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Re: definition of physics

Larry Smith posed the question:

Larry Smith <Larry.Smith@SNOW.EDU> 02/03/00 10:54AM >>>
Gentle physics gurus,

I'm thinking about putting a definition of physics on our department web
page and in our catalog, especially for those who don't already have an
idea of what physics is (or for those who associate "physics" only with
"hard math"). What do you suggest?
<snip>

Larry,

For what it's worth, our catalog listing
(at http://weber.edu/catalog19992000/~phsxd.htm) contains the following "definition" of physics, aimed at the same audience you mention, namely those who have limited idea of what physics is. (Other departments no doubt have a similar statement.)

"Physics is the study and application of the fundamental laws of nature,
including the laws of motion, gravity, electromagnetism, heat, and
microscopic interactions. These laws govern the behavior of objects at
all scales, from the smallest subatomic particles to the entire observable
universe. In between, physicists study nuclear reactions, the interactions
of atoms with light, properties of solids, chaotic dynamics of fluids, and
the evolution of stars and galaxies, among many other applications."

If this doesn't tickle your fancy, there is always the quote from Rutherford: "In science, there is only physics; all the rest is stamp collecting." Of course, this may not fly too well with your collegues in other departments, so might not be the best thing for a catalog listing. :-)

Rondo Jeffery
Weber State University
Ogden, UT 84408-2508
rjeffery@weber.edu