Definition of

modern physics

Science

It is usually indicated that modern physics was born in 1900 from the work of Max Planck.

Physics is the science dedicated to the analysis of the properties of energy and matter, emphasizing the link between the two. The term comes from the Latin word physĭcus .

The adjective modern , meanwhile, refers to that linked to the present time or a recent period. The usual thing is that an opposition is established between the modern and the old or classic.

Starting from these ideas, we can focus on the definition of modern physics . This is the name given to the stage of this science that began between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century , marked by the implementation of the quantum view and the dissemination of the theory of relativity .

Origins of modern physics

It is possible to find the first theoretical developments and essays linked to modern physics in the last years of the 20th century . However, it is usually established that modern physics was launched in 1900 based on the notion of an action quantum postulated by Max Planck .

This German physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1918 considered that energy is made up of units that cannot be divided. These units, called quanta , are proportional to the frequency of the associated field.

This principle promoted by Planck marked a great difference with classical physics, which indicated that energy was continuous. This is how people began to talk about quantum physics and the emergence of modern physics.

Scientist

Albert Einstein made great contributions to the development of modern physics.

Einstein's contributions

In addition to Planck 's contribution, another key contribution to the emergence of modern physics was Albert Einstein 's theory of relativity . This concept actually refers to two approaches: the theory of special relativity and the theory of general relativity .

In 1905 , Einstein pointed out the existence of space-time as an entity where space and time come together. In his theory of special relativity , the scientist analyzed how bodies move in environments that lack gravitational forces, thus developing the model of space-time and making reference to the equivalence between mass and energy. Likewise, he alluded to the speed of light .

A decade later, Einstein disseminated his general theory of relativity or general theory of relativity . On this occasion, the winner of the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics applied his theory of special relativity to spaces where there are gravitational fields. According to Einstein , gravitational interaction produces a curvature in the space-time model.

Applications of modern physics

The premises of modern physics allowed multiple scientific and technical developments and advances. Taking into account that the elementary particles of matter have both particle and wave properties, useful knowledge was generated linked to the behavior of atomic and subatomic elements and radiation , for example.

Modern physics, in this way, led to the establishment of new types of studies, analyzes and treatments in the field of medicine , such as computed tomography , radiotherapy and magnetic resonance imaging . Forensic investigation and meteorology also draw on modern physics today.