All questions on Physics

what initial action is the reason behind beginning a scientific investigation?

Emma

Answers

Scientific knowledge gained through research comes from a process called scientific method. It begins with observation followed by formulating a hypothesis. After that a prediction is made and investigations are carried out.

Dr Jessica O.

27 August 2013

The initial action is a desire to know something, the scientific method then allows you to gather evidence and gain knowledge.

Andrew G.

30 August 2013

It usually begins with the observation of a phenomena that doesn't fit with current understanding (E.g. My bicycles wheels are missing). This leads to a question, (E.g. How come my beloved bicycle has no wheels this morning?) and the formulation of a hypothesis to answer it (E.g. Some monster took them). This hypothesis makes predictions (If I check the tapes from the CCTV I will see someone taking them), which can be tested (I go and ask the security guard for the CCTV tapes). If the prediction is proved correct (I see the wheels being taken by some monstrous person) then the hypothesis stands. If it fails (I see myself stealing the wheels off my bike) then the theory must be altered (I stole the wheels because of all the vodka I drank last night), and my approach in practice must be changed (I need to drink less vodka and see a counsellor about my unhealthy relationship with my bike).

dr.j

31 August 2013

The answer below is jocular in tone, but this is in fact the scientific method as I was taught it!

dr.j

31 August 2013

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Physics

What is physics

Emma

Why is physics important in medicine?

Why is Physics Necessary in Medicine?

Ever wonder why physics is important in the field of medicine? Well, there are numerous reasons why it is very vital to this field. In fact, this is a deceptively simple question because Physics is present in everything, from the workings of accurate medical scales, to the imaging equipment like X-rays, MRI, ultrasound….. this is why it is actually pretty hard to give a simple answer because there is so much of Physics in Medicine it’s hard to know where to start! A simple answer is that physics is useful across many aspects of medicine both in treatment but especially in diagnostic medicine, such as X-Rays, CT, Ultrasound etc. One reason why a knowledge of physics is important for medicine is “medical physics”, Medical physics is a branch of applied physics concerning the application of physics to medicine. It generally concerns physics as applied to medical imaging and radiotherapy. Medical imaging refers to the techniques and processes used to create images of the human body (or parts thereof) for clinical purposes (medical procedures seeking to reveal, diagnose or examine disease) or medical science (including the study of normal anatomy and function. Under this are the following: An MRI scan diagnostic radiology, including x-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, angiography, and Computed tomography ultrasound. One of the most important factors you ought to consider is the fact that the study of modern medicine is complemented with technology. Your knowledge of Physics can be useful to understand the underlying science behind these technologies, what makes them work and the applications. You see physics is a great help in the field of medicine without it, we are not able to enjoy what we are enjoying today in terms of treating our diseases.

Emma