Aflfræði

Aflfræði is the Icelandic word for physics. It is the natural science that studies matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental and oldest scientific disciplines, through its inquiries into fundamental principles, it has paved the way for many other sciences, such as chemistry and biology.

In physics, the primary goal is to understand how the universe behaves. This is achieved through the formulation of theories and laws that describe observed phenomena and can predict future behavior. These laws are typically expressed in the language of mathematics.

The field of aflfræði is broadly divided into classical physics and modern physics. Classical physics, which developed before the 20th century, includes branches like mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and electromagnetism. Modern physics, emerging in the early 20th century, encompasses relativity and quantum mechanics, which deal with phenomena at very high speeds, very strong gravity, and very small scales, respectively.

Researchers in aflfræði use experimental observations and theoretical models to advance knowledge. Experiments are designed to test existing theories or discover new phenomena, while theoretical work aims to explain these observations and develop new frameworks for understanding the universe. The insights gained from aflfræði have led to numerous technological advancements that shape modern life.