that the common conception of mathematical knowledge as independent of physical reality is in these respects an idealization. As will be discussed in Sections  5 and  7 , the use of electronic computers has further exacerbated this age-old, but previously, mostly ignored, problem in mathematical epistemology.

3 The Use of Mathematics in Technology

Already in preliterate societies, many technological activities required mathematical thinking. Footnote 2 A prime example is the concept of proportions. It is needed in cooking and in the production of various mixed materials such as glue, mortar, ceramics, glass, and not least alloys. For instance, several ancient civilizations were able to produce bronze with a remarkably optimized and constant composition, something they could hardly have achieved without mastering the arithmetic of proportionality (Malina 1983 ).

One of the foremost early uses of mathematics evolved in the craft of weaving. Textiles about 12,000 years old have been found in northern Peru (Jolie et al. 2011 ), and even older imprints of woven material have been found at other sites. Advanced hand-weaving traditions have survived in all parts of the world. Women in many of these cultures weave complex, often geometrical, patterns with intricate symmetries. By combining geometric and arithmetic insights, they have devised the number series and other numerical relationships that give rise to the desired patterns. In many traditional cultures, the most advanced mathematical activities are performed by female weavers (Karlslake 1987 , p. 394; Gerdes 2000 ; Harris 1987 ; Gilsdorf 2014 ). Mathematics is also involved in other textile-related activities such as braiding, beadwork, basketry, and the traditionally male activity of rope-making (Chahine 2013 ; Albanese 2015 ; Albanese et al. 2014 ; Albanese and Perales 2014 ).

Geometrical knowledge is also highly needed in construction work. In several indigenous cultures, builders have traditional knowledge of how to make a small house rectangular (make the beams of each pair of opposite sides equally long, and then make sure that the diagonals have equal length) (Sizer 1991 , p. 56). More advanced building work requires more advanced geometry. For instance, scribes in ancient Egypt were trained to calculate the height of a pyramid, given its edge and how much the side slanted. For this purpose, they used a method for angular measurement that was based on the horizontal displacement projected from a sloped object (Imhausen 2006 , p. 21). Geometrical knowledge was also needed in surveying, an activity that was much in demand due to the annual inundation of the Nile. Each year, agricultural fields had to be reconstructed, and often redistributed. To do this, surveyors had to calculate the areas of fields with different shapes (Barnard 2014 ).

One of the most important mathematical achievements of the ancients was the rigorous use of ruler-and-compass construction, which was developed by Euclid (fl. 300 BCE) and other Greek geometers to an impressive level of mathematical sophistication and refinement. The ruler and the compass were also used by craftsmen as highly practical tools for building construction. The compass may have been a Greek invention. At any rate, the Egyptians do not seem to have had it (Shelby 1965 ). We do not know if ruler-and-compass construction was invented by learned geometers and then adopted by craftsmen, or if it was the other way around. Footnote 3 Irrespective of that, the method is most useful for both purposes. Moroccan carpenters still construct complex geometrical patterns with ruler-and-compass methods of ancient origin (Aboufadil et al. 2013 ). In the Greek village Pyrgi, house façades are decorated with geometrical patterns made by craftsmen who have learned the ruler-and-compass methods by apprenticeship (Stathopoulou 2006 ).

In the Middle Ages, the study of ruler-and-compass constructions in learned mathematics did not go much beyond what had already been achieved in antiquity. In contrast, its application in the building trades reached new heights. Master builders used it to construct complex geometrical patterns on the walls and ceilings of Islamic buildings (Hankin 1925 ; Thalal et al. 2011 ). One of the most impressive examples of their geometric knowledge can be found in the shrine of Darb-i Imam in Isfahan, Iran, which was constructed in 1453. Parts of its walls are covered by quasi-crystalline tilings, i.e., tilings that fill the plane perfectly, but do not repeat themselves regularly like the more common types of tiling (Lu and Steinhardt 2007 ). Such patterns were not understood mathematically until five centuries later. Unfortunately, we do not know the mathematical thinking behind this remarkable achievement.

The great cathedrals of the High and Late Middle Ages contain many impressive examples of ruler-and-compass constructions. Perhaps most conspicuous among these are the large rose windows, i.e., round windows with symmetrically arranged stone rib work. For instance, the Orvieto Cathedral has a monumental rose window from the fourteenth century, formed as a regular 22-sided polygon (icosikaidigon). We now know that this shape cannot be constructed exactly with a compass and a straightedge. Detailed measurements indicate that it was created with the help of a fairly advanced approximate ruler-and-compass method (Ginovart et al. 2016 ).

These advanced geometrical constructions were performed by master masons who had no formal mathematical schooling. They learned geometry in the same way as everything else that their trade required, namely through oral transmission from master to apprentice. A few contacts between craftspeople and learned geometers have been documented, but we do not know how common such contacts were. Footnote 4 The social distance between the learned and the laboring classes was certainly a hindrance.

In the sixteenth century, when Gothic building came to an end, much of the knowledge accumulated by its master builders seems to have been lost. However, some rudiments have been preserved in written form and, even more importantly, the outcomes of their work have largely been preserved. Footnote 5 We know much less about the use of mathematics in most other medieval crafts. Footnote 6

Beginning around the middle of the seventeenth century, scholars with a mathematical education published treatises in which they applied the advanced mathematics of their time, in particular, mathematical analysis, to technological problems (Klemm 1966 ). Some of these treatises dealt with what we would today call structural mechanics (Heyman 2014 ). In the following century, the French military engineer Bernard Forest de Bélidor (1698–1761) published a famous four-volume book, L’architecture hydraulique (1737, 1739, 1750, and 1753), which marked a new level in the systematic application of integral calculus to engineering problems. In 1773, the physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb (1736–1806), who is now best known for his work on electricity, published his Essai sur une application des règles de maximis et de minimis à quelques problèmes de Statique relatifs à l’Architecture , in which he applied mathematical analysis in innovative ways to problems in structural mechanics. In 1775, the Swedish ship builder Fredrik Henrik af Chapman published a treatise on naval architecture that made use of Thomas Simpson’s method for the approximation of integrals (Harris 2001 ).

In 1794, the importance of these developments was confirmed through the foundation of the first civilian school for engineering, the École polytechnique in Paris (Grattan-Guinness 2005 ). It was led by Gaspard Monge (1746–1818), an able mathematician and a Jacobin politician. He was determined to use mathematics and the natural sciences as the basis of engineering education. About a third of the curriculum hours were devoted to mathematics (Purkert and Hensel 1986 , pp. 27 and 30-35). Monge also developed a new discipline, descriptive geometry, which provided a mathematical basis for technical drawing (Lawrence 2003 ; Klemm 1966 ).

The École polytechnique was the model used when, beginning in the 1820s, polytechnical schools were created throughout Europe and also in the USA (Purkert 1990 , p. 180); Schubring ( 1990 , p. 273); Scharlau ( 1990 ). The new schools all followed the French example in providing their students with a considerable amount of mathematics and natural science. These educational efforts answered to an increasing need in engineering practice. The use of mathematical methods for various practical engineering tasks increased throughout the nineteenth century. Treatises and textbooks were published on the application of mathematics to technological topics such as optics, structural mechanics, building construction, machine construction, shipbuilding, and engineering thermodynamics (Klemm 1966 ). This development has accelerated in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Present-day technology is largely based on scientific theories such as solid and fluid mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics, all of which require considerable mathematical training. Engineers also need additional mathematical tools, for instance for simulation, optimization, control theory, and statistical analysis. In short, mathematical methods appear to be much more useful than in many other knowledge areas. Footnote 7

In this long history of ever-increasing mathematization of technology, there have been a few pockets of resistance against the increased reliance on mathematics (Dubourg Glatigny 2014 ; Hansson 2018c ). However, such resistance has been short-lived and does not seem to have had any lasting influence. The efficiency and usefulness of mathematical methods seem to have been irresistible. From a philosophical point of view, this raises the question how we can understand and explain this efficiency, a topic to which we will return in Section  9 .

4 The Use of Technology in Mathematics

During most of this long development, with a steadily increased use of mathematics in technology, the converse relationship did not develop much. For many centuries, the use of technology in mathematics did not develop beyond the abacus. In the seventeenth century, several calculating machines using rotating wheels were presented. Wilhelm Schickard (1592–1635) was probably the first inventor to propose such a machine, and Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) the most famous ones (Lenzen 2018 ). However, due to technical problems, these machines remained rarities without much practical usage. Commercial production and widespread use of mechanical calculators only began in the second half of the nineteenth century (Swade 2011 , 2018 ). Several large calculation projects were performed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, mostly to produce mathematical and astronomical tables, but they relied entirely on manual work. Calculation tasks were divided into a large number of elementary operations (often just additions and subtractions), which were then distributed among a large number of computists. For instance, a large French computation project in the 1790s employed around 70 computists, many of whom were female hairdressers who had lost their previous employment when time-consuming Ancien Régime hairstyles were no longer in demand (Grattan-Guinness 1990 ; Grier 2005 ).

The first serious attempts at automatic computations were made by the English mathematician Charles Babbage (1791–1871). He invented two general-purpose computational machines, the difference engine in the early 1820s and the programmable analytical engine in 1834. The analytical machine would be controlled by instructions—what we now call programs—on punched cards. Neither of these machines was completed in his lifetime, but they showed the way for future developments. Footnote 8 They also exhibited what Doron Swade ( 2018 ) calls a “two-way relationship between mathematics and machine.” On the one hand, the machine was based on mathematical principles that had been developed previously to organize the work of human computists. On the other hand, the technological principles inherent in the machine inspired new mathematical ideas. In fact, they gave rise to an entirely new vision of mathematical operations, perhaps best expressed by Babbage’s collaborator Ada Lovelace (1815–1852):

“It may be desirable to explain, that by the word operation , we mean any process which alters the mutual relation of two or more things , be this relation of what kind it may. This is the most general definition, and would include all subjects in the universe.” (Lovelace 1843 , p. 117)

“The engine can arrange and combine its numerical quantities exactly as if they were letters or any other general symbols; and in fact it might bring out its results in algebraical notation , were provisions made accordingly... [I]t would be a mistake to suppose that because its results are given in the notation of a more restricted science, its processes are therefore restricted to those of that science.” (Ibid., p. 144)

Interestingly, and again much ahead of her time, she ascribed this generality of the analytical engine to logic:

“[T]he processes used in analysis form a logical system of much higher generality than the applications to number merely.” (Ibid., p. 152)

The first programmable computers were built in the 1940s, more than a century after Babbage’s first proposal of such a machine. War time codebreaking provided much of the impetus for their development (Zabell 2018 ). The Colossus, which was used by British cryptanalysts from 1943 to 1945, was the first programmable computer to be built. Two other important machines in the pioneering period were the ENIAC and the EDVAC, both built in the USA in the 1940s. The ENIAC was made for calculating missile trajectories, and the EDVAC for processing wind tunnel data. Both tasks require the solution of large systems of differential equations. This involves multiple repetitions of small sequences of mathematical operations, each of which employs numerical results from its predecessors. As Mark Priestley ( 2018 ) has shown, these historical contingencies have “deeply affected the ways in which computers could be deployed in areas outside of mathematics.” For instance, swift retrieval of stored intermediate results was more important than fast input or output operations. These computers solved complex computation tasks by dividing them into a large number of very simple subtasks. This is the same method that was used in large-scale manual calculation projects, and it was also the strategy employed by Charles Babbage. In the 1950s, when computers began to be used for other tasks, new programming methods had to be introduced for these new purposes.

As will be further discussed in what follows, electronic computers have had a deep influence on mathematics. In addition to providing previously unthinkable capacity for computation—in Ada Lovelace’s wide sense of computation—they have inspired new ways of thinking about fundamental concepts in mathematics, such as the notions of proof, computation, and mathematical knowledge. Furthermore, as in other disciplines, computer-based information technology has revolutionized communications between researchers. Instantaneous electronic communication among mathematicians has made new forms of cooperation possible. For instance, “massively collaborative mathematics” (Gowers and Nielsen 2009 ) has been introduced in open forums where everyone can contribute. This has resulted in a new style of mathematical research with rapid interchange, much like what happens when a couple of mathematicians work together on a blackboard, but now with a much larger group of participants (Martin and Pease 2013 ; Martin 2015 ).

5 A Philosopher’s Dream Come (Partly) True

Just as Ada Lovelace anticipated, digital computers are now used for automatic processing of all kinds of symbols, not just numbers. Since mathematics consists largely of symbol manipulation, computing has therefore had a considerable impact on mathematics. In a sense, it represents a partial fulfillment of a philosopher’s dream that goes back at least to the thirteenth century when it was forcefully promoted by the Majorcan philosopher Ramon Llull (c.1232–c.1315). He tried to put human reasoning on completely safe grounds by showing that all truths in any particular subject area can be obtained by drawing conclusions from a limited set of axioms. In order to obtain all the truths one had to go through all combinations of axioms. To that purpose, he invented devices consisting of rotating, concentrically arranged circles that contained representations of all the basic concepts (Uckelman 2018 ). Today, these ideas seem eccentric, to say the least, but they held sway in European intellectual life for many centuries. Gottfried Leibniz (1646–1716) was much influenced by them. He believed that it would be possible in principle to calculate infallibly the truth value of any proposition (Lenzen 2018 ). This would require a universal language (characteristica universalis), in which all concepts were expressed in a way that mirrored their logical interrelations. Such a language would transform all forms of correct argumentation into routine tasks:

“Thus I assert that all truths that can be demonstrated about things expressible in this language with the addition of new concepts not yet expressed in it – all such truths, I say, can be demonstrated solo calculo , or solely by manipulation of characters according to a certain form, without any labour of the imagination or effort of the mind, just as occurs in arithmetic and algebra.” (Leibniz, quoted in Mates ( 1986 ), p. 185n.)

Neither Leibniz nor any of his many fellow believers in such a universal language made any significant progress towards constructing it. However, the predicate logic presented by Gottlob Frege (1848–1925) in his pathbreaking Begriffsschrift (1879) provided what can be described as a universal language for mathematics. Footnote 9 Predicate logic differs from previous logical systems in its versatile notation for relations, variables, and the notions “all” and “some.” Although it is insufficient for translating large parts of natural language, it is sufficient for expressing much—some would say all—of the natural language that is needed in mathematics. The vast majority of mathematical definitions and theorems can be expressed in predicate logic, and even more importantly: If we perform mathematical proofs very carefully in the smallest possible steps, then each step can be expressed as a statement in predicate logic, and it can be seen to follow from its predecessors according to the rules of predicate logic. Since these rules are simple and unambiguous, this means that each step in such a proof follows from its predecessors through routine (“mechanical”) manipulation of symbols. It can therefore also be checked in the same way that one checks for instance an addition or multiplication.

Such proofs in small steps are usually not much liked by mathematicians—they share some of the disadvantages of looking down at your feet all the time while trying to find your way in an unknown terrain. However, predicate logic arrived at a time when mathematics was in a crisis. Two of its core areas, geometry and calculus, had turned out to have less secure foundations than what had previously been believed. Precise axiomatizations and proofs in small, routinized, steps could be used to provide new and more secure foundations for mathematics. Predicate logic appeared to be the “characteristica universalis” that Leibniz and many others had dreamt of, making it possible to draw all conclusions one needed “solely by manipulation of characters according to a certain form, without any labor of the imagination or effort of the mind.” But, of course, there was an important caveat: It was a characteristica universalis only for mathematics, not for human reasoning in general.

The increased precision obtained in this way led to important mathematical developments. Of particular interest for the technology–mathematics connection are two seminal papers from the 1930s, by Alonzo Church ( 1936 ) and Alan Turing ( 1937a ). They both proposed characterizations of the operations on symbols that can be performed routinely, i.e., without what Leibniz called “labour of the imagination or effort of the mind.” A decade later, when electronic computers were constructed, it became obvious that these routine operations were also the operations that computers could perform. This has given rise to discussions whether computers can be constructed that transcend the limits of mathematical routine set out by Church and Turing.

The reduction of proofs to simple steps made it possible to use computers for mathematical tasks that had previously always been performed by mathematicians. Computers can be programmed to search systematically for longer and longer chains of proof steps, based on a given set of axioms. In this way, it is possible to find all conclusions that can be obtained from a given set of axioms with proofs up to a certain length. Computers can also be used to generate and test a large number of cases.

These new developments gave rise to at least two important philosophical issues. The first of these is essentially a computer-enhanced version of the problem of physical reliance that was mentioned at the end of Section  2 : Can we rely on the outcomes of computer calculations, even if they are so large that it is in practice impossible to check them? This quandary came to the fore in the late 1970s when the four-color problem, which had eluded mathematicians since the 1850s, was finally solved by brute computer force (Appel and Haken 1976 ). The problem can be expressed as a question: Is it possible to divide a Euclidean plane into regions (like a map) in such way that more than four colors are needed to color all regions without assigning the same color to two regions with a common border (other than a corner)? A proof that this is impossible was published in 1977. It was based on an extensive computerized search for proofs for each of 1482 cases. The proof was too long for a human to verify all its details. It triggered an extensive and still on-going philosophical discussion on whether we can rely on such proofs in the same way that we rely on proofs that are short enough for humans to go through in detail.

The second problem has already been alluded to: What types of symbol manipulations can be performed routinely, i.e., with no need for imagination or mental effort? And how do these operations relate to the mathematical operations that a computer can perform? In particular, can a machine be constructed that transcends the limits of what a human can perform routinely?

6 Summing up the Philosophical Problems

We can now summarize the philosophical problems that have emerged in our historical account of the technology–mathematics relationship.

First, we have the technology-dependence of mathematical knowledge . We noted in Section  2 that from its very beginnings, human knowledge of mathematics has depended on aide-mémoires such as notches on a stick, pebbles on a counting board, or symbols on paper. We need notation not only to remember numbers but also to keep track of the successive steps of a computation, derivation, or proof. As we saw in Section  5 , we now depend increasingly on more advanced technological devices, namely computers, not only to record but also to perform the steps of mathematical operations. Since mathematical knowledge is usually considered to be non-empirical, this creates problems for mathematical epistemology.

Secondly, although the notion of a computation is defined mathematically, it has implications for our understanding of operations performed on physical devices. For instance, if we define computation as a process consisting of a particular type of elementary operations, then a machine performing a computation will have to do so by executing suboperations that can reasonably be understood as representing such elementary operations. A technological device that arrives at the desired result by some other means could not be said to have obtained it by computation. For this and other reasons, we need to clarify the relationship between mathematical and technological computability.

Thirdly, the usefulness of mathematics in technology poses a puzzle that is analogous, but perhaps not identical, to the much more widely discussed puzzle of the usefulness of mathematics in science. How does it come that so many technological problems have been solved with mathematical tools that were invented for purposes unconnected with technology? Is there some underlying connection which we have not grasped?

The purpose of the following three sections is to further introduce these three problems and to show that concepts from the philosophy of technology and the philosophy of mathematics may have to be combined in order to solve them.

7 The Technology Dependence of Mathematical Knowledge

It is doubtful whether any mathematician has ever spent a sleepless night worrying that her notes might in some way have been transformed by unknown forces, replacing a correct proof by an incorrect one. The more common worry refers to mistakes by oneself. This is also a most realistic concern. There is ample historical evidence that published work, even by highly respected mathematicians, sometimes contains serious mistakes (Grcar 2013 ). Footnote 10 But even though the reliability of our technological aide-mémoires is not a concern in mathematical practice, arguments that put it into question can serve a useful purpose. We can use such arguments to explore mathematical epistemology in much the same way that we use other skeptical arguments in general epistemology. We do not expect philosophy students to leave a seminar on Cartesian skepticism in serious doubt whether their friends and families exist or are only figments of their minds. Instead, we expect them to have gained some insights on different types of knowledge and on the problematic nature of epistemic certainty (Hansson 2017 ). In the same way, deliberations on how our mathematical knowledge depends on our technological means for preserving it can engender insights on the nature of mathematical knowledge. For instance, we need to distinguish between, on the one hand, the mathematical knowledge of a (hypothetical) ideal mathematical reasoner with unlimited memory and, on the other hand, the mathematical knowledge that humans can acquire. The ideal mathematical reasoner would presumably be in no need of technological aide-mémoires, and her knowledge would reach a level of certainty which we can never reach in empirical issues. Footnote 11

With computers came the use of technology to perform mathematical operations, rather than just to record the operations that we perform ourselves. As mentioned in Section  5 , the computer proof of the four-color theorem triggered an intense debate among both mathematicians and philosophers on the implications of computer proofs for mathematical knowledge. In one of the first philosophical articles on this proof, Thomas Tymoczko ( 1979 ) questioned whether the computer operations had at all established a theorem. He claimed that the computer performed “no traditional proof, no a priori deduction of a statement from premises,” but instead an “empirical experiment.” Accepting this as a proof would, he said, contradict the common assumption that “mathematics, as opposed to natural science, has no empirical content” and that its theorems “are certain to a degree that no theorem of natural science can match.” (p. 63)

Other participants in this debate have claimed to the contrary that the risk of errors is typically smaller in computer proofs than in similarly long proofs performed by hand (Swart 1980 , p. 700). In fact, mathematicians were less worried about the accuracy of the many cases that the computer had proved for the four-color theorem than about the correctness and exhaustiveness of the list of these cases, which had been obtained by human mathematicians in the usual pen-on-paper way (Swart 1980 , pp. 697-698). As a leading group theorist wrote in the preamble of a 157-page long summary of major results in group theory, “it seems beyond human capacity to present a closely reasoned several hundred page argument with absolute accuracy.” (Gorenstein 1979 , p. 52).

The traditional view that mathematical knowledge is non-empirical has also been questioned in this debate. According to Detlefsen and Luker ( 1980 ), a mathematician’s belief that someone (herself or someone else) has made no blunder in a long complex proof is in fact an empirical belief. Therefore, belief in the validity of such a proof “ultimately rests on empirical considerations, whether the calculation is performed by an IBM 370-160A or by a human mathematician.” (p. 808)

The following two stories can serve to clarify what is at issue:

Among the papers left behind by a deceased mathematician, her colleagues found a huge, extremely well organized handwritten manuscript of about 18,000 pages. It is a proof of a famous conjecture, which she apparently worked with for decades, and managed to finish just a few weeks before her death. It was accompanied by a 60-page summary that specifies exactly how she divided the proof into more than 3,000 cases and what proof methods she used in proving all of them. Experts judge this summary to be both ingenious and highly credible. She was known for her meticulous way of working, and no errors were found in a randomized sample of 10 cases. However, a reasonably careful checking of the full proof would take about three hours per page, i.e., 30 years of full-time work, for a highly qualified mathematician.

Two mathematicians and a computer programmer have made a computer program that proved the famous conjecture. They have written a paper of 60 pages, summarizing exactly how they divided the proof into more than 3,000 cases, and what methods were used in the computerized search for proofs of all of these cases. They have also presented a computer-produced document of 18,000 pages, which contains the whole proof in a format suitable for mathematicians to check. Experts consider the 60 page paper to be of excellent quality, and no errors were found in a randomized sample of 10 cases. However, a reasonably careful checking of the full proof would take about three hours per page, i.e., about 30 years of full-time work for a highly qualified mathematician.

Which of these proofs could most easily be checked carefully enough for the mathematical community to consider the famous conjecture to be proved? There cannot be much doubt about this. Other mathematicians and programmers can check the computer proof by writing another computer program, preferably in another programming language, and implement it on another type of computer. Footnote 12 After a careful corroboration of this nature, the computer proof in case (2) would stand a good chance of being accepted. For the manual proof in case (1), no other means of corroboration than tedious line-by-line checking would seem to be available. Footnote 13

It is important to recognize that the technology-dependence of mathematical knowledge is an epistemic, not necessarily an ontological dependence. Even if our knowledge of pure mathematics is technology-dependent, it does not follow that the subject-matter of that knowledge refers to technology (or other empirical matter). We can compare this to the use of technology in empirical observations. Our knowledge of viruses depends heavily on electron microscopes, but this does not make the viruses themselves in any way dependent on microscopes. Footnote 14 Obviously, that the dependence of mathematics on technology is epistemic does not make this dependence less important. The epistemology of mathematics is a central part of its philosophy, and there are respectable views on mathematics that do not allow for unknowable mathematical truths and therefore do not draw a line between the epistemology and the ontology of mathematics (Williamson 1982 ; Hand 2010 ).

It should also be recognized that computer technology differs from other types of technology in epistemically important ways. In a recent contribution to the philosophy of computer-mediated proofs, Bringsjord and Govindarajulu ( 2018 ) proposed that we put this question in the more general context of how human belief can be justified by arguments that are mediated by a computer.

It may also be useful to connect this issue with discussions of other types of computer-based knowledge. For instance, an interesting parallel can be drawn with the philosophical discussion on whether a computer simulation of an empirical phenomenon can be regarded as an experiment. The question is here whether computer-based knowledge can have the status of an experiment, a status that is usually only assigned to procedures based on empirical observations (Parker 2009 ; Roush 2018 ). Footnote 15

In mathematics, the controversy concerns whether computer-based knowledge can have the status of a proof, which is normally assigned to procedures that are independent of empirical observations. We seem to have a general problem with the classification of computer-based knowledge, and perhaps we need to develop new categories or distinctions to deal with them.

8 The Notion of a Computation

For an extensive discussion of the relation between technology and computation, see Hansson ( 2018b ). For other recent work on the philosophy of computation, see also Davis ( 2006 ), Sieg ( 2009 ) and Piccinini ( 2015 ).

A computation, such as adding or multiplying two numbers, is (an execution of) a deterministic routine for the manipulation of symbols representing numbers. That it is deterministic means that its performance is unambiguously specified, step by step, so that the outcome is predetermined. Mathematicians have long known that there is a wide variety of such routines for symbol manipulation. The general term is “algorithm” (Uckelman 2018 ). Whereas a computation has numbers as both inputs and outputs, an algorithm can operate on any type of symbols. However, for the modern mathematician, the difference between making a computation and executing an algorithm is inconsequential, since all symbols can be represented by a sequence of numbers. Therefore, “computation” is used as a general term for the performance of any algorithm, and “computable” means “obtainable by performing an algorithm.”

As mentioned in Section  5 , the concept of a computation (or performance of an algorithm) became important in early twentieth century mathematics when efforts were made to base mathematics on systems of axioms and proofs. To make sure that a proof is correct, one had to make sure that it was decomposable into small steps, each of which could be performed as a routine manipulation of symbols. Alan Turing’s ( 1937a , 1937b ) definition of computability was based on an analysis of what we humans do when we compute. “Computing is normally done,” he said, “by writing certain symbols on paper.” (p. 249). He went on to further simplify the operations performed by a human computist. Footnote 17 We can perform operations on sheets of checked paper. The width of the paper is not essential. The pages of a typical math exercise book has a width of about 30 to 40 squares, but we can do with much less. Indeed, we can work with a squared tape, a paper that has the width of only one square. It would be awkward and time-consuming, but from a mathematical point of view, it would be a simplification. Several other such simplifications are possible: We only need two symbols, since any finite number of symbols can be encoded in sequences of only two symbols. We only need to move one step at a time on the tape, as long as we keep track of how many times we have to make such a one-step move. We only need to look at one square at a time, since we can move around and look at the relevant squares in sequence, etc. (For details, see Hansson 2018b .) The result of these deliberations was a highly simplified structure for computations. It has a squared tape and a head that moves step-wise over the tape, reading one square at a time. Depending on the symbol that it reads upon arriving at a square, and the state it was in before, it enters a state. The new state instructs it what to do next among a small collection of possible actions (write 0, write 1, move one step to the left, move one step to the right, stop).

Turing claimed that such a simple “machine” can perform any symbol manipulation that can be performed routinely by a human. However, it is important to observe that in spite of its extremely simple and limited construction, a Turing machine is more powerful than any existing or possible computer or computist. The reason for this is that the tape is assumed to be infinitely long. This means that the machine can perform operations of any length. For instance, it can determine the n th digit of π for any number n , even if it is larger than the number of particles in the universe. The reason why Turing put no limit on the length of the tape is that from a mathematical point of view, any such limit would be arbitrary. Turing’s analysis does not concern actual computability, which depends on our resources and physical limitations. Instead, he was interested in effective computability. Footnote 18 A mathematical entity is effectively computable if it would be computable if we had unlimited resources. (The established term “effective” may be a bit confusing; the term “potential” might have been better.)

The notion of a computation has two important features that make it to a considerable extent a technological concept. First, a computation is an intentional operation in the usual sense of being “done on purpose, resulting from intention” (Oxford English Dictionary). Footnote 19 Just as in technology, but contrary to physics, agency and intention are indispensable. Therefore, the so-called pancomputationalist standpoint, according to which every physical system implements every computation, is untenable (Shagrir 2012 ). For instance, the cup coaster on my table does not embody a calculation of π , although the ratio of its circumference to its diameter is a reasonable approximation of that number. And if I put a pile of three such coasters on top of a pile of five coasters, I do not thereby perform the addition 3 + 5 (unless, of course, that is my intention, perhaps as part of an effort to teach a young child some arithmetic). Secondly, a computation is an input–output operation. The instruction “write the number 5 five times in a row” does not specify how to compute 205 times 271, although 205×271 is indeed 55555. A computation has to be an execution in a particular case of an instruction (an algorithm) that provides the correct answer also in other cases. Footnote 20

These “technological” properties of computations are extremely useful for the evaluation of various proposals for physical constructions claimed to perform computations that go beyond the capacity of a Turing machine. It has often been assumed that if we can find a physical phenomenon that cannot be adequately described with Turing computable functions, then we have also found a phenomenon that goes beyond Turing computability. Footnote 21 However, that is a non-sequitur. If we lack means for simulating a natural process, it does not follow that we can use that process for making a computation. Computation is essentially a technological, not a natural, process.

9 The Technological Usefulness of Mathematics

The third problem for the technology–mathematics relation that we identified above is the technological usefulness of mathematics. In a famous speech in 1959, Eugene Wigner voiced his bafflement over the “unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in the natural sciences.” (Wigner 1960 ). Again and again, theories from pure mathematics have turned out to be eminently useful in natural science. How can that be, if pure mathematics is void of empirical content? Wigner found no explanation of this, as he said, wondrous, phenomenon.

“The miracle of the appropriateness of the language of mathematics for the formulation of the laws of physics is a wonderful gift which we neither understand nor deserve.” (Wigner 1960 , p. 14)

Again and again, also after Wigner made these remarks, pure mathematics has turned out to be eminently useful not only in science but also in technology. If technology is taken to be applied natural science, then the applicability of mathematics in technology can be seen as a corollary to its applicability in science. However, in the last few decades, philosophical arguments have been amassed that discredit such a view of technology. Today it is a consensus view that technology includes practices and methods that are its own, rather than applications of ideas from natural science (Kroes 1989 ; Hansson 2007 ; Mitcham and Schatzberg 2009 ). These insights have clear implications for the “unreasonable effectiveness.” In order to understand the usefulness of mathematics in technology, it is not sufficient to look for explanations of its usefulness in the natural sciences. We also have to consider its usefulness in those technological practices that cannot be construed as applied natural science, such as engineeering design, optimization, control theory, and reasoning about technological function, human-machine interaction, and ethical acceptability. Philosophical studies of these technological practices can provide useful inputs to our understanding of the usefulness of mathematics in technology. Footnote 22

The discussion of this problem has scarcely begun, but two interesting standpoints should be mentioned. On of them is represented by Tor Sandqvist ( 2018 ), who maintains that what is truly amazing and possibly inexplicable in this context is the fact that the universe exhibits regularities that allow us to predict the future on the basis of the past. This applies both to predictions of natural phenomena and to predictions relating to our (technological) interventions and interactions with nature. However, the fact that we can use mathematics to describe these regularities does not in his view necessarily add to the amazement. The mathematical formulations of successful physical theories need not be “an essential feature of the world they are describing,” but could instead be “a (possibly humanly unavoidable) artifact of the conceptual lens through which that world is being studied.” (p. 343)

The other viewpoint is represented by Phillip Wilson ( 2018 ), who proposes that the existence of successful applications of mathematics in technology and elsewhere teaches us something about the nature of mathematics. There are four dominant traditions in the philosophy of mathematics: Platonism, logicism, formalism, and intuitionism. They have all mostly been discussed in relation to pure mathematics. By considering them from the perspective of the various applications of mathematics we can gain new insights on their ontological and epistemological implications. In Wilson’s view, such a broadened focus should help us to better understand the nature of mathematics.

10 Conclusion

I hope to have shown that technology and mathematics are interconnected in many ways, and that these interconnections cannot be adequately understood from studies of how each of them is connected with natural science (or science in general). There is a need for direct studies of the technology–mathematics relationship. Historical studies of that relationship have been sporadic, and we lack much of the information needed to write a coherent history of how the two have influenced each other in different phases of their development. The philosophical aspects of the relationship have been even less studied. This article has identified some issues and topics that can serve as inroads into the philosophically unexplored terrains of the technology–mathematics relationship. There is much more to be found.

Much older bones with notches have been found, but their interpretation is controversial (Vogelsang et al. 2010 , p. 197; d’Errico et al. 2012 , pp. 13216 and 13219; Cain 2006 ).

The notion of technology is of quite recent origin. In the nineteenth century, it gradually replaced the older, somewhat wider, notion of practical arts (Hansson 2015 ). The term “technology” is used here also in references to cultures and periods lacking the modern notion of technology.

According to Plato, at least one Athenian stone mason, namely Socrates, was versed in the learned geometry of his time. Cf (McLarty 2005 ).

The Syriac mathematician Ibrahim ibn Sinan (908–946) once taught an artisan how to construct a sundial (Saliba 1999 , pp. 641-642). The Persian mathematician and astronomer Abu al-Wafa’ Buzjani (940–c.998) wrote a book for craftsmen on geometrical constructions, but it is not known what outreach it had among its intended audience (Raynaud 2012 ). The Iranian polymath Al-Biruni (973–1048) wrote about the difference between the mathematical methods that scholars preferred and the (presumably less rigorous) ones used by most craftsmen. However, he reported that some artisans, in particular, instrument makers, used the methods preferred by scholars (Saliba 1999 , p. 642). The Florentine polyhistor Filippo Brunelleschi (1377–1446) reportedly taught masons and carpenters working on the Florence Cathedral the mathematical principles of construction drawings (Knobloch 2004 , p. 4). In the late fifteenth century, the master mason Matthäus Roritzer, (c.1435–c.1495) reported that he had frequently discussed “the free art of geometry” with the bishop Wilhelm von Reichenau (1426–1496), who had a great interest in these matters (Roriczer [1486] 1845 , p. 13).

For references, see Hansson ( 2018a ). See also Ackerman ( 1949 ).

Surveying is an exception. Medieval surveyors seem to have used less mathematically advanced methods than the master builders (Price 1955 ; Glick 1968 ; Skelton 1970 ; Friedman 2014 ).

Mathematical control theory is an interesting example of this. Its engineering applications in servomechanisms have been essential in many areas of technology. However, attempts to extend this engineering approach to complex social phenomena have been much less successful (Kline 2018 ).

Gandy ( 1988 , p. 57) showed that the functions computable with the analytical engine “are precisely those which are Turing computable.”

Kluge ( 1980 ) argued that Frege was in fact influenced by Leibniz when developing his predicate logic.

One example of this is a proof of the four-color theorem that was published in 1880 and shown to be wrong only 10 years later (Ringel and Youngs 1968 ).

However, the ability even of an idealized reasoner to achieve full mathematical certainty can be questioned with standard skeptical maneuvers. A Cartesian demon capable of implanting false empirical perceptions into my mind should not find it too difficult to implant a mathematical error into my mind, or at least to disrupt my memory of some mathematical results that I have obtained. It is not immediately clear what it would take for our idealized mathematical reasoner to be immune against such demonic influence, and to be itself certain of that immunity.

There are large differences between different computer-supported proofs in how easily this can be done. This is exemplified by the verification of Kepler’s conjecture (from 1611) on the most efficient way to pack balls of equal size in Euclidean space. The first proof of this conjecture was submitted to a journal in 1998, but it was not published until 7 years later since reviewers were unable to fully verify the code (Hales 2005 ; Szpiro 2003 ; Anon 2004 ). A much improved proof was published in 2017 (Hales et al. 2017 ). It is to a large extent computer-generated, but contrary to the first proof, it is completely formalized, and it can be checked with standard proof-checking software.

The corroboration of proofs that have been performed by someone else or by a machine has some similarities with the process involved in zero-knowledge proofs, which also involve two parties, a prover and a verifier (Goldwasser et al. 1989 ; Bernhard 2014 ). A major difference is that the corroboration process described here consists in checking the accuracy of an available proof, whereas in zero-knowledge proofs “the prover can convince the verifier that a given statement is true, without conveying any additional information apart from the fact that the statement is true.” (Artemov and Protopopescu 2016 , p. 273). On the epistemology of zero-knowledge proofs, see Bledin ( 2008 ), Halpern et al. ( 2009 ), and Protopopescu ( 2015 ).

Cf. the comparison between computers and microscopes (in Humphreys 2004 , pp. 116 ff). Philosophical studies of the use of technology in making and recording empirical observations are relevant here. See Boon ( 2015 ).

As I see it, computer simulations are experiments on a model of the ultimate object of study. Such indirect experimentation, or experimentation on proxies, is quite common in natural science, for instance, when a rodent model or a cell culture model is used in experiments aiming at knowledge on human metabolism, or when Arabidopsis thaliana is used as a model organism in plant physiology and genetics. Unfortunately, much of the philosophical discussion on computer simulations has been based on the misconception that “while in an experiment one is controlling the actual object of interest (for example, in a chemistry experiment, the chemicals under investigation), in a simulation one is experimenting with a model rather than the phenomenon itself.” Gilbert and Troitzsch ( 2005 , p. 14) For another view, see Peschard ( in press ). For an overview, see Winsberg ( 2018 ).

Turing used the term “computer” to refer to human computists. This has often been misunderstood by latter-day readers as referring to what we today mean by a computer.

This term was apparently introduced by Alonzo Church ( 1936 ).

Consequently, the various specifications of intentional action apply to computations. For instance, we can distinguish between types and tokens of computations. Tokens (i.e., actual single performances) can be failed. There can be different forms of collective computations, for instance, when different parts of an input are entered by different persons. Further developments of these aspects of computations can draw from work in action theory (Davidson 1980 ; Dancy and Sandis 2015 ) and the theory of technological function (Houkes and Vermaas 2010 ; Kroes 2012 ).

In the terms of Piccinini ( 2015 , p. 253), a computation has to be settable , i.e., such that “a user sets the system to its initial state and feeds it different arguments of the function being computed,” and then receives the appropriate outputs.

One example of this is Mark Hogarth’s ( 1994 ) proposal, which is based on the observation that general relativity is compatible with the existence of two trajectories from one point in space-time to another, such that one of the trajectories takes infinitely long time, whereas the other only takes finitely long time. No credible proposal has been made for basing a computation of this putative phenomenon (Cf. Button 2009 ). Another example is the proposal that since some many-body problems in Newtonian mechanics may lack a Turing computable solution, they could potentially transcend Turing computability (Kreisel 1974 , p. 24; Smith 2006 ). Again, no proposal has been made for how this feature of Newtonian mechanics could be used to construct input-output computations (Cf. Cotogno 2003 , p. 186). — Claims that quantum computation can transcend Turing computability can largely be set aside for similar reasons. Quantum computation has a potential to speed up some computations, but it is not expected to transcend Turing computability (Hagar and Korolev 2007 ; Dorato and Felline 2018 ; Cuffaro 2018 ).

As an anonymous referee for this journal pointed out, just like the application of mathematics to science—and arguably to an even higher degree—its application to technology will have ethical implications that mathematicians need to pay attention to.

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Hansson, S.O. Technology and Mathematics. Philos. Technol. 33 , 117–139 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13347-019-00348-9

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Essay on Science and Technology for Students and Children

500+ words essay on science and technology.

Essay on Science and Technology: Science and technology are important parts of our day to day life. We get up in the morning from the ringing of our alarm clocks and go to bed at night after switching our lights off. All these luxuries that we are able to afford are a resultant of science and technology . Most importantly, how we can do all this in a short time are because of the advancement of science and technology only. It is hard to imagine our life now without science and technology. Indeed our existence itself depends on it now. Every day new technologies are coming up which are making human life easier and more comfortable. Thus, we live in an era of science and technology.

Essentially, Science and Technology have introduced us to the establishment of modern civilization . This development contributes greatly to almost every aspect of our daily life. Hence, people get the chance to enjoy these results, which make our lives more relaxed and pleasurable.

Benefits of Science and Technology

If we think about it, there are numerous benefits of science and technology. They range from the little things to the big ones. For instance, the morning paper which we read that delivers us reliable information is a result of scientific progress. In addition, the electrical devices without which life is hard to imagine like a refrigerator, AC, microwave and more are a result of technological advancement.

Furthermore, if we look at the transport scenario, we notice how science and technology play a major role here as well. We can quickly reach the other part of the earth within hours, all thanks to advancing technology.

In addition, science and technology have enabled man to look further than our planet. The discovery of new planets and the establishment of satellites in space is because of the very same science and technology. Similarly, science and technology have also made an impact on the medical and agricultural fields. The various cures being discovered for diseases have saved millions of lives through science. Moreover, technology has enhanced the production of different crops benefitting the farmers largely.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

India and Science and Technology

Ever since British rule, India has been in talks all over the world. After gaining independence, it is science and technology which helped India advance through times. Now, it has become an essential source of creative and foundational scientific developments all over the world. In other words, all the incredible scientific and technological advancements of our country have enhanced the Indian economy.

Looking at the most recent achievement, India successfully launched Chandrayaan 2. This lunar exploration of India has earned critical acclaim from all over the world. Once again, this achievement was made possible due to science and technology.

In conclusion, we must admit that science and technology have led human civilization to achieve perfection in living. However, we must utilize everything in wise perspectives and to limited extents. Misuse of science and technology can produce harmful consequences. Therefore, we must monitor the use and be wise in our actions.

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• Technology Essay

Essay on Technology

The word "technology" and its uses have immensely changed since the 20th century, and with time, it has continued to evolve ever since. We are living in a world driven by technology. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization, along with cultural changes. Technology provides innovative ways of doing work through various smart and innovative means. 

Electronic appliances, gadgets, faster modes of communication, and transport have added to the comfort factor in our lives. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and different business enterprises. Technology has brought a revolution in many operational fields. It has undoubtedly made a very important contribution to the progress that mankind has made over the years.

The Advancement of Technology:

Technology has reduced the effort and time and increased the efficiency of the production requirements in every field. It has made our lives easy, comfortable, healthy, and enjoyable. It has brought a revolution in transport and communication. The advancement of technology, along with science, has helped us to become self-reliant in all spheres of life. With the innovation of a particular technology, it becomes part of society and integral to human lives after a point in time.

Technology is Our Part of Life:

Technology has changed our day-to-day lives. Technology has brought the world closer and better connected. Those days have passed when only the rich could afford such luxuries. Because of the rise of globalisation and liberalisation, all luxuries are now within the reach of the average person. Today, an average middle-class family can afford a mobile phone, a television, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a computer, the Internet, etc. At the touch of a switch, a man can witness any event that is happening in far-off places.  

Benefits of Technology in All Fields: 

We cannot escape technology; it has improved the quality of life and brought about revolutions in various fields of modern-day society, be it communication, transportation, education, healthcare, and many more. Let us learn about it.

Technology in Communication:

With the advent of technology in communication, which includes telephones, fax machines, cellular phones, the Internet, multimedia, and email, communication has become much faster and easier. It has transformed and influenced relationships in many ways. We no longer need to rely on sending physical letters and waiting for several days for a response. Technology has made communication so simple that you can connect with anyone from anywhere by calling them via mobile phone or messaging them using different messaging apps that are easy to download.

Innovation in communication technology has had an immense influence on social life. Human socialising has become easier by using social networking sites, dating, and even matrimonial services available on mobile applications and websites.

Today, the Internet is used for shopping, paying utility bills, credit card bills, admission fees, e-commerce, and online banking. In the world of marketing, many companies are marketing and selling their products and creating brands over the internet. 

In the field of travel, cities, towns, states, and countries are using the web to post detailed tourist and event information. Travellers across the globe can easily find information on tourism, sightseeing, places to stay, weather, maps, timings for events, transportation schedules, and buy tickets to various tourist spots and destinations.

Technology in the Office or Workplace:

Technology has increased efficiency and flexibility in the workspace. Technology has made it easy to work remotely, which has increased the productivity of the employees. External and internal communication has become faster through emails and apps. Automation has saved time, and there is also a reduction in redundancy in tasks. Robots are now being used to manufacture products that consistently deliver the same product without defect until the robot itself fails. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology are innovations that are being deployed across industries to reap benefits.

Technology has wiped out the manual way of storing files. Now files are stored in the cloud, which can be accessed at any time and from anywhere. With technology, companies can make quick decisions, act faster towards solutions, and remain adaptable. Technology has optimised the usage of resources and connected businesses worldwide. For example, if the customer is based in America, he can have the services delivered from India. They can communicate with each other in an instant. Every company uses business technology like virtual meeting tools, corporate social networks, tablets, and smart customer relationship management applications that accelerate the fast movement of data and information.

Technology in Education:

Technology is making the education industry improve over time. With technology, students and parents have a variety of learning tools at their fingertips. Teachers can coordinate with classrooms across the world and share their ideas and resources online. Students can get immediate access to an abundance of good information on the Internet. Teachers and students can access plenty of resources available on the web and utilise them for their project work, research, etc. Online learning has changed our perception of education. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a paradigm shift using technology where school-going kids continued their studies from home and schools facilitated imparting education by their teachers online from home. Students have learned and used 21st-century skills and tools, like virtual classrooms, AR (Augmented Reality), robots, etc. All these have increased communication and collaboration significantly. 

Technology in Banking:

Technology and banking are now inseparable. Technology has boosted digital transformation in how the banking industry works and has vastly improved banking services for their customers across the globe.

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated and has reduced errors to almost nil, which were somewhat prevalent with manual human activities. Banks are adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase their efficiency and profits. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. 

You can now access your money, handle transactions like paying bills, money transfers, and online purchases from merchants, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe. You do not need to carry cash in your pocket or wallet; the payments can be made digitally using e-wallets. Mobile banking, banking apps, and cybersecurity are changing the face of the banking industry.

Manufacturing and Production Industry Automation:

At present, manufacturing industries are using all the latest technologies, ranging from big data analytics to artificial intelligence. Big data, ARVR (Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality), and IoT (Internet of Things) are the biggest manufacturing industry players. Automation has increased the level of productivity in various fields. It has reduced labour costs, increased efficiency, and reduced the cost of production.

For example, 3D printing is used to design and develop prototypes in the automobile industry. Repetitive work is being done easily with the help of robots without any waste of time. This has also reduced the cost of the products. 

Technology in the Healthcare Industry:

Technological advancements in the healthcare industry have not only improved our personal quality of life and longevity; they have also improved the lives of many medical professionals and students who are training to become medical experts. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. 

The Internet has drastically transformed patients' and doctors’ relationships. Everyone can stay up to date on the latest medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer one another support when dealing with medical issues. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many sites and apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help. 

Breakthrough innovations in surgery, artificial organs, brain implants, and networked sensors are examples of transformative developments in the healthcare industry. Hospitals use different tools and applications to perform their administrative tasks, using digital marketing to promote their services.

Technology in Agriculture:

Today, farmers work very differently than they would have decades ago. Data analytics and robotics have built a productive food system. Digital innovations are being used for plant breeding and harvesting equipment. Software and mobile devices are helping farmers harvest better. With various data and information available to farmers, they can make better-informed decisions, for example, tracking the amount of carbon stored in soil and helping with climate change.

Disadvantages of Technology:

People have become dependent on various gadgets and machines, resulting in a lack of physical activity and tempting people to lead an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Even though technology has increased the productivity of individuals, organisations, and the nation, it has not increased the efficiency of machines. Machines cannot plan and think beyond the instructions that are fed into their system. Technology alone is not enough for progress and prosperity. Management is required, and management is a human act. Technology is largely dependent on human intervention. 

Computers and smartphones have led to an increase in social isolation. Young children are spending more time surfing the internet, playing games, and ignoring their real lives. Usage of technology is also resulting in job losses and distracting students from learning. Technology has been a reason for the production of weapons of destruction.

Dependency on technology is also increasing privacy concerns and cyber crimes, giving way to hackers.

FAQs on Technology Essay

1. What is technology?

Technology refers to innovative ways of doing work through various smart means. The advancement of technology has played an important role in the development of human civilization. It has helped in improving the productivity of individuals and businesses.

2. How has technology changed the face of banking?

Technology has made banking operations very sophisticated. With the emergence of Internet banking, self-service tools have replaced the traditional methods of banking. You can now access your money, handle transactions, and monitor your bank statements anytime and from anywhere in the world. Technology has made banking more secure and safe.

3. How has technology brought a revolution in the medical field?

Patients and doctors keep each other up to date on the most recent medical discoveries, share treatment information, and offer each other support when dealing with medical issues. It has allowed much faster access to the medical records of each patient. Modern technology has allowed us to contact doctors from the comfort of our homes. There are many websites and mobile apps through which we can contact doctors and get medical help.

4. Are we dependent on technology?

Yes, today, we are becoming increasingly dependent on technology. Computers, smartphones, and modern technology have helped humanity achieve success and progress. However, in hindsight, people need to continuously build a healthy lifestyle, sorting out personal problems that arise due to technological advancements in different aspects of human life.

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Role of computers in physics education – A review

Physics is said to be difficult subject. Physics learning is not an easy task. There is strong evidence all over the world that physics students are not learning the concepts necessary for a good understanding of the physics world. Their learning of scientific facts remains in the classroom only. The computer is one of the most brilliant gifts of science having characteristics of speed, accuracy, reliability and integrity. It can execute over a million instructions per second without any mistake. It can carry our calculation in just a few minutes that would require month If carried out manually. The computational techniques have provided a friend and servant to science, technology and industry. In the present learning process computers are being used for enhancing physics learning also. They can be used to analyze and visualize data, communicate results, run experiment and monitor equipment. Computing can play an important and varied role in advancing physics learning. We point out role of computational techniques namely Simulations, Multimedia, Virtual Reality, Telematics and computer based labs which may deal with those difficulties and increase the learning process. Some good computer programs for learning physics exist. Emergent computational tools and new development in learning theories have contributed to change in education. But we are still in the middle of change process. The main objective of this paper is to discuss role of computer to understand physics and strengthen science and technology.

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How Essay Writing Has Evolved Through Years and What Is the Role of Technology in This Process?

When you are looking for a writing company to buy custom essays online, try to be very attentive because cooperation with a reliable service and tech-savvy professional writers will help you become a successful student. Read our article to learn about the role of technology in the educational process.

Essay writing is one of the integral aspects of the academic field. This process enables students to showcase their progress. Essay writing is used in many areas of human life, including literature, sociology, politics, and many others. For example, it is impossible to create an engaging speech without having good essay writing skills. Although many writing companies offer their services so that you could buy custom essays online , students are still struggling with their assignments. Nevertheless, maintaining a successful academic performance is impossible without submitting high-quality essays.

Essay Writing Has Never Been Easy

Over time, the technologies invented by people have changed the writing process. The present-day rules and patterns of essay writing are different from the ones used by ancient Jewish or Greek scholars. Gradually, the definition of writing became vaguer. When writing was invented, people didn’t know about pens, pencils, or computers. In its essence, writing is an instrument that is changing and adapting to meet the needs of people.

Writing remains one of the most efficient forms of visual communication. Yet, it has been changed as a result of technological advancements. Now, to write some text, one doesn’t need to have a pen and paper. It is easier to type the text in Microsoft Word or any other program.

Nowadays, essays have become much more specific and categorized. In the contemporary academic environment, there are many essay types , and each of these types has specific peculiarities. Students work on narrative , argumentative, process, personal, descriptive, and many other essay types. An essay requires looking deeper into the subject, investigating it from different perspectives, as well as presenting the findings in a clear and concise manner. A good essay always has a form of a composition, which includes an engaging introductory paragraph, a detailed main body, and a strong conclusion. To succeed at writing essays, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristic features of this task. Besides, you should know the history because it will help improve your writing competence.

How and Why Does Writing Change Over Time?

• Creativity. Some people are gifted with artistic imagination. Thus, creativity has shaped human written heritage.
• Human ergonomics. The Roman cursive script has evolved over several centuries from written capital letters. In some cases, writing can become less functional, which is caused by the path of life. Nowadays, people think more quickly, which affects their writing.
• Writing technologies. Over the last decades, there have been a lot of significant changes in the means used for writing.

Professionals from different fields work on the improvement of writing techniques. This is how we got various writing formats such as APA, MLA , Harvard, Chicago, and many others. Although each of these formats has specific peculiarities, all of them aim to ease the reading process. By giving a standardized form to any text, one will make it look better. Although some rules and patterns may seem confusing, they offer myriads of options that help contemporary students write good essays.

Effects of Technology on Writing

It is impossible to deny the close relationship between technology and writing. Technology has a great impact on human lives nowadays. Thus, it also defines how students write their essays. Although electronic devices are very helpful, they also define how people think and solve various problems. Technology has provided writers with an efficient toolbox allowing them to deal with various writing tasks without any problems. At the same time, new opportunities may lead to problems, such as plagiarism. Instead of presenting original ideas in their papers students prefer to copy-paste the texts written by others. Copying the works of other people without mentioning their authorship is a violation of the academic writing rules . At the same time, plagiarism-checkers allow noticing the smallest plagiarism instances. In this regard, technology has both positive and negative effects on writing.

How Technology Has Changed Essay Writing?

Over time, many types of writing have evolved. The way people express their ideas today is different from how they did it many years ago. Yet, even with access to text editors, some students create poorly written papers because they commit silly mistakes, which compromise the quality of their works. What is the reason for such a tendency? Well, some things never change. To write a good essay, one should pay close attention to its structure, content, and format. Some students ignore the rules of academic writing, while others just have no time to spend on essay writing.

Nevertheless, the importance of technology in the present-day educational process cannot be underestimated. One should not forget that essay writing is impossible without thorough research, and technology has made it easier. Previously, students had to spend much time at the libraries reading the volumes of books and encyclopedias. Now, the necessary information can be found in a few clicks. Nowadays, technology advances faster than it used to several years ago. Consequently, it affects many aspects of human life including education, work, communication, traveling, etc.

Education has fundamentally changed as a result of technology growth. Now, students use planners, dictionaries, applications, and other resources online to get information and improve their writing strategies. Also, they take advantage of using video tutorials, plagiarism-detection software, etc. Taking this into account, one may conclude that getting an education with the help of cutting-edge technology is more effective.

Students Should Know How to Use Technology

Negative effects of technology.

• Short forms of writing. Nowadays, texts become more informal and shorter in length. Having access to various technological advances, writers prefer using short forms to complete their works. Thus, the quality of academic texts has reduced because of the short forms used.
• Writers depend on digital tools. Nowadays, writers become more reliant on technology because it simplifies their work. In some cases, instead of studying the complicated concepts, writers use the software that can do the work instead of them.
• Plagiarism. Currently, many writers fail to submit 100% authentic papers because they find it easier to copy-paste the works of other people. It affects both their writing skills and their academic performance.

Positive Effects of Technology

Despite the obvious shortcomings, technology also has many positive effects.

• It improves writers’ research skills. The Internet is the largest source where writers can find information on any topic.
• It accelerates thorough editing. It has never been easy to edit an academic paper. Yet, by using sophisticated proofreading tools, one may ease this process.
• It saves time. Technology speeds up the essay writing process and saves students’ time. This time can be spent on many other fascinating activates.
• It helps get immediate feedback. It is difficult to learn from mistakes without having a clear understanding of what is wrong with the paper. With the help of technology, professors can share their feedback with the students. By communicating with the tutor during the essay writing process, you will increase your chances of getting a good grade.
• It facilitates checking spelling errors. Modern technology has eased the automation of checking grammatical errors. You don’t need to check on grammatical errors in your papers manually because there are many applications that make this process easier. Even Microsoft Word has this function. You need to press the spellcheck tab, and the software will show incorrectly spelled words;
• It has made group projects possible. Some projects are too difficult to complete for one person; thus, professors assign them to groups of students. When a student handles only one part of a project, it is easy to check the group work. Besides, technology has made effective communication between group members possible.

The modern world requires taking fast and accurate solutions. In the present-day academic world, students are supposed to complete various projects. No matter what course you are taking, management, accounting, anatomy, nursing , or arts, you need to submit papers of premium quality. All essay assignments aim to showcase your analytical, research, and writing skills.

With the discovery of new knowledge and technologies, essay writing requires multitasking, in-depth research, careful planning, as well as proper organization of ideas.

One cannot deny the fact that the education system is undergoing a revolution, and those students who want to succeed should adapt to it.

In our article, we have discovered the major influences of technology on the educational process. Technology has both advantages and disadvantages, which should be familiar to all students who want to succeed in their educational institutions.

The most common disadvantages of technology use in the educational process are chances of incurring plagiarism, shorter attention, cyber threats, etc.

Students may take advantage of using spellcheck software, citation generators, vocabulary boosters, as well as other instruments to increase their creativity, enhance their communication with peers, and improve their thoughtfulness. At the same time, they should understand that although programs can help them during the writing process, they still should apply considerable efforts to create great papers. To put good grades, professors want to see fresh ideas, thorough work, and unique vision. Finally, with the help of technology, one may carry out their research and get accurate and up-to-date data.

All in all, students can definitely boost their students writing skills with the right technology. You can become a successful student by following the latest conventions of academic writing. Good luck!

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