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Physics · Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics
Physics in Science, Technology and Society
How physics leads to technology such as generators, mobile phones, solar panels and nuclear power, with examples from Pakistan, and the good and bad effects on society.
Key termRememberExampleWatch out
01Concept
Science and technology are linked, but they are not the same thing.
| Science | Technology | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Knowledge about how nature works, found by observation and experiment | Using scientific knowledge to make useful things and solve problems |
| Asks | "Why?" and "How?" | "How can we use it?" |
| Example | A moving magnet produces an electric current in a coil. | A generator that makes electricity for our homes. |
Society means the people living together in a country or community. Society uses technology, and its needs push scientists to ask new questions. So the three keep feeding each other:
From physics to the things we use
| Physics idea | Technology | Where you see it in Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic induction | Electric generators | Tarbela and Mangla dams; wind turbines at Jhimpir, Sindh |
| Electromagnetic waves | Radio, TV, mobile phones, Wi-Fi | Every mobile phone tower |
| Semiconductors | Computer chips, solar cells | Rooftop solar panels; Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, Bahawalpur |
| Nuclear fission | Nuclear power plants | K-2 and K-3 near Karachi; Chashma, Punjab |
| X-rays and radioactivity | X-ray machines, CT scans, cancer radiotherapy | Hospital X-ray departments; cancer hospitals |
| Gravitation and orbits | Satellites | Weather forecasts; GPS on your phone; PRSS-1, Pakistan's remote-sensing satellite |
| Total internal reflection | Optical fibres | Fibre-optic internet cables |
Good and bad effects on society
Technology has made life easier, but it also causes problems. Society has to decide how to use it wisely.
| Benefits | Problems |
|---|---|
| Electricity for homes, hospitals and factories | Air pollution and global warming from burning oil, gas and coal |
| Fast communication: phones and internet | E-waste from old phones and computers |
| Better medical care: X-rays, scans, radiotherapy | Radiation risk if it is used carelessly |
| Faster travel: cars, trains, aeroplanes | Noise pollution and road accidents |
02Real World Examples
Load-shedding and solar
Many families in Pakistan now use solar panels with batteries. The panels turn light into electricity using semiconductors.
Pakistan in space
SUPARCO runs Pakistan's satellites. In 2024, a small Pakistani satellite, iCube-Qamar, travelled to the Moon on China's Chang'e-6 mission.
Weather warnings
Satellite images help the Pakistan Meteorological Department warn people before cyclones and heavy monsoon rains.
Your phone's map
GPS works out your position from the timing of signals from several satellites.
03Practice Questions
Try to answer in your own words first, then open the model answer.
Short questions
Q1.Differentiate between science and technology with an example.Show answer
Answer
- Science is knowledge about how nature works. A moving magnet makes a current in a coil.
- Technology is the use of that knowledge to make useful things. An electric generator.
Q2.How are science, technology and society linked?Show answer
Answer
Science finds new knowledge. Technology uses it to make useful things. Society uses these things, and its needs lead to new questions for science. So each depends on the others.
Q3.Name the physics idea behind each: (a) a generator (b) a mobile phone (c) a nuclear power plant.Show answer
Answer
- (a) Generator: electromagnetic induction
- (b) Mobile phone: electromagnetic waves (and semiconductors in its chips)
- (c) Nuclear power plant: nuclear fission
Q4.Write any two harmful effects of technology on society.Show answer
Answer
- Air pollution and global warming from burning fuels in vehicles and power stations.
- E-waste from thrown-away phones and computers, which can release harmful chemicals.
Long questions
Q5.Explain with examples how physics has changed our daily life. Also mention two problems it has caused.Show answer
Answer
- Electricity: generators at dams such as Tarbela give us light, fans and machines.
- Communication: electromagnetic waves let us use mobile phones, radio, TV and the internet.
- Medicine: X-rays, CT scans and radiotherapy help diagnose and treat disease.
- Computers: semiconductor chips run computers, phones and solar panels.
- Space: satellites give weather forecasts and GPS.
Problems: burning fuel causes air pollution and global warming, and careless use of radiation can be harmful to health.