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PHYSICISTS AT
WORK
| The laboratory of the physicist extends from the edge
of the universe to inside the nucleus of an atom. A physicist may
work in a laboratory designing materials for the computer chips of
tomorrow, or smashing atomic particles a in a quest to understand a
laboratory designing materials for the computer chips of tomorrow,
or smashing atomic particles against one another in a quest to
understand how our universe began. Physicists have orbited the Earth
as astronauts, and plumbed the oceans' depths. Individuals who have
studied physics seek to make instruments that diagnose and cure
disease; to develop safer and cleaner fuels for our cars and homes;
to harness the power of the sea; to calculate the movement of arctic
glaciers; and to create smaller, faster electronic components and
integrated circuits. |
AT&T Bell
Laboratories researcher Janis Valdmanis makes equipment adjustments
while measuring super-fast electrical pulses through a new
electro-optic technique. (Photo courtesy AT&T Bell
Laboratories.) |
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DID YOU
KNOW?A knuckleball can
flutter up and down as much as a foot on its way to the
batter. The erratic flow of air around the baseball's
stitching causes this effect. Air turbulence is another
subject covered in physics courses.
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Research physicists work in industry and government, in
laboratories and hospitals, and on university campuses. Some
physicists serve in the military, teach in high schools and
colleges, teach in high schools and colleges, design science museum
exhibits, write books and news articles about science, give advice
to federal, state, local, and foreign governments, run businesses,
even become artists. Students not interested in pursuing a science
career can still benefit from courses in physics. The study of
physics helps you acquire very special problem-solving skills and
teaches you to better observe and understand the world. We all
employ physical concepts in everyday life. |
 NASA astronauts in
weightless spaceflight conditions. The weightless conditions of
spaceflight can be simulated by flying an airplane in a special arc.
(Photo courtesy NASA.) |
Pole vaulters and drummers aren't research physicists, but they
make use of physical concepts such as elasticity, momentum,
conservation of energy, vibration, reverberation, and reflection to
hone their skills. |
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