Basic Science

In the process of human society marching towards modernization, technology is like a shining lighthouse, illuminating our way forward and completely changing every aspect of our lives. And the three basic disciplines of mathematics, physics and chemistry are undoubtedly the cornerstones that build this lighthouse. They are intertwined and work together to provide a continuous driving force for the vigorous development of technology.​

Mathematics, as a discipline that studies concepts such as quantity, structure, change and spatial models, is like the “architect” of the technological edifice. From the ancient times when people used simple knot-tying for counting to record daily harvests and affairs, to the wide application of complex and advanced calculus in fields such as engineering and economics nowadays, the figure of mathematics can be seen everywhere. In the field of computer science, mathematics plays a central role. The design and optimization of algorithms essentially rely on the ingenious conception of problem-solving steps based on mathematical principles. Through the binary mathematical representation, computers can understand and process vast amounts of data, realizing the rapid transmission and storage of information. Without mathematics as the underlying logic, there would be no smooth flow of information in the current Internet era, and the efficient operation of software would be a castle in the air.​

Physics is like the “explorer” of technological development, dedicated to revealing the laws of material motion and interaction in nature. The establishment of classical mechanics enabled humans to accurately predict the orbits of celestial bodies and opened a new chapter in navigation and aerospace. From Newton’s discovery of the law of universal gravitation, explaining the internal connection between the fall of an apple and the revolution of planets, to Einstein’s proposal of the theory of relativity, breaking the shackles of the traditional view of space and time and pointing out a new direction for cosmic exploration. In daily life, the principles of physics support the operation of various means of transportation. The working of a car engine realizes energy conversion based on the laws of thermodynamics, and high-speed railways drive trains to move forward at high speed by virtue of the principle of electromagnetic induction. Meanwhile, the development of semiconductor physics gave birth to transistors, which in turn triggered the electronic technology revolution, making electronic products miniaturized and intelligent and becoming an indispensable part of people’s lives.

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Chemistry is like a magical “magician”. By studying the composition, structure, properties and change laws of substances, it creates countless new materials and substances. From the ancient alchemists’ pursuit of the dream of turning stones into gold to the modern chemical industry synthesizing high-performance plastics, fibers, rubbers, etc., it has completely changed human material life. In the energy field, chemists develop new types of batteries, constantly improving energy density and charging and discharging efficiency, providing power guarantee for new energy industries such as electric vehicles. The pharmaceutical industry is even more inseparable from chemistry. By analyzing and modifying molecular structures, chemists develop effective medicines against diseases, prolonging the average lifespan of humans and improving the quality of life.​

These three disciplines do not exist in isolation but are closely connected. Physical research often requires the use of mathematical tools for accurate modeling and calculation. For example, the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics uses mathematical language to describe the behavior of microscopic particles. The exploration of reaction rates and material structures in chemistry also cannot do without statistical methods and geometric models in mathematics. And new discoveries in physics, such as superconductivity, provide theoretical guidance for the chemical synthesis of new superconducting materials. The special materials prepared by chemistry, in turn, provide better conditions for physical experiments.​

Looking back at history, every major breakthrough in technology has been inseparable from the in-depth integration of mathematics, physics and chemistry. Looking ahead to the future, as technology develops in depth in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and gene editing, the continuous efforts of these three disciplines are even more needed. We must attach importance to basic discipline education and cultivate more talents with interdisciplinary knowledge and qualities, so that these three cornerstones of mathematics, physics and chemistry will be more solid, supporting the towering edifice of technological progress and bravely climbing towards a better future for humanity.​

Only by strengthening these foundations of mathematics, physics and chemistry can the vitality of scientific and technological innovation fully flow, and the pace of social development be steady and powerful. They are the keys to opening the treasure house of knowledge and the ships sailing into the unknown sea, continuously supplying energy for the progress of human civilization and never stopping.