Mathematics and Science
Mathematics has applications in many aspects of society and science is one of these. There are many mathematical elements within science. Arithmetic is used when working out values and to solve simple equations or formula. Mathematics is used in Astronomy for distances, sizes and masses. As these numbers are very large mathematics is used to portray the numbers in a smaller unit. Algebra is used to show relationships before the measured numbers are used for calculations. Higher math is used for complex relationships between properties (Kurtus, 2013.)
During our lecture, we looked at scientific graphs and the mathematics behind them.
Some of the mathematics we used whilst studying the graphs:
- Algebra as we had to work out what each formula meant
- Understanding of coordinates
- Basic equations such as multiplication
We then had to make our own graphs. First, we had to complete an activity where we compared the distance and weight of two magnets using the device below.
We started with both magnets being 15cm apart and found the weight of the pressure that the magnets created which was around 280g. We decreased the distance by 1cm each time and recorded the weight. We found the weight never really changed until the distance was around 10cm apart. This was when we saw changes happening. By the time, we were around 2cm the weight was around 400g. We then created a graft using the weight and distance. We compared our graph to those we studied earlier to find which ours was most similar too.
Although this was a scientific experiment we used many aspects of mathematics such as measuring, weight and graph’s.
This is only one example of the relationships between mathematics and science. We looked at the scientific formula ‘E=MC2’ and the applications of this formula in to the wider world. This was a formula created by Albert Einstein. So, what does this formula actually mean? The ‘E’ represents the energy which is measured in Joules, the ‘M’ represents the mass of the object which is measured in kilograms and the ‘C’ represents the speed of light (Carroll, 2014.) Prior to the mathematics module I had never heard of this formula before let alone understand the significance that this plays in everyday life. This formula applies to medicine as it is used in pet scans as well as everyday items such as smoke detectors (Tyson, 2005.) Einstein’s formula is responsible for the creation of power and water stations and is one of the reasons we have electricity etc. Einstein’s formula also had a negative impact on society. It was used in the creation of automatic bombs when used cause devastating effects.
Overall, we can see that mathematics plays a large part in science and is responsible for a lot appliances in our society today but how does this link to Liping Ma’s profound understanding of fundamental mathematics?
Basic Ideas: Throughout science, mathematical concepts are frequently revisited and reused for equations and formula.
Connectedness: Different mathematical concepts are used across the board within in science for example equations are used in physics, chemistry and biology. Although the equation may change according to the topic the mathematics remains the same, similar to the example below.
S= D/T T=S/D D=SxT
M=F/A A=F/M F=MxA
Reference List
Carroll., J (2014) A fun way of understanding E=mc2. Available at: http://www.universetoday.com/114617/a-fun-way-of-understanding-emc2/ [Accessed on: 29 November 2016.]
Kurtus, R (2013) Using mathematics in physical science. Available at: http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/math.htm#.WD1OkfmLTIU [Accessed on 29 November 2016.]
Tyson., P (2005) The legacy of E=MC2. Available at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/legacy-of-e-equals-mc2.html [Accesed on 29 November 2016.]
