Physics is interesting and useful

Carlos J. Alers Pérez 

One thing I find interesting about physics in general terms is that it is something that can be witnessed and applied in every aspect of life. Even things that we take for granted or not even notice to begin with have properties occurring in them that are known as a result of a study of physics. Something as trivial taking a drive from one’s home to the university or to one’s workplace is governed by physical phenomena such as gravity, velocity, acceleration, and other forces. In particular, I find it intriguing that even though velocity is measured and witnessed with regards to specific points of reference, when one becomes accustomed to moving at high velocities in a specific vehicle, it seems as if one is moving slower, even though the point of reference is exactly the same. This almost makes it seem as if the reference point has somehow changed, even though that is obviously not the case. The point of reference technically continues to be the same but the individual perceives it differently. I have found this to be very interesting and have pondered upon what physical phenomenon could be occurring that would cause this. It could be considered that since we, being living organisms, have a tendency to adapt as a result of the habit of moving at high speeds, have been molded and in fact have become a changed point of reference. 

Another facet that I find to be interesting with regards to physics is sports. It can literally be applied to anything in sports. From the force exerted when striking a ball the amount of distance a swimmer moves in a swimming pool when considering its edge as the reference point. Taking the case of the swimmer, it’s safe to say that a swimmer can travel twenty meters in a pool when taking the edge as the point of reference, but when one takes the water itself as the point of reference, can it truly be said that the swimmer is moving is it both the simmer and the water. My reasoning behind this is because of the mechanics that are involved in swimming. Take a single stroke; it involves raising the arm out of the water, swinging it over to ahead of oneself, and dipping it back into the water and pulling back. All these actions help propel the swimmer forward in the water as they are repeated over and over again. At the same time as the swimmer pulls, he is pushing water behind himself, continuously. When the edge of the pool is taken as the point of reference it can be seen the swimmer is moving in one direction and that the water, as a whole, does not appear to move on bit. From another point of view, the swimmer, it can be observed that the he is also moving in a particular direction and if the water that he pushes back is observed, it is seen that the water is moved as well. Although, the water that is moved has a negligible impact in witnessing the water move entirely (because it is contained in the pool) it can still be said that the water is being moved and undetermined distance and circulates within the pool itself. 

When all these things are considered is it easy to see how interesting and useful in everyday life and even though people, in general, take these things for granted, it does not diminish their relevance.