10 Examples of Physics in Everyday Life

Last Updated: March 28, 2025

Physics in Everyday Life

Every part of our lives involves physics. Physics permeates everything from the pre-scientific past to the present, whether you are running, jumping, walking, throwing, dancing, or doing nothing at all.

Since it serves as the foundation for all other experimental sciences, physics is the super hero of science. It enables us to comprehend why the Earth rotates, why objects fall, and why people don't float into space. In daily life, physics not only lays the groundwork for numerous technical progressions but also advances our comprehension of the natural world.

In everyday life, physics seeks to unravel the secrets of the cosmos through investigation, observation, and the creation of mathematical models that explain the underlying rules of the universe. It examines the intricate relationships between fields, forces, and particles. However, most individuals would forget these equations and theories after high school or college unless they work in a technical profession, thus physics is not about those intricate mathematical marvels. We can comprehend its significance by applying basic physics concepts to our daily lives. Let's examine ten instances of uses of physics in everyday life.

Application of Physics in Everyday Life:

Walking and Running:

The frictional force that makes walking and running easier is one of the basic examples of physics in our everyday life. It helps you run or stroll without slipping by acting as a "grip" between your shoes and the ground. The surface you are walking on and the weight pressing down on it are the two factors that determine walking. When we move, friction gives us stability and control.

Walking on a carpeted floor is easier because the rough texture of the carpet creates more friction, which helps shoes grip the fibers and prevent slipping. However, if you're walking on ice, the smoothness of the surface reduces the traction between your shoes and the ground. It is difficult to walk or sprint on ice without slipping because of the decreased friction.

Alarm clock:

The majority of us enjoy hitting the snooze button and detest the sound of the alarm clock. One of the best examples of physics phenomena in everyday life is the irritating sound that wakes you awake. The waveform contains the sound that you can only hear and not see.

The principles of mechanical energy conversion are used in alarm clocks. A coiled spring stores potential energy when the clock is wound up. When the spring unwinds, its potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, which powers the clock mechanism. Consequently, high-frequency sound waves are generated, causing you to awaken. Amazing, isn’t it?

Ballpoint pen:

There's a saying that the pen is more powerful than the sword. The use of a pen as a writing instrument is heavily influenced by physics. Everyday physics facts are explained by the ball pen's design. As taught in physics class 10 that the use of a ballpoint pen incorporates friction and fluid dynamics concepts. At the ball pen's tip is a tiny, spherical point item. The ball rolls and turns as pressure is applied to the pen as it moves across the paper.

The pen acquires its ink as it rolls from the refill, a small ink tube inside the pen. Gravity causes the ink to flow through the ball and onto the paper. Writing or drawing with accuracy is made possible by this mechanism, which guarantees a steady flow of ink.

Roller coasters:

Here, terms like inertia, acceleration, and gravity are used. Potential energy is first stored while the roller coaster is pulled up a steep hill. As it ascends the slope, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, culminating in an exhilarating descent.

The feeling of weightless energy and incredible g-forces are produced by the track's twists, bends, and loops, which affect forces like gravity and centripetal force. Together, these elements deliver an exhilarating experience while adhering to physics rules that keep riders safe and interested.

Fans:

The most essential summertime item, fans, rely on electromagnetic and fluid dynamics principles. This is one of the common physics in everyday life examples. The blades within a fan rotate when it is switched on. Behind the blades, a low-pressure zone is created when they rotate. Air is encouraged to move to the fan from higher-pressure areas by this low-pressure zone.

The fan's housing design and blade movement propel the air flow in a predetermined direction. These physics concepts are used by fans to move air around, which cools and ventilates homes and buildings.

Refrigerators:

Thermodynamic and heat transport concepts underpin refrigerator operation. Refrigerators extract heat from the interior and release it outdoors through the process of heat transfer. The refrigerator maintains a low temperature and preserves our food and drinks by a continuous cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

Cell phones:

People will assume you are an alien if you claim not to have one. The touchscreen uses variations in electrical charge to facilitate user interaction.  Electromagnetic waves are transmitted during wireless communication.

Batteries and microchips are among the parts of the device that use electrical circuit and electromagnetic principles. This makes the application of physics concepts in everyday life quite clear. Because of these fundamental ideas, cell phones have become essential tools for connection and communication in our daily lives.

Aeroplanes:

In aviation, flight physics is essential. The forces acting on an airplane's wings to enable flight are controlled by aerodynamics. Newton's laws of motion and Bernoulli's principle are fundamental ideas in aircraft design and operation. Students can go through many physics facts in everyday life to learn more about its principles.

Batteries:

In everyday life, batteries are a crucial component of physics. An electron flow is the consequence of a chemical reaction that takes place inside a battery. By producing an electrical potential difference between the battery's terminals, this flow produces electric current. The movement of electrons via the circuit powers our gadgets.

Physics concepts like electromagnetism and electrical circuits control electron behavior, making batteries portable and dependable energy sources for a range of uses.

Automobile:

Cars incorporate a number of physics concepts. The engine converts fuel into mechanical energy using thermodynamics and combustion. Vehicle dynamics involves the interplay of forces including friction, inertia, and aerodynamics.

Conclusion

Physics is an integral part of everyday life, influencing everything from walking to using advanced technology. Simple concepts like friction help us walk without slipping, while more complex principles like thermodynamics govern refrigerators and automobiles. Physics is also at work in devices such as cell phones, where electromagnetism powers communication and touchscreens. From the mechanics of roller coasters to the aerodynamics of airplanes, physics enables the functionality of numerous modern conveniences. Understanding these concepts allows us to appreciate the scientific principles that shape our daily experiences and drive technological advancements that improve our lives. Additionally, students can turn to SSSI Tutoring Services for online tuition classes and academic guidance.

Book your Free Demo session

Get a taste of how LIVE classes work with SSSI and see the difference for yourself!

Copyright © SSSI. All rights reserved.