Technology has mostly been developed as a result of physics applications. Nowadays, physics is applied in all spheres of life.
Some of the major technologies based on the applications of physics are as follows-
1. Newton’s concept of gravitation is used in geostationary satellites which help us in forecasting weather and in geophysical survey.
2. The study of thermodynamics has helped to design heat engines which have revolutionised the industry.
3. Electromagnetic waves are used in radio, television, radar and wireless communication.
4. The concepts of modern electronics find extensive use in telephone exchanges, robots, etc.
5. X-rays are used in radiotherapy, in detecting fractures or dislocations in bones, in studying crystal systems, in engineering and industry.
6. Tine study of electricity has led to the development of electric appliances like electric motors and generators which are the backbones of industry.
7. Nuclear power stations based on nuclear fission constitute one of the major sources of energy.
8. The discovery of silicon chips has brought a revolution in computer industry.
9. Radioactive isotopes are now being widely used in medicine, agriculture and industry.
10. Geothermal energy, i.e., the heat in the depth of the earth is being used these days. The tidal energy in the oceans and solar energy too can be converted into other forms of energy and used.
These technologies have made our lives comfortable and materially prosperous.
Sometimes physics generates new technology. At other times technology gives rise to new physics. Both have a direct impact on people and society.
Here is a list of technology we use and their scientific principles.
| Technology | Scientific Principle(s) |
| Steam engine | Laws of thermodynamics |
| Nuclear reactor | Controlled nuclear fission |
| Radio and Television | Generation, propagation and detection of electromagnetic waves |
| Wireless telegraphy | Propagation of electromagnetic waves |
| Computers | Digital logic of electronic circuits |
| Lasers | Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (population inversion) |
| Production of ultra high magnetic fields | Superconductivity |
| Rocket propulsion | Newton’s laws of motion |
| Electric generator | Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction |
| Hydroelectric power | Conversion of gravitational potential energy into electrical energy |
| Aeroplane | Bernoulli’s principle in fluid dynamics |
| Particle accelerator / Cyclotron | Motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields |
| Sonar | Reflection of ultrasonic waves |
| Optical fibres | Total internal reflection of light |
| Non-reflecting coatings | Thin film optical interference |
| Electron microscope | Wave nature of electrons |
| Photocell | Photoelectric effect |
| Fusion test reactor (Tokamak) | Magnetic confinement of plasma |
| Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) | Detection of cosmic radio waves |
| Bose-Einstein condensate | Trapping and cooling of atoms by laser beams and magnetic fields |