Physics Beneath the Surface

Modern healthcare owes much of its precision and effectiveness to the ingenious application of physics. Technologies like MRI, CT scans, radiation therapy, and ultrasound are indispensable tools for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment, each deeply rooted in fundamental physical principles. Understanding the physics behind these technologies reveals not only how they work but also how they are continually improving patient care and saving lives. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most sophisticated imaging techniques available, and it relies heavily on the physics of magnetism and nuclear resonance. Inside an MRI machine, patients are placed in a powerful magnetic field that aligns the hydrogen nuclei (protons) in their body. Short bursts of radiofrequency energy are then sent into the body, knocking these protons out of alignment. As they realign with the magnetic field, the protons emit radio signals that are picked up by the scanner. By analyzing these signals, compu...

When we think of transportation, we often focus on engines, fuel, or roadways. But behind the scenes, an invisible but powerful force plays a critical role in how every vehicle moves—fluid dynamics. Whether it’s air flowing around a speeding car, water pushing against a ship’s hull, or the jet stream influencing an airplane's flight path, the science of how fluids (liquids and gases) behave is key to transportation efficiency, safety, and performance. What is Fluid Dynamics? Fluid dynamics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of fluids in motion. A "fluid" in this context can be either a liquid (like water) or a gas (like air). This field studies how fluids interact with surfaces, how they flow, and how forces like pressure and viscosity affect their movement. In transportation, understanding fluid dynamics helps engineers reduce resistance, increase speed, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure the stability and safety of vehicles operating in different en...

Transportation is an essential part of modern life, allowing us to move people and goods efficiently across cities, countries, and even continents. Whether it's a car accelerating on a highway, a plane taking off from a runway, or a cyclist pedaling uphill, every form of movement in transportation is governed by fundamental principles of physics—especially motion and Newton’s Laws of Motion. Understanding these concepts provides deep insight into how vehicles operate, how safety mechanisms are designed, and how engineers optimize transport systems for speed, efficiency, and safety. What is Motion?  Motion refers to the change in position of an object with respect to time. In transportation, motion is the essence of movement—how vehicles start, stop, accelerate, decelerate, and turn. Motion is described using terms like speed, velocity, and acceleration: Speed is the rate at which an object moves, measured as distance over time (e.g., km/h). Velocity is speed in a specific directi...