Chemistry or Physics ? - My view

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(Edited)

When it comes to the great debate between physics and chemistry, I'm more of keeping myself neutral. After all, who am I to take a stance in such an important conversation?

I mean, sure I've studied both sciences and understand their complexity. But when it boils down to it, what I'm looking for is a simplified answer: Which makes the world run better, which makes the world work more efficiently physics or chemistry?

It would be purely wasteful, time and energy wise if not foolish to attempt to choose one over the other. Instead of picking sides in an age-old debate, why not consider both perspectives?

I am no professional in these fields, not even in the slightest but I going to offer up my insights into the age-old dispute between physics and chemistry. Who knows, you might gain a thing or two


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Physics vs. Chemistry: What Is the Difference?

You know the old saying, “Some people prefer physics, and some people prefer chemistry”.

But!!! what exactly is the difference? It might surprise you to know that both fields study matter and energy, but their approaches to studying these concepts are slightly different.

Physics studies energy and matter from a more abstract perspective – it looks at laws that describe how energy and matter behave in the natural world. Think of it like a bird’s eye view of nature.

On the other side, chemistry focuses on atoms, their interaction, creation, modification and change. It digs down into the details of chemical reactions and how they work. Think of it as studying nature through a microscopic lens.

Arguments for Why Physics Is Superior

If you were to ask me for my opinion on which discipline runs the world better – physics or chemistry – I might say physics, consider the arguments for why this is true:

Physics is at the root of all life. It's gravity that holds us down, and it's physical laws that explain how things move. In comparison, chemistry is just a bunch of reactions between elements – without physics, these reactions themselves wouldn't even occur!

Physics is the basis of technology. From our understanding of electricity to nuclear energy, modern technology wouldn't exist without an understanding of physical processes. Chemistry may have a role in some technologies, but really it's physics that drives them.

Physics is the foundation of science. Without physics, our current understanding of biology and medicine wouldn't be possible since much of what happens at a cellular level descends from physical forces like osmosis and diffusion. Chemistry has a part in this too, but really as an extension of what we know about physical forces.

In short, physics truly does lay the groundwork for many scientific fields whereas chemistry adds details to an already existing picture. When you exzamine at it from that perspective, it's not hard to understand the analysis why physics might be thought to be superior!

Counter-Arguments for Why Chemistry Is Superior

Chemistry is all around us, from creating medications to cleaning agents and fire retardants. It's also no surprise when I hear colleagues arguing that chemistry has been more instrumental in world progress than physics.

But before you offer your full-fledged support of this thought, let me share some counter-arguments.

Creating technology and products

The truth is that production process typically requires both physics and chemistry—for example, computers consist of semiconducting materials used for their electrical properties. So you couldn't make a computer without both disciplines.

Computing power

Another point relates to computing power: physics gave way to electronics that allowed for faster computation and miniaturization of hardware components as well as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Thus, it would be hard to imagine our current technology without the contributions from physicists over the past decades.

Finally, let us not forget how physics provides us with energy sources beyond what chemists can offer us; we get energy from fusion reactions produced by planets or stars—a form of energy that chemists are struggling to replicate with chemical compounds.

So yes, while chemistry aids us in production and development of products, don't forget that physics also plays an important role in powering our world!

My Personal View on the Debate

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Answering this requires a nuanced viewpoint that takes both sides into account. Here's my take, from personal experience and some studies over the year, like I said I am no professional in any of these fields, but I am well informed.

First, physics looks at the underlying structures and systems behind how things move, while chemistry is focused on understanding the properties and transformations of matter. That's why each can be thought of as two halves of a useful and powerful whole. For example, understanding how atoms interact with each other requires knowledge from both disciplines working together.

Simultaneously, without one or the other, we 'd be missing out on certain benefits. Without physics, chemistry wouldn't be able to discover new elements or relationships between particles and atoms that already exist. And without chemistry, physics wouldn't have much of a basis to study energy conversions, in other words, no chemical reactions and no energy from nuclear power plants!

So where does this leave us? Well, I believe it comes down to which discipline has more potential when it comes to problem-solving or creating applications in our modern society, and here I think chemistry has the clear advantage. It's essential for transforming matter into materials with specific characteristics that are then used in industries ranging from engineering to medicine.

In short, if you want to solve problems for our changing world then you’d be wise to pursue studies in both physics and chemistry!

Relevant Examples to Support My Viewpoint

When it comes to which field makes the world run better, physics or chemistry? As much as I said I would like to remain neutral on this, I am having a rethink here, I think I'm firmly in the physics camp, yeah. Now you see, sentiments aside, its easy to get tempted and all to simply point out that both are "equally important" and call it a day, and be done but let's delve into it a little bit more.

For starters, physics has direct relevance to everyday life—from understanding technology and its potential to exploring alternative solutions for problems. Take renewable energy sources for example. It's only thanks to advances in physic s that we can explore and seek various alternatives such as solar, wind, and even water-based power.

And don't forget about engineering feats like bridges and skyscrapers unimaginable without an understanding of the laws of motion. Or consider quantum mechanics and its relevance to computing technologies—from quantum cryptography to the possibility of quantum computing.

Chemistry is certainly not unimportant by any means, but when it comes to being able to shape virtually any aspect of our lives—from the air we brethe to how we get around every day—physics is still king!

Summary

It' s no secrets that physics and chemistry play a role in the operation of the world. Each field has its own strengthes, and collectively their findings contribute to our daily lives in various ways.

At the end, without a doubt, I think it's safe to say that bothe physics and chemistry y are very important for understanding how the world works. The debate between which field runs everything better isn't something I can answer with ease. It mostly depend s on what kind of problem you're trying to solve, that aside, either way you'are likely to need some combination of both physics and chemistry at some point!

For instance, take baking. Definitely, there are some popular physical concepts at play here, like those regarding thermodynamics and heat transfer. But more often than not, you need a basic understanding of Chemistry 101 course in your arsenal before you can truly put together an amazing cake recipe.

Ultimately, neither field is better than the other; they simply have different roles in making miracles happen each day!

Conclusion
You see Its actually and definitely doesn't matter which side of the debate you're on, I think it's fair to say that both physics and chemistry are important disciplines. How interesting will the world be if one or the other is removed? Most likely a whole lot less interesting.

I'm just glad that we never have to experience a situation whereby we have to choose between the two! They can each definitely bring something unique and amazing to the table. So, lets assume an event where you find yourself caught in the middle of a physics vs. chemistry debate, just remember that the answer may not be black and white and that my friend is okay.

Thanks for reading, Sayonara 🖐️

Resources used

https://www.advancedchemtech.com/what-is-the-difference-between-chemistry-and-physics/

https://www.2-study.com/physics-vs-chemistry-which-one-should-you-studys/

https://bscholarly.com/which-is-more-difficult-physics-or-chemistry/

https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/questions/209/what-is-the-difference-between-chemistry-and-physics/

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4509614

https://www.britannica.com/science/physics-science

https://www.technologyreview.com/2010/11/22/198811/why-life-is-physics-not-chemistry/



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6 comments
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What brought about the debate to start with? Absolutely unnecessary in my opinion. The time spent debating could have been utilized for more important stuff. Both fields are indispensable to man!

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Yes, as much as this is true, a lot if people I know dont see it this way, especially the so called professional in each field. I believe sentiment has a role to play

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From the argument, I think would have to stay with the two and not taking any side. We can't survive without physics a the world wouldn't be better place for us. Without physics, light would have been a problem. Without physics automobile wouldn't have be discovered. Although we can't say less about chemistry. As we all know that chemistry is life. No chemistry, no drugs for patients. No chemistry no chemicals for killing dangerous insects like mosquito.

In my opinion we all need both to survive in this world. God bless the founders of these courses. Thanks for sharing some mind blowing examples in your arguments.

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Thank you so much for your contribution. Chemistry reinforces physics and physics the same to chemistry.

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Yeah, they both sharpen each other

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