Physics and Electrical Engineering

Most recent answer: 10/22/2007

Q:
what does physics really mean? does physics have anything to do with electrical engnineering? Thank you.
- dan martinez (age 12)
royal palm E, miami,FL (usa)
A:
Hi Dan,

Physics is basically the study of how stuff works. In some sense, it is the most fundamental science -- that is, it finds and describes the most basic laws that govern the universe. If you look at physics in that way, then it not only relates to electrical engineering, but to all other sciences as well. For example, if a biologist is studying how living organisms function, it is necessary to know how the cells work and how the molecules in the cells interact with each other (chemistry). In order to really understand how the molecules interact with each other, it is necessary to know about the individual atoms making up the molecules and how the atoms bond with each other. The way that the individual atoms behave is described by quantum mechanics, and this is studied by physicists.

Electrical engineering primarily focuses on applying electricity and magnetism principles from physics to make useful devices and materials. There is often a lot of overlap between electrical engineering and physics, especially in the area of solid state physics.

Basically, physics is a really fun and cool science to study. :) No matter what field you end up in, I would highly recommend taking a physics class or two because it will give you an idea of how the world works. Thanks for your question!

(published on 10/22/2007)