Role of Mathematics in Physical Science

Rekha Devi

Assistant Prof. Mathematics, Govt College Jhandutta, District Bilaspur HP)

*Corresponding Author Email:

Today’s challenges faced by science are so complex that can be solved only through the help of mathematics. All the approaches to science i.e. observation, theory and modeling are needed to understand complex phenomenon and each approach requires the mathematical science to seek solution. Scientific theory is always expressed in mathematical language. Mathematics and science have a long and close relationship that is of crucial and growing importance to understand role of Mathematics in physical science. Mathematics is an intrinsic component of science, part of its fabric, its universal language and indispensable source of intellectual tools. According to Galileo,” Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe.”

Mathematics is used for the purpose of better understanding of physical process “Science is full of dead ends, theories that come to nothing but a mathematical proof is always valid. Mathematics has a great variety of applications in physical science. Isaac Newton, who developed and applied the calculus to study of dynamics and whose universal law of gravitational explained everything from the fall of an apple to the orbits of planets. In this paper we emphasize the importance of Euclidean vector, partial differential equation and Fourier series in physical science.

A Euclidean vector used to represent physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction. We apply vector analysis to find the basic equations of hydrodynamic in physics viz equation of continuity, Euler’s equation of motion and Bernoulli equation. Partial differential equations are used to determine steady flow of heat in one and two dimensions. The Fourier series is helpful in the solution of equation of motion of an oscillating particle subject to a periodic driving force. The Fourier series tells how well the output of a full wave rectifies approach pure direct current.

Therefore, we can say that mathematical science epitomizes the word, “abstract” In physical science we use mathematics as a tool to understand nature. In addition to this Mathematics is considered especially suited to arouse the eternal soul since it was believed that it contains eternal truths.

Application of Euclidean Vector (geometric or spatial vector or simply vector):

Euclidean Vector plays an important role in physical science, the velocity and acceleration of a moving object and the forces acting on it ,can all be described with vector.

Physical science deals with many quantities that have both size and the direction, it needs a special Mathematical language – the language of vectors to describe these quantities. Vectors are fundamental in physical science .They can be used to represent the quantity that has magnitude and direction. Vectors also describe many physical quantities such as linear displacement, angular acceleration and linear momentum. Other Physical vectors such as electric and magnetic field are represented as a system of vectors at each point of a physical science that is a vector field.

Vector fields are often used in model. For example, the speed and direction of a moving fluid throughout the space or the strength and direction of some force such as magnetic force or gravitational force as it changes from point to point.

According to Roger Bacon, an English Philospher, “ Neglect of Mathematics work injury to all knowledge since he who is ignorant of it cannot know the other science or things of the world .”

References

1 Feynman Richard P. , “The relation of Mathematics and Physics.”

2 Roger G. Newton, “ The Truth of science: Physical Theory and reality”

3 David E. Rowe, “Euclidean Geometry and Physical Science.

4 Karm Pospiech and Pietrocola. “Mathematics in Physics Lessons :Developing structural skills.”

Received on 19.08.2016 Accepted on 04.09.2016

Int. J. Tech. 2016; 6(2): 103-106.

DOI: 10.5958/2231-3915.2016.00016.X