Procedures in the Physical Sciences
Part 1
Astronomy involves the study of objects in outer space such as the moon, stars, and planets. Despite the achievements in the field of astronomy, several challenges hinder the scientists involved from making straight measurements. One such challenge is measuring the distance between the earth and the stars. This challenge arises because the earth revolves constantly around the sun and other stars hence varying their positions. It is, therefore, difficult to provide a constant figure of this distance. Likewise, it is also another significant challenge to make a direct measurement of mass in outer space (Ridpath, 2006). This is because these celestial objects have a different mass from that on planet earth depending on their positioning. Therefore, the astronauts have to use specific equipment and technology to determine the mass of objects in each planet and star found in the extraterrestrial region. Another challenge in conducting direct measurements in this field of expertise is calculating the age of these celestial objects. It is not easy for scientists to be accurate about the formation of these objects in terms of years. This is because these bodies had existed before any astronaut was born, and their origin is not clear.
Despite these challenges, scientists have invented ways of calculating these measurements. To start with, astronauts use the concept of luminosity of the celestial objects. They measure the intensity of light and energy emitted by these bodies. This helps them to determine the distance between the earth and the stars. They calculate the time taken for this light to reach the earth. They also use the circumference of the earth to measure the distance of other planets. Moreover, the astronauts use the Hubble constant to calculate the possible age of various bodies in outer space (Ridpath, 2006).
This quantity, named after its founder, provides the rate at which the objects are developing. Through this information, the astronauts can calculate the age of the celestial body in question. Furthermore, these innovative scientists calculate the mass of a body in outer space through a specialized telescope. Using this apparatus, they have been able to determine the mass of an L-type star as 6.6% of the sun’s weight (Ridpath, 2006). This advancement shows the level of determination and technology among personnel in this field in terms of overcoming various challenges.
One of the historically influential tools in the discipline of physical sciences is the calipers. This apparatus measures the space between opposite sides of an object. Its pointers face inward or outward. However, the measurements of the calipers require a ruler in order to obtain actual figures. The first version of this tool, used in various fields of physical sciences, was in a ruined ship next to the Italian seashore. It consisted of a moveable wooden jowl that then advanced into bronze calipers (Brim & Kagan, 2000).
Currently, most calipers are digital and metallic. These digital calipers consist of a narrow piece of carved plank substance that is fixed to the main part of the tool. This board has electrodes arranged in a straight line and is responsible for adjusting pointers from similar planks. The caliper’s slider also has a collection of electrodes located directly opposite those in the stator, which is the main part of this tool. Two electrodes in this collection transfer the sine and cosine indicators. These indicators have an energy capacity of 100 kHz. Detectors in this chamber then produce accurate information from these signals. A computer connected to the detectors translates these codes into figures such as millimeters and exhibits it on the computer’s screen (Brim & Kagan, 2000).
The caliper has contributed to the understanding and appreciation of physical sciences. This is because it enhances accuracy and consistency in various fields of physical sciences. The use of this tool depresses the possibilities of errors occurring while measuring the length of certain objects and especially minute ones. It also eases the operations involved in this discipline, as individuals do not have to perform strenuous calculations regarding the length of small objects. This is mainly by use of digital calipers that present the results on the screen of a computer.
Another essential tool in physical sciences that has developed over the years is the calculator. The first version of this equipment, invented by Pascal in 1642, only had the ability to add and subtract figures (Brim & Kagan, 2000). Over the years, many scientists developed this version in order to perform various mathematical tasks. The current calculator performs a vast number of calculations with increased speed. Additionally, they are more reliable and the user faces limited challenges as compared to the initial versions.
The functioning of this device incorporates objects located inside and outside it. When one presses the buttons on the surface of the calculator, it results in compression of the rubber covering below it. This follows an electrical interaction between the two parts in the keyboard sensor below it and the circuit perceives the action. The chip then identifies the pressed button, and a circuit in this chamber stimulates the relevant segments on the calculator’s screen. This process continues until the user presses the ‘equals’ button. The intelligence portion of the tool then performs the dictated task after which the processor chip displays the answer on the screen of the calculator (Brim & Kagan, 2000).
The invention and development of the calculator has helped many individuals to increase their comprehension of physical sciences. This is through the easing of calculations involved in this discipline. Unlike in ancient periods, the calculator can perform various mathematical operations within a short time. One can use this tool to come up with various fundamental quantities such as weight, density, volume, and area. This makes various sections of physical sciences additionally explicable since these components form the foundation of this field of expertise.
Part 2
There are many forms of hazards that are present during various research sessions of physical sciences. One such danger lies in moving objects. Research and experimental operations in this field involve a number of projectiles. Although all forms of projectiles pose a risk to nearby individuals, those of a metallic nature are more dangerous. For example, a physics-related experiment regarding pendulums may result into an individual sustaining an injury from the ball while trying to get a better view of the oscillations. Although these equipments are necessary in scientific laboratories, use of certain safety gears may curb such accidents.
These safety paraphernalia will prevent a number of accidents or reduce their severity. For example, the scientists involved should wear impact-resistant spectacles while undertaking such research operations. Moreover, there should be appropriate catch boxes in order to reduce the intensity with which the balls bounce around the laboratory. Use of spongy projectiles, as opposed to hard ones, may also minimize the severity of injuries obtained from these objects. Fragile apparatus such as glass test tubes need wrapping with an appropriate covering in order to avoid cuts and bruises in case of a fracture (Stern, 2000).
The advancement of these physical sciences may affect the society both at a global and individual perspective. This is through the operations related to certain fields such as chemistry, physics and earth sciences. The impacts may be negative or positive in terms of the community’s safety. To start with, the discipline of Physics has led to various useful innovations. For example, certain scientists have provided innovative tools that increase the security capacity in homes, streets, and business organizations. This is evident through the creation of certain equipments such as the CCTV cameras. This apparatus incorporates the physics’ concept of reflection hence enabling its users to prevent burglary in their buildings (Walker, 2004).
Earth sciences also address the safety in the surroundings by identifying the causes of environmental pollution as well as their possible solutions. Experts in this field have been using their knowledge to sensitize the public on the need to keep their surroundings clean. For example, many earth scientists have provided recycling of waste products as an appropriate and lasting solution to the problem of environmental pollution. This campaign is useful to the community in terms of the people’s safety. For example, the public comprehends the health risks that various forms of environmental pollution may cause.
Despite these positive influences, physical sciences also have negative effects on the safety of the world’s inhabitants. For example, with regard to chemistry, many manufacturing companies emit pollutant gases like nitrogen monoxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Apart from being unpleasant, these gases cause different health complications. Some such as carbon dioxide are responsible for global warming (Stern, 2000). This leads to high temperatures in the entire world. Such conditions may turn certain regions into arid or semi-arid zones thus reducing food availability.
In conclusion, it is evident that physical sciences are an essential part of the lives of human beings. The components in this field not only provide us with relevant knowledge but also ease people’s daily operations. This sector has had multiple developments over the years hence its effectiveness. Nonetheless, this advancement has become a reality through several struggles by scientists in overcoming challenges hindering research procedures.
References
Brim, O. G., & Kagan, J. (2000). Constancy and Change in Human Development. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.
Ridpath, I. (2006). Astronomy. London: Dorling Kindersley.
Stern, D. (2000). Guide to Information Sources in the Physical Sciences. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.
Walker, J. S. (2004). Physics. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
