What is Physics: Definition and 992 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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. A

    How Can a Beginner Excel in an Introductory Physics Class?

    hello! I'm currently in an Intro to physics class, and I'm not the most physically inclined. I look forward to learning from you all!
  2. warisulimam

    Hello, I'm a Physics Major

    Hi there! My name's Waris and I'll be starting a physics degree in a few months. I've been independently studying undergrad material for about three years. I was out of practice for a while because of some issues at high school but I'm working to get back on track. I would love to participate...
  3. V

    B Is the Longer Path Quicker in Physics?

    It's just a link, Unreal? [Mentor note: The thread title has been edited to be a bit more specific]
  4. K

    How Does Relativity Influence Our Understanding of the World?

    Hi, I'm a new member, interested in physics and relativity and new ways to think about our world. Cheers Chris
  5. R

    In the contact zone between geology and physics...

    My name is Ron Werner, Dutchman, living/working in Norway since 1992. My main interest is geology and I have worked for several museums and mineral-dealers during my life. Since 2000 I have worked for the Evje og Hornnes geomuseum Fennefoss in Evje, in the south of Norway. It is a small museum...
  6. stay_hungery

    This is a introduction of a hungery man.

    I hope to discuss with everyone who is interested in physics here and improve together! I'am reading Callen's book now,welcome to talk about things in this book.
  7. C

    I I'm calculating more energy out than I put in

    Hello everyone, I'm currently working on a physics problem involving the rotation of a 5 kilogram ##M=5## solid sphere subjected to a force of 5 newtons ##F=5##, and I've encountered an inconsistency in my calculations. I'm seeking guidance or insights into where I might have gone wrong. My...
  8. S

    Create a physics problem for me!

    Hello! Using concepts of physics 1 like kinamatics, dynamics, circular motion, pressure, newton's laws. Make me a physics question that needs basic calculus like integrals and derivaties to solve!
  9. C

    Is It Time for a Gap Year After College?

    Hi, my name's Cass. I finished my bachelors in physics last year. Kind've floating around I guess. I write code, play guitar, make art, and study Japanese. I hope to spend some time away from school and get my priorities straight then maybe go back to gradschool eventually. Nice to meet you!
  10. Mufeez

    A student here who is planning to switch to Physics from zoology

    Hello there, I am Mufeez. I am currently enrolled at QAU in the field of zoology. Didn't plan to study zoology so I am gonna drop it and try to move towards my main interest that is physics. Joined PF to learn physics and get help and make connections. Hope ya'll have a good day.
  11. cryforhelp104

    Calculating the Period of Fringe Pattern for Michelson Interferometer

    In a Michelson Interferometer when Mirror 1 is moved a distance Δ𝑑=𝜆0/2Δ, this path difference changes by 𝜆0, and each fringe moves to the position previously occupied by an adjacent fringe. Δ𝑑=𝑚(𝜆0/2) I also know from the equation for I0=2I0 - 2I0 cos (2kdL or 2wt) that the fringes shift by a...
  12. M

    Can You Convert Meters to Kilograms?

    Distance and weight are two separate things so....the question cannot be answered?
  13. S

    Universal information: How much is enough?

    A thought (it is probably as old as hills, but new to me): Physics advances by finding rules our observations obey. A good theory reduces the information needed to describe what has been observed. In each (most?) advance(s) we find that the universe actually contains (can be defined by) less...
  14. Ineedhelpwithphysics

    Two dimensional motion problem (kicking a soccer ball into the goal)

    I did this too fast idk if I'm wrong So for the x component use the formula d = rt / delta x = v*t 26 = vcos(theta) y component use the displacement formula 19.6 = vsin(theta) tan^-1(19.6/26) = 36.5 degrees the answer key says 20.2 degrees idk whats wrong
  15. I_Try_Math

    Why Is My Bungee Cord Tension Calculation Incorrect?

    (a) x = 16.7 Since x > 4.88, k = k_2 = 111 N/m. T = F(16.7) = k_2*x = 111*16.7 = 1853.7 N The answer key says the correct tension is 2320 N. Any help is appreciated, I'm not seeing where my math is wrong.
  16. R

    Looking for Physics Ideas to brush-up the basics

    Hi, I am Ranish, Looking to learn more about Physics and ideas and to find answers for the questions surrounding it. Thank you for the invite i hope i can learn a lot from here, Thank you
  17. yashboi123

    Electric field on the axis of a ring-shaped charged conductor

    Hello. I was wondering why do we not multiply cos(alpha) by 2. I believe we should do this since the y-components of the electric field cancel out, meaning there would be 2 x-components of the electric field(at least I think so). Currently, this derivation/answer only considers one horizontal...
  18. H

    Elastic collision with a massless box

    Using elastic equation I think the box and the block would stich together [Mentor Note -- Sideways, dark image fixed up]
  19. H

    How Can Undergraduate Physics Enthusiasts Enhance Their Learning Experience?

    I am an enthusiastic physics student in undergraduate level.
  20. AlixGraccus

    Maths and physics student here!

    Hi all! I'm a Maths and Physics student at the Open Uni currently (doing a B.Sc.); It's online because of health problems, which prevents me from travelling a lot. I'd like to study theoretical physics in the future. My main goal is finishing my B.Sc. (of course) and trying to find a Maths and...
  21. C

    Force on a charge from a nearby charged rod

    Hi! My attempt at this solution was: ∫dF = k*q*Q / 2L ∫ (1/r^2) dy and we know that r^2 = D^2 + y^2 based on the diagram. Here is where I start getting confused. I looked at a different physics forum post and the mentor gave this equation: I am mainly confused with the math. How did he end...
  22. Frabjous

    The changing physics curriculum in 1961

    Phillip Morse (of Morse and Feshbach) wrote this preface for the preliminary* edition of his book Thermal Physics. It has some interesting comments about curriculum reform. * First time I have heard of a preliminary edition of a book
  23. eddiezhang

    How Can an A-Level Physics Student Get Help with a Project?

    Hi everyone! I'm an A-level Physics student looking for help on a bit of a project of mine.
  24. andrim30

    Hi Physics Fans! I'm Andrim30! Looking forward to discussing with you

    Hi everyone! My name is andrim30! I'm currently studying theoretical physics in one of the universities in Netherland. I'm here so i could talk about physics and networking with fellow physicists! Looking forward to discuss with you!
  25. fresh_42

    A Do Black Holes have Singularities?

    Do Black Holes have Singularities? "There is no proof that black holes contain singularities when they are generated by real physical bodies. Roger Penrose claimed sixty years ago that trapped surfaces inevitably lead to light rays of finite affine length (FALL's). Penrose and Stephen Hawking...
  26. GLD223

    A sophomore student studying Physics and CS

    Hey, I'm in my second year at university and hope to find help (and offer my help) with solving difficult physics questions.
  27. M

    A commerce student wanting to change field to science

    Do not discourage me after reading this but please listen. I always loved maths and physics but i hated Organic chemistry so in order to avoid chemistry i ended up choosing commerce with maths. Now, I am in 2nd yr of my college doing BBA. My class 11th and 12th was in lockdown so i did not...
  28. ankitphysics

    How Does Basic Calculus Open Doors in Physics?

    I am quite interested in math and physics and keep on trying to discover new stuff. I recently learnt badic calculus and i find math cool
  29. ateixeira

    Is Returning to Physics After Years in Finance a Good Idea?

    Hello everybody! I signed up to this blog a long time ago but I don't think I ever made a post in here before. I finished my degree in Physics more than 5 years ago, started my PhD but never finished it. After that I moved back to Angola and followed a careers in consulting and on the financial...
  30. A

    Constrained motion of a ring along a horizontal rod

    The correct answer is u=vcos\theta. I have understood so far to be able to conclude that \text{displacement of string} = PA - PC \approx AB Also, \overline{AB}=\overline{AC}cos\theta or, more generally, \vec{S}_{along\ the\ string}=(\vec{S}_{along\ the\ horizontal})cos\theta Now, I had hoped...
  31. K

    Does the Gender Ratio on PF Reflect the Wider Physics Community?

    Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried to find out whether the male/female/other ratio here is similar to that in the general physics community? It seems to me that everyone I've engaged with on PF is male! Food for thought?
  32. P

    History Interesting anecdotes in the history of physics?

    Let us try to promote some physics history in this sub. What are some anecdotes in the history of physics that you want to share? Be it a true story or a popular myth. I'll start: I recently tried to check if the story of Schrödinger's equation was true: Schrödinger going out for the...
  33. walkeraj

    Just a middle-aged amateur person into physics

    Degree in chemistry and at one point was a physics and mathematics double major, but life intervened. Never got to finish but still read and work on novel amateur theory. At least, what I would call novel and amateur. My focus is on putting together theory on space-time and quantum field...
  34. Ronald_James

    Admissions Seeking Feedback on my Physics Personal Statement for Uni Application

    Hello everyone, I am a mature student applying to an undergraduate course with a foundation year, and as I finalize my university application, I'm seeking valuable feedback on the content and structure of my personal statement. I would greatly appreciate any insights and perspectives you may...
  35. S

    Tension Question with One Mass and Two Pulleys

    My question is how come the tension in pulley 2 is pointing downwards. I was under the impression that tension always points away from the mass.
  36. sbrothy

    Is N. David Mermin's Autobiography Relevant for Today's STEM Scholars?

    [rant clipped] I digress, meander even...I found this: Autobiographical Notes of a Physicist under physics.hist.ph. A place I suspect not many of you look regularly ;) Which sounds pretty prejudiced I'm aware. :) ) This guy's experiences may well be out of date for the need of todays STEM...
  37. H

    Applying for a PhD in Physics after a Master's degree

    Hi, I have a few questions about the timeline of pursuing a PhD after a master's degree. Applying for PhDs seems quite a hassle as of now because each university has their own set of application procedures, academic requirements and deadlines. I am currently in the process of navigating where...
  38. thematrix1101

    Admissions Comments on my physics PhD applicant profile

    Hello! As I nervously wait to hear back from my physics PhD applications, I thought it would be helpful to see what you guys think of my profile and the schools I applied to. Note: I am a senior undergrad and will be graduating this upcoming summer. Domestic applicant. Research Field: Quantum...
  39. Ken_S

    What Drives the Quest to Uncover the Origins of Mass, Energy, Time, and Charge?

    Studying physics and related topics for 3 decades. Working on a project to better understand the origin of mass, energy, time and charge.
  40. C

    I Understanding Ultrasound Attenuation and Reflection in Aluminum Sheets

    Hello. I write this in regards to enquiring whether you can address various questions I have in relation to acoustics and the physics of sound. In particular, I am interested in ultrasound. I have various questions in relation to it. In particular, I am interested in understanding the nature...
  41. J

    The destructive force of a 1,000kg boulder hurled by a catapult

    Homework Statement: Could be silly to some, but I am writing a short story and hope someone can help. Relevant Equations: I am clueless, forgive me. Hello all! I tried asking Bing/CoPilot, Google, and visited some medieval war machine forums, but could not find something that could help me...
  42. K

    What Factors Cause a Water Container to Tip Over When Accelerated?

    Not clear how to proceed. Does the cylindrical surface of the ungula need to be considered?
Back
Top