Physics in Africa.
Rabia Salihu Sa'id1, Ibiyinka Fuwape2,3, Alain Moise Dikandé4
1Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
Nature Reviews. Physics
|March 17, 2021
Summary
African physicists face unique challenges and opportunities despite global isolation. This research highlights the continent's potential and progress in building a scientific infrastructure for physics research.
Area of Science:
- Physics research in Africa
- African scientific infrastructure
Background:
- Africa's scientific research landscape is often overlooked globally.
- The continent possesses significant potential due to its young demographic.
- Progress in establishing scientific infrastructure is occurring, though unevenly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the challenges and opportunities for physicists in Africa.
- To provide insights from ten African researchers on the state of physics on the continent.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research approach.
- Discussions and insights from ten African physicists.
- Analysis of challenges and opportunities in African physics research.
Main Results:
- Identification of diverse challenges hindering physics research.
- Highlighting of unique opportunities for scientific advancement.
- Evidence of steady, albeit uneven, progress in scientific infrastructure development.
Conclusions:
- African physicists navigate a complex environment of challenges and opportunities.
- The continent's potential in physics research is significant and growing.
- Continued development of scientific infrastructure is crucial for future progress.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Conservation of Mechanical Energy
21.8K
The mechanical energy E of a system is the sum of its potential energy U and the kinetic energy K of the objects within it. What happens to this mechanical energy when only conservative forces cause energy transfers within the system—that is, when frictional and drag forces do not act on the objects in the system? Also assume that the system is isolated from its environment; in other words no external force from an object outside the system causes energy changes inside the system.
When a...
When a...
21.8K
01:09Radiation Pressure: Problem Solving
587
The radiation pressure applied by an electromagnetic wave on a perfectly absorbing surface equals the energy density of the wave. The wave's momentum also gets transferred to the surface when an electromagnetic wave is entirely absorbed by it. The rate at which momentum is transmitted to an absorbing surface perpendicular to the propagation direction equals the force on the surface.
The average value of the rate of momentum transfer divided by the absorbing area represents the average force...
The average value of the rate of momentum transfer divided by the absorbing area represents the average force...
587
01:17The Scope of Physics
47.6K
Physics is concerned with the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time, in order to discover the underlying mechanisms that underpin all phenomena. The word "physics" comes from the Greek word "phúsis", which means nature. Physics seeks to comprehend the natural world around us at its most fundamental level. It emphasizes the use of quantitative laws to do this, which could be valuable in other fields that want to push the performance boundaries of present...
47.6K
01:16Energy Conservation and Bernoulli's Equation
10.0K
Applying the conservation of energy principle or the work-energy theorem to an incompressible, inviscid fluid in laminar, steady, irrotational flow leads to Bernoulli's equation. It states that the sum of the fluid pressure, potential, and kinetic energy per unit volume is constant along a streamline.
All the terms in the equation have the dimension of energy per unit volume. The kinetic energy per unit volume is called the kinetic energy density, and the potential energy per unit volume is...
All the terms in the equation have the dimension of energy per unit volume. The kinetic energy per unit volume is called the kinetic energy density, and the potential energy per unit volume is...
10.0K
02:32Solving Problems in Physics
7.8K
Problem-solving is the ability to apply general physical principles to specific situations, usually expressed by equations. It is an essential skill in physics, and can also be useful for applying physics in everyday life as well. Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities can be applied to new situations, compared to a list of facts, which can never be extensive enough to include every possible circumstance. To solve physics problems, a certain amount of creativity and insight is...
7.8K
01:31Ampere's Law: Problem-Solving
4.0K
Ampere's law states that for any closed looped path, the line integral of the magnetic field along the path equals the vacuum permeability times the current enclosed in the loop. If the fingers of the right hand curl along the direction of the integration path, the current in the direction of the thumb is considered positive. The current opposite to the thumb direction is considered negative.
Specific steps need to be considered while calculating the symmetric magnetic field distribution...
Specific steps need to be considered while calculating the symmetric magnetic field distribution...
4.0K