Feel physics

Author: Liao Hong, Wang Heng (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: In 2005, the United Nations designated it as the International Year of Physics, and China also held the "Physics Year in China" event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of the theory of special relativity (also known as the theory of relativity) and the 50th anniversary of the passing of the great physicist Albert Einstein. At the critical moment when classical physics was facing a crisis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Einstein and other physicists, through a series of innovative scientific discoveries and theoretical achievements, collectively unveiled the curtain of the modern physics revolution based on the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. The theory of relativity and quantum mechanics are the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century. They not only provide us with images and laws of matter and motion from microquarks to the macrocosm, enriching our understanding of material and the universe, but also provide a scientific foundation for the technological development of the 20th century and drive human society into a brand-new era. We hold the World Physics Year event not only to commemorate relativity and Einstein, nor just to look back at the development and achievements of physics over the past 100 years, but more importantly, we should recognize the prominent role physics plays in advancing human technology, economy, thought culture, and social progress. Since the second scientific revolution over 400 years ago, physics has fully demonstrated its role as a pioneer of advanced productivity, a creator of advanced culture, and a driving force for social progress. Physics is the discipline that studies the structure, properties, fundamental laws of motion, and interactions of matter. The nature of physics determines that it is a crucial foundation of the entire natural sciences and an essential cornerstone for many high technologies, as well as a vital source of advanced thought and culture. Technological innovation determines the fate of a nation. From a certain perspective, the history of physics is the history of continuous innovation by countless scientists. The growth and research experiences of Einstein and other numerous physicists have provided the Chinese scientific community, education sector, and society as a whole with extremely valuable insights. For China to become a scientific powerhouse, it must reform our educational methods, create a favorable research environment, and cultivate and nurture a new generation of innovative talents who are idealistic, moral, socially responsible, proficient in mastering, creating, and applying the latest technological achievements, daring to think and act, (dare to surpass), and fully dedicated to revitalizing the great cause of the Chinese nation. Zhou Guangzhao, April 21, 2005
The vast universe, the blue Earth within it, and the human beings, the most advanced life on Earth, together form a massive material system in nature. This colorful physical world, this vast system, is filled with various movements and changes, the most precious of which is the development and transformation of human thought and practice. Physics is the clear evidence of this transformation and a unique report on human understanding of the universe. Physics not only allows us to observe this material world that created humanity in greater detail, clarity, and completeness, but also tells us the laws governing this material world. However, what is most important is that the development of physics, in conjunction with human progress, has jointly created the beautiful world we live in today and forged the brilliance of humanity in the present day. Whether it is seeking the truth of beauty through natural phenomena or experiencing its richness through the principles of nature; whether it is enjoying the comfort bestowed by technological achievements or marveling at human ingenuity in inventions; whether it is wandering in the dazzling realm of culture, art, and entertainment or immersing oneself in the vast ocean of knowledge, science, inspiration, and creation; whether it is leisurely reading amusing stories or playing games, or savoring the wisdom behind laughter—we finally realize how closely physics is linked to our lives and existence. So let us embrace life and embrace physics.