What is Physicist: Definition and 660 Discussions

A physicist is a scientist who specializes in the field of physics, which encompasses the interactions of matter and energy at all length and time scales in the physical universe.
Physicists generally are interested in the root or ultimate causes of phenomena, and usually frame their understanding in mathematical terms.
Physicists work across a wide range of research fields, spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic and particle physics, through biological physics, to cosmological length scales encompassing the universe as a whole.
The field generally includes two types of physicists: experimental physicists who specialize in the observation of physical phenomena and the analysis of experiments, and theoretical physicists who specialize in mathematical modeling of physical systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena.
Physicists can apply their knowledge towards solving practical problems or to developing new technologies (also known as applied physics or engineering physics).

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  1. jamalkoiyess

    Is an experimental physicist the same as an engineer?

    Hello Lately i have been searching for what to do in university and i decided to go for physics because i am passionate about it. Then i visited the campus of the university i am planning to go into and had a talk with the physics department chairman , he told me that if i had a PhD in...
  2. S

    Schools Should i attend to top universities to become a physicist?

    Hey. I may go next year to study space physics in Embry Riddle Aeronautical university in Daytona Beach. i know that they have the best aerospace program in the world. But do they have a very good physics program. because what i am asking about is that should i go to one of the top universities...
  3. Dr. Courtney

    Insights Trials and Tribulations of a Physicist who Became a Math Geek - Comments

    Dr. Courtney submitted a new PF Insights post Trials and Tribulations of a Physicist who Became a Math Geek Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  4. P

    Is it possible to become a physicist if you had bad grades.

    Im in high school right now and my physics grades are around Bs. The reason why is that I usually procrastinate and don't do homework plus i sometimes freeze up during tests but i usually understand the concepts and the math is usually easy or straight forward for me.
  5. D

    Can an Engineering Graduate Pursue a Physics PhD?

    Hello :), my name is Diana, and I am a second year electrical and electronics engineer undergraduate. To be honest, I never really wanted to be an engineer, I've always wanted to be a physicist. But things didn't work out well for me, and so I had to choose engineering. But, I never gave up on...
  6. P

    Physics What are my chances of becoming a research physicist

    I am in high school right now and i would like to be a physicist but i heard a lot of physicists become engineers or programmers instead of a research physicists. And what is the difference between experimental and theoretical.
  7. Meron

    Convincing my parents to let me be a physicist

    I have decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in physics with an aim of entering graduate school after that, but my parents are opposed to the idea and want me to purse a degree in engineering instead. How can I convince them to allow me to pursue a degree in physics?
  8. pioneerboy

    Profession of Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown

    Hi there, If you look through the trilogy of "Back to the Future" you come across many devices of Doc Brown. He's officially a physicist with theoretical knowledge, he's always claiming to conducting experiments, and he's great in building things...obviously. First question: what branch of...
  9. M

    What's it like to be a professional physicist?

    Hi everyone, in a few months (hopefully) I will get a master degree in physics and I have been wondering a lot about making of fundamental research my career (if I manage to, that is). Sometimes I have moments of strong self-doubt since it seems to me that my knowledge is never deep enough and I...
  10. ujjwal3097

    Physics What are the perks of being a physicist?

    I was actually wondering what it likes to be a physicist what i mean is what are the perks . for example traveling the worlds ,meeting new people etc
  11. Meron

    Engineering Physics: Job Market & Graduate School Info for HS Seniors

    I am, currently, a senior in high school. I am interested in science and particularly in physics. So, I, naturally, want to major in physics when I go to University. But I'm not sure if I want to be a physicist when i grow up and I have also heard about how getting into academia is very hard and...
  12. P

    Physics How much do theoretical and experimental physicist get paid

    I like physics but i don't want to worry about having enough money to afford a house or an apartment and l like would like to eat out without a coupon.
  13. P

    Thin film physicist unfairly targeted by Justice Dept.

    Not really physics, but I thought this forum would be most interested in this. http://gizmodo.com/charges-dropped-against-temple-university-physicist-acc-1730326640 http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/12/us/politics/us-drops-charges-that-professor-shared-technology-with-china.html
  14. M

    Exploring a Career as a Medical Physicist: Requirements & Benefits

    i am looking for more information on the career of a medical physicist.. is the best route to go getting an undergrad in physics & then going on for a ph.d in medical physics or is there a better way to go? What all can you do with the ph.d? Also, around how long does it take before you start...
  15. KylieVegas

    Physics Can an applied physics graduate be a theoretical physicist?

    Hello, can an applied physics graduate be able to be a theoretical physicist? Our school only offers applied physics major in instrumentation but they do send students to do interns/ojt (on the job training) to CERN and various universities all over the world. I know applied physics is more...
  16. W

    I What does "exist" mean to a physicist? somt

    If something hat has no volume and no mass can exist ,what does it mean to say that something physical exists?
  17. K

    Other A book that covers all the math a physicist will ever need?

    What is a good book, after mastering calculus, that covers all the mathematics a theoretical physicist will ever need?
  18. K

    What theories in solid state should every physicist know?

    [Moderator's Note: Changed level of thread to "Advanced" based on the topics being asked about, all are graduate level topics.] I feel that I have an inadequate understanding of many important concepts in condensed matter physics, so I want to try to learn at least the most basic parts. So what...
  19. Y

    How to become a theoretical physicist

    Hi , I'm currently a high school student and aiming to be a theoretical physicist but before I go any further I'd like to know what it takes to be a theoretical physicist based on some basic questions revolving around my head all this time.Eventhough I searched for any information pertaining to...
  20. D

    Aspiring Physicist: Can I Get an AA in Physics?

    I'm entering my freshman year at community college (money reasons) and I'm planning on transferring once I get my AA. So I needed to decide on what to major in. Because of my strong fascination with the universe and celestial bodies, I chose to major in physics to eventually pursue a career in...
  21. K

    Physics Working as a Medical Physicist in Australia

    Hallo everyone, I am a new member at Physics Forums. I am considering immigrating with my family to Australia and work as a Medical Physicist. My bachelor degree is in Physics and I have MSc and PhD in Medical Physics. I am currently working in Greece as a medical physicist (for the last 14...
  22. S

    High School Student Thinking About Future Careers

    Hey! I'm a Grade 11 (entering Grade 12) high school student living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I was wondering if I could come here and ask a question on if anyone could give me any advice on what I should do with my life? More specifically, which one of these careers do you think would be...
  23. Balabhadruni

    Physics How to Become a Physicist without a degree

    iam studying UG Bachelor of Electronics & Communication III year, i wish to end my bachelors and start my private research. my life ambition is to become a physicist, i have published 6 research papers till now in various streams. is there any scope of becoming a physicist without a degree if so...
  24. C

    Physics How to Become a Medical Physicist in 3653 Easy Steps - Comments

    Choppy submitted a new PF Insights post How to Become a Medical Physicist in 3653 Easy Steps Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  25. Adrian Silaghi

    On Becoming a Theoretical Physicist

    Hello everyone.First of all let me introduce myself.My name is Adrian I'm 20 years old I'm a freshmen in college and I live in Romania.My story is kinda short.After I got my Highschool final exam from Physics I started liking it.Now I study Systems Engineering cause it was my only option due to...
  26. H

    How much math should a physicist know?

    Math in the sense of more than just calculation skills or techniques. Should a physicist be able to proof math theorems? For example, 1. prove the chain rule in single-variable and multi-variable calculus 2. prove that any partition of a set is associated with exactly one equivalence relation...
  27. AlanKirby

    Physics Experimental physicist and investment banking?

    Hi, I'm looking to do an experimental physics PhD (currently on an experimental Masters program), and I was wondering what my chances of getting into investment banking (quant) are. I am aware that theoretical physicists are primed for such a position, but what about an experimentalist? I can't...
  28. L

    Physics Is job of physicist even a "realistic" expectation?

    Hi, I am really really stuck on my life-decision (look at my previous posts). I do REALLY LOVE PHYSICS A LOT. I want to be able to work in the next big thing - Quantum Computation, Theory Of Everything and so on. I am passionate about physics it grabs my interest straight away. I am only 15, I...
  29. Y

    Other Being a physicist + difficult life?

    Ok so.. I have always been interested in natural sciences so I'll probably keep on browsing the forum.. but I'm off age when I needed to choose what to study (21) and I enrolled in physics. I can still change that.. Last year I studied Chemistry but Physics was one of the few classes I passed...
  30. P

    Physics What are the requirements for being a great physicist?

    I am currently a high school student, and have been studying advanced physics and mathematics on my own since I was thirteen. I don’t know what my true IQ is, although I have taken some online tests and it claims it’s between135 and 145. I have a deep love for physics, but I fear failure due to...
  31. D

    To be or not to be a mathematician or a physicist?

    Hello! I'm in my final high school year (Bachillerato, as we call it in Spain) and I have to choose between getting a degree in physics or mathematics. Frankly, my uni's approach to physics is far more experimental than theoretical. I do not like that (lol). I love mathematics, and just reading...
  32. SpanishOmelette

    What is the Role of a Mathematical Physicist?

    probably, I am a home-utored student(self-teaching!) and I'm seeking a little help. While I am drawn to MANY forms of physics or mathematics, the mathematical physicist seems to be the ticket. But I am not sure. I was just wondering if this would be a good way to go, and what exactly is the...
  33. Zaent

    Physics What adds value to a Physicist?

    Particularly, I mean trained skills rather than traits. For example, for a blank student/graduate who knows only physics theory, learning LaTeX would put them a little bit ahead. Then maybe some programming, learning simulation software etc. I'm finishing up my 2nd year in undergraduate right...
  34. C

    Physics Programming, Finance what else can a Physicist do?

    I'm currently a database programmer, which is ok but repetative. What it lacks (in my experience at least) is the spirit that my degree had. I miss thinking analytically, doing integrals, using my brain to make things from scratch rather than memorising the motions of something already invented...
  35. kiwileaf

    Physics How do I know if I am smart enough to be a physicist?

    How did you know you would be good with physics?
  36. N

    Physics The Future of "Lone Physicists" - Researching Physics Alone?

    Hello everyone, just a quick question: I have heard that it is impossible to do research in physics by yourself anymore. I heard that "The days of Einstein are gone" and that nowadays in physics, especially string and quantum relativity research, everyone publishes in groups. I feel like this is...
  37. P

    Can I become a theoretical physicist?

    With an undergrad degree in Applied Mathematics and Meteorology (school has no quantum field theory; didn't to study it and its extensive lab classes). And then do a masters degree in Mathematical Physic afterwards do a PhD in Mathematical Physics? Will I then be a theoretical physicist or a...
  38. Y

    How do i become a physicist or an astrophyscist

    Hey there. I am deciding to pursue my studies to physics or astrophysics course. The problem is i like space and really wanted to do researches on some of the impossibilities such as time traveling or space warping and black hole theories. What should i do and how many years will it take me in...
  39. M

    How to become a physicist from an engineer?

    Hi, I am an Electrical Engineer but I want to become a Physicist and do research to develop theoretical models of elementary partials. I have applied in several universities in US for MS and PhD programs but they have rejected me, I believe because of my non physics background. Can someone...
  40. R

    Stochastic processes for a physicist?

    I was wondering how useful a course in basic stochastic processes is if you want to pursue a career in physics? And especially for a theoretical physicist or astronomer. Im going to have to choose two courses next semester and I think I'm going to choose Special relativity and Mathematical...
  41. A

    Programs Non-physics major's classes for physicist

    Hello, Given essentially unlimited time and financial support, what do you think would be the best courses an aspiring physicist should take undergrad to be best prepared(Other than the normal CM,EM,QM,etc.)to become a researcher in experimental physics? I've been working on a chemistry major...
  42. M

    At what point can one be considered a physicist?

    If you have an undergraduate degree in metallurgy you can find employment as a metallurgist, similarly with chemistry. However trying to find employment as a physicist without a PhD is next to impossible. So my question is if you only have a Bachelor of Science in physics could you be considered...
  43. M

    16 years old and an aspiring physicist

    Hi, my name is Matt, I'm 16 years old and an aspiring physicist. I've recently found myself in a position of great uncertainty. I'll provide some background. I was a reasonably successful High School student although academics were secondary to leisure in my life. At the beginning of my junior...
  44. B

    Programs Can I become a physicist with no degree?

    I'm a person with many interests and I'm torn between them as I cannot focus on all at once. I am very academically adapt but I am also extremely interested in human contact, especially the protection of people. Currently I'm studying medicine but I would also love to be in the army or the...
  45. FuturePhysicist

    Physics Can a theoretical physicist do multiple fields?

    Based on what I have learned, I know that a theoretical physicist has to work in a specific field. But can one work in two? For instance, a person who has a PhD in cosmology but is working on both cosmology and field theories (quantum, unified). Or maybe even the same person working at a...
  46. stardust

    Physics Is a physicist limited by their chosen PhD?

    I've had a burning question for a long time, and I cannot seem to find reliable information through Google searches. If I get a PhD in let's say, Astrophysics, is it possible for me to switch to mathematical physics(in terms of career/research)? In general, I am uncertain how the academic system...
  47. J

    Physics Where is the best place to work as a Theoretical Physicist?

    Hello. I'm finishing my last year of school and I have wanted to become a Theoretical Physicist at CERN for 2 years, so I want to get a PhD degree. Knowing that people at CERN speak both english and french, I decided to study Physics in Paris (bachelor-french, masters-english), but is it CERN...
  48. F

    Engineering Difference Between Solid State Physicist and Materials Engineer

    I would like to know what is the difference between a solid state physicist and a materials engineer. I mean, do they end up doing the same kind of job or research? If they both have the same purpose, how can they do it having different backgrounds? Which preparation is better for the purpose?
  49. M

    What Should I Do Next? Exploring Career Options for Physics Graduates

    hello again, I am a physics undergrad finishing my last year, will graduate by the end of may... I am SO LOST and have no clue what I'm going to do next, mainly because in my country (Lebanon) physicists are limited to working at schools as teachers... This is something that i wouldn't enjoy...
  50. M

    Should I be a Nuclear engineer or physicist?

    Hey anyone, I am not all that good at academics and so I'm in a bind. I want to be an engineer, but no way I can transfer into Purdue's main campus, just can't get my gpa up there. I can stay at the calumet branch and get a physics degree, but my love is nuclear energy. I come here because i...
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