2. Languages of Physics

Question 1

What are the two types of languages in Physics?

Answer 1

1. Mathematical
2. Verbal

Question 2

What is one of the major hurdles scientists face when communicating to the public?

Answer 2

1. The public’s contentious relationship with uncertainty, compared to the inevitable uncertainty involved in all of science.

Question 3

What is the 1st reason for uncertainty in science?

Answer 3

1. Theories are always uncertain. We think they are right, but they might be wrong

Question 4

What is the 2nd reason for uncertainty in science?

Answer 4

1. Numerical uncertainty
2. For example, measuring instruments are imperfect, models are imperfect, and the projection of every physical, chemical, and biological event is imperfect

Question 5

What is the 3rd reason for uncertainty in science?

Answer 5

1. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle