Final answer:
Physics is a science that explains the workings of the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest structures. It provides the framework for technological advancements and calculations concerning speed, distance, and time. Physics articulates the nature of the physical world with numerical precision and standardized units.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physics is the field of science that aims to describe and understand the function of everything around us. From the basic building blocks of nature, such as sub-nuclear particles, to the grand scale of the cosmos, physics strives to explain how things work. For instance, in modern technology like a smartphone, physics describes how an electric current interacts with circuits, aiding engineers in selecting materials and designing the layout. Similarly, the functionality of GPS systems is rooted in physics, as it determines the relationship between speed, distance, and time, relying on algorithms that account for Earth's morphology and relativistic effects like time dilation.
The scope of physics is vast, capturing phenomena from the microseconds a nucleus exists to the billions of years of the Earth's age. It provides numerical values and equations for physical quantities, which offer a deeper understanding of the natural world than qualitative descriptions. Fundamental physical quantities like length, mass, time, and electric current enable the expression of complex scientific concepts in standardized units, underlying the simplicity and interconnectivity of natural laws.