What is Physics: Definition and 990 Discussions

Physics (from Ancient Greek: φυσική (ἐπιστήμη), romanized: physikḗ (epistḗmē), lit. 'knowledge of nature', from φύσις phýsis 'nature') is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines and, through its inclusion of astronomy, perhaps the oldest. Over much of the past two millennia, physics, chemistry, biology, and certain branches of mathematics were a part of natural philosophy, but during the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century these natural sciences emerged as unique research endeavors in their own right. Physics intersects with many interdisciplinary areas of research, such as biophysics and quantum chemistry, and the boundaries of physics are not rigidly defined. New ideas in physics often explain the fundamental mechanisms studied by other sciences and suggest new avenues of research in academic disciplines such as mathematics and philosophy.
Advances in physics often enable advances in new technologies. For example, advances in the understanding of electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear weapons; advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization; and advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.

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  1. scribkibs

    What drives a young physicist's passion for learning and research?

    Hey! I'm Parker, an undergraduate physics student with hopes of going to graduate school. I'm excited to learn as much as possible and to interact with people just as passionate about physics as I am :)
  2. G

    I Doubts about isotropy of space

    I might have some other questions related to this topic, but I will ask them in further replies. Isotropy of space is explained such as it should look the same in every direction. It's not enough to imagine ourselves to be in the center of the sphere, because definition says that to call space...
  3. J

    Looking for a Recommendations for a General Science Periodical to Subscribe to

    I would like to subscribe to a general science periodical (emphasis on physics would not go amiss) other than Scientific American that would explain new scientific discoveries and ideas in popular terms. A hard copy magazine best but digital okay too. Please, no defense of Scientific American...
  4. Avaro667

    Is math really that important to do physics?

    Hello everyone . Recently i have been thinking about the importance of math in physics . There are many times that i read books or papers that contain tons of hard math and yet i feel it doesn't really add that much to my understanding . On the other hand there are sources that provide a very...
  5. C

    Courses Could points be taken off for not factoring?

    Would a professor in a linear algebra, another upper-level math course, or an upper-level physics course take off points if I don't show steps when factoring an equation expression?
  6. A

    I need help with the website -- where should I post these threads?

    I like creating physics and chemistry problems and i want some feedback on them. What is the most appropriate forum to post them and ask for oppinions?
  7. Maclaurinssadism

    New student being punished by infinite series

    Hey Everyone, I'm a recently new bachelor student in Physics. I'm around my 20's. I'm from switzerland.
  8. non_physicist

    What can AI do and not do in physics currently?

    What can AI do, and not do, in physics currently? Can it navigate hilbert space (I don't know what this is, just coming from an HPS undergrad background)? Can it design atomic bombs? Has it solved any problems? I suppose much research uses AI. In what forms?
  9. C

    Classical How is the book "Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics"?

    I learned some computer science basics from the book SICP ( Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, Authors: Gerald Jay Sussman, Hal Abelson, Julie Sussman ) and I've witnessed a book about mechanics from the same author called Structure and Interpretation of Classical Mechanics...
  10. amirhossein

    Exploring Quasiparticle Interactions in Quantum Field Theory

    I learned physics( MSc) & my academic orientation was elementary particles and QFT . My thesis is about quasiparticle interaction from the quantum field theory point of view. I like QFT, basic particles, quasiparticles, accelerators, plasma and superconductivity.
  11. aissam

    Studying About how much time should it take for me to finish an undergrad problem set?

    I have program that i want to follow to try to self learn undergrad physics deeply but i find myself hating when i have to check the solution of a problem set but at the same time if i didn't do that i wouldnt have the time to do other problem sets. So i want to know how much it takes you guys...
  12. K

    How much work is done to hold a book at a constant height?

    Please can anyone help me with problem? I don't know if the work is 0 J
  13. jayaram1961

    Are you a physics enthusiast? Join our forum for engaging discussions!

    I am a retired associate professor from an engineering college. I am a fan of physics. I have published many papers in scientific journals and mathematical journals. I am very happy to join this forum.
  14. jcalises

    What sparked my passion for physics and mathematics?

    I don't have much to say, at the time I had to drop out of university but I've always been passionate about science and I can't stop reading and thinking about it, especially physics and mathematics.Welcome everybody.
  15. C

    Programs What subject is better for an aspiring experimental physicist?

    I'm in my last 2 years of high school, and I have to pick a speciality to study before becoming an undergraduate and studying in college. In the future, I'm hoping to become an experimental physicist. My high school offers 3 specialities that are relevant to physics to pick from, all of them...
  16. S

    Why is momentum not conserved?

    Here is question + drawing.
  17. U

    How Can Niche Physics Topics Enhance a Senior Thesis?

    Hi, I’m a student studying physics that’s trying to learn more niche information for the purposes of my senior thesis that I have to begin to plan.
  18. Anonymous001

    I Difference between d/dt and d(theta)/dt? Why is it dr or ds/dt?

    So, first of all, why and how are we taking the derivative of the vector r or s as d/dt if t is not a parameter of the equations? Second question is what is the difference between d/dt(r) and d(theta)/dt(r) and also between d/dt(s) and d(theta)/dt(s)? Like, both of these appear at the bottom of...
  19. E

    Calculating the Energy Absorbed by a Spring in a Car Suspension System

    I approach this by considering the four springs in parallel each with spring constant ##k## as one spring with four times the spring constant ##k' = 4k##. The car is dropped and at the moment its tyres touch the ground I assume that the spring is in its resting position. As the car continues to...
  20. A

    I need opinions on a Projectile Motion problem that I made up

    Recently I started making physics problems and I made one that I really like, but I would like some feedback from other people (how difficult it is, how enjoyable it is to solve this problem, what I could improve about it, etc). Here is the problem: A cannon is fixed at height H relative to the...
  21. Jim Robison

    B Is Time a Fundamental Force in Physics?

    We all know the four fundamental forces in physics: gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces; and there is now some discussion about a fifth, more obscure force involving muons. But I have a question; could the fifth force be something we deal with every day? Could it...
  22. S

    What's New in Physics Since the Last 50 Years?

    Hi folks, 50 odd years ago I did a physics degree - wonder if anything interesting has happened since. Logged in a while ago, but seems lost. Worked in signal processing, still do the odd wee research contract. Nothing right now, thought I would have a look in here.
  23. S

    B Neutrino physics -- What are the project goals for the Jiangman underground observatory (JUNO)?

    Jiangman underground observatory (JUNO) is a setup at china which is used for detection of neutrino and their oscillation so far as I know. What is the basic goal of making this setup, Are they interested to observe the effect of neutrino on earth i.e neutrino may rise the temp of earth or some...
  24. Jenab2

    I Calculating the Raleigh Criterion constant to 99 significant figures

    I set about trying to use HiPER Calc Pro on my phone to solve the integral for the Bessel function of the first kind and of order one, so that I could get the ordinate value for the first root of the function to 99 significant figures, then divide that by π to 99 significant figures, in order to...
  25. ArtemA

    What are the implications of physics? Join the discussion on PF!

    I'm here to chat about physics and its implecations, discuss research, and ask question bothering me.
  26. opperator

    What are the current courses for a senior level physics student?

    Hi, I'm a physics college student! Trying to wade through work (even through the summer) and figure out my life and career plans.
  27. opperator

    Advice for an Undergraduate: What to do after I finish my Physics/Math double-major BS degrees?

    Hi, I'm an undergraduate student in the US going into their 3rd year (of 4), and I can start to feel the weight of deciding what to do after my undergraduate studies. I'll break down the concerns into 2 main questions, and any advice is greatly appreciated! For context, I am on track to finish...
  28. abdulhayee

    Admissions How to prove Physics competency to grad school admission committees?

    Greetings, This is a slightly longer post but it's coming from someone who's humbly and sincerely passionate+motivated about pursuing Physics and hence I'd be immensely grateful to everyone who can help me clear my confusions and see a ray of light and hope! You'd be doing me a solid :) My...
  29. blaire

    Other Can I Study Physics? A-Levels, GCSEs & University

    I'm starting a college course in a month and I'll be studying the following A-levels: chemistry, maths, biology and psychology. When I applied for my course I was under the impression that A-level physics would be a part of it, but I found out during my interview that it is not. My issue is...
  30. P

    Well here I am!!.I hope this forum will help me grow with Physics.

    I'm currently in high school ,and am a science student. I find physics Interesting I hope to learn more from this amazing physics community. Wish me luck for the future!! 👨‍🔬
  31. W

    What led a physicist to the IT industry?

    I studied physics in Aachen and Cologne Germany. But I am working mainly in the IT industry.
  32. A

    What is El Curioso IAM from Argentina: Exploring Physics and Mathematics?

    IAM from Argentina. Aficionated physics and mathematics
  33. Big Tommy C

    Lifting a mass from a point that is offset from its center of gravity

    Good Evening Everyone. I am having trouble wrapping my head around the physics involved with the example below. At first i was looking at this as if lifting may create a lever of some sort, but I don't believe it has a fulcrum. I am trying to find a formula (if there is one) for lifting a mass...
  34. J

    Oblique soccer shot calculation task

    Task: A football player hits the ball, which is at rest on the ground, so that it moves at an angle of 30° in relation to the horizontal plane and falls to the ground again after 3 seconds. a) How far from the point of impact will the ball fall? b) Calculate the velocity vector of the ball on...
  35. S

    Determining Maximum Torque in a Truck and Forklift System

    This maybe complex and complicated - I know its going to be multi step. Please see attached picture. It involves velocity and weight and gravity torque force, pivot points.
  36. Immer Tzaddi

    I Phenomena: Recent + Documented

    This might seem like a rather peculiar observation and question. However, a rather strange physical anomaly was noted about a decade ago. While gazing thorough a living-room window. A flying-insect was seen with a portion of its torso fixed within the pane of glass. It seemed, as if, it...
  37. Immer Tzaddi

    Is Traditional Engineering Still the Most Rewarding Path for Physics Majors?

    This physics forum is sought as a source of review material and alternative perspectives. While, a thorough reread of an old O' Hanian, a Serway, and an edition of Menzel is being made. Physics was a intended undergraduate major. However, a freshman advisor stated that basically all of the...
  38. L

    What is Physics? An Introduction to the Fascinating World of Science

    Hello, my name is Luis and I am a physics novice, it is nice to meet you guys
  39. G

    Hi! Excited to learn and share my knowledge

    I'm an undergrad physics and computer science student most of the way done with my degrees. I have a background in math (calculus, linear algebra, a little bit of group theory). Machine learning and data science are also areas that I'm actively studying. For anyone interested, my name is based...
  40. J

    Chat GPT asked me to speak to some real physicists is why I'm here!

    Hi all. Started a conversation with Chat GPT about the big bang, C, gravity, time, thought experiments and other things that I mull over in my brain every few months and it suggested I talk to someone that's actually studied some of the things I asked about especially as things change...
  41. P

    B Looking for help understanding string theory

    String theory is a vast topic, and no grade 9 book will have content on it. However, no site or video gives it the attention this topic deserves, please input your understanding of string theory here. here are a few general questions to think about: 1)What is string theory? 2)Why was it made...
  42. V

    Solve Simultaneous Equations: Loop/Junction Eqns

    +1.56 - 43i1 - 75i2 = 0 +1.6 - 100i3 - 75i2 = 0 +i1 - i2 + i3 = 0——-> i1 + i3 = i2
  43. ab200

    Destroying a Building Using a Lens

    Putting the questionable nature of my professor's problem-writing aside, I found this question pretty confusing. I assumed that 60 m was the focal length, and that R1 was infinity since it is a flat surface. This gives me: 1/60 = (1.5 - 1)[(1/∞) - (1/R2)] This gave me R2 = 30 m, but that isn't...
  44. L

    From Physics to Engineering: The Career Journey of Leslie Rhorer

    My name is Les and in 1977 I began studying Physics at Texas A&M university, After four years, I decided a career in Physics was not for me. Since then Ihave been working as an Engineer.
  45. kuruman

    Speed of cylinder rolling along a horizontal surface gathering snow (Solved)

    This is a spin-off of a similar problem posted here in which the cylinder gathers snow as it rolls down an incline. I think one has to understand the snow-gathering process before attempting the more complicated case. A horizontal surface makes that easy but because it is a different problem, I...
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