Computational Physics

Computational Physics is the third prong of learning physics after theoretical and experimental physics. Its origin is attributed to the emergence of computers as the primary tool of life in the modern era.

This branch of physics helps in the learning and advancement of the subject primarily in two ways. They are numerical analysis of mathematical problems and simulations of natural phenomenon. This article tries to gain further insight on the topic.

Computational Physics:

1.In Numerical Analysis:

·        Conventionally, mathematics has been a very useful tool of abbreviation, analysis and mechanized thinking in physics.

·        But, as an abstract science it has certain limitations. Mathematicians are consumed by the logic whereas physics looks for physical interpretation of the mathematical expressions.

·        Sometimes, it becomes difficult to proceed further using mathematical rules alone.

·        The complexity of the expressions involved in the analysis can be reduced by representing the problem numerically and seek a solution to it using the processing speed of  computers.

·        Here numerical techniques are brought to use to convert a mathematical expression into its numerical equivalent and then fed as codes or programs into a computer.

·        The numerical solution provided by the system can be interpreted back to its mathematical equivalent.

2.In Simulations:

·        Nature is mostly analyzed based on the observations provided by the senses.

·        The range of these senses is limited and that is where technology in the form of experimental devices and apparatus proves handy.

·        They enhance the range and precision of the human ability of observation.

·        But, there are still a platitude of physical systems which cannot be interacted directly and a number of physical phenomena which take place at uncontrollable rates.

·        Such complex systems and phenomena can be studied by their virtual representation or models on a computer system. This is known as simulation.

Conclusion: The relevance of computers in the study of physics can be emphasized by science teachers by introducing computational physics to students in secondary and higher secondary classes.