What is Theoretical physics: Definition and 543 Discussions

Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena.
The advancement of science generally depends on the interplay between experimental studies and theory. In some cases, theoretical physics adheres to standards of mathematical rigour while giving little weight to experiments and observations. For example, while developing special relativity, Albert Einstein was concerned with the Lorentz transformation which left Maxwell's equations invariant, but was apparently uninterested in the Michelson–Morley experiment on Earth's drift through a luminiferous aether. Conversely, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for explaining the photoelectric effect, previously an experimental result lacking a theoretical formulation.

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  1. Jianphys17

    I Relation between statistics and theoretical physics

    Hi at all, maybe it's a bit trivial. However, the question that i ask myself is ; that relation there is between statistics-probab theory & theoretical physics. What role does it play in theoretical research ? (apart from the probabilistic amplitudes encountered in qm) Thanks for the answers
  2. T

    Vector Notation in Nolting Theoretical Physics 1

    On pg. 60 of Nolting Theoretical Physics 1 for the definition of a vector multiplied by a scalar the book shows two little up arrows if the scalar is greater than zero and an little up arrow and then a little down arrow if the scalar is less than zero. Then again on pg. 61 for definition 1.139...
  3. Smalde

    Programs Best Theoretical Physics Masters Degree in Continental Europe

    Dear All, I am sorry if you consider this question to be repetitive or too general but I have been unable to find sufficient answers on the web and thus I want to see what I can win from asking you guys. First my situation: I finished my Physics' Bachelor in the LMU Munich with good grades...
  4. J

    Exploring a Career in Theoretical Physics

    First of all, I know it's a big field. But, currently, I don't know where exactly I would like working in it so I'm just asking like the most generalized explanation. I would probably prefer more in the theoretical part of the field (which might just be all of it [emoji23] ). A few major...
  5. assademre

    Where to start with Theoretical Physics?

    Firstly, I'm sorry if it is wrong part to start this thread. I'm new here and I can change the category if you let me know. Secondly, I want to learn something about theoretical physics. I am about to finish my study Mathematics in a semester. However, I consider to study physics either and I...
  6. N

    Studying Theoretical physics self-study curriculum

    Hey there, my name's Travis, I'm a high school graduate and prospective theoretical physicist. I started my post-school learning by looking into correspondence study and got hold of some material from a friend. However, despite the fact that I love calculus and physics, I completed the 1st year...
  7. Hypercube

    Physics What do theoretical physicists actually do?

    Dear PF community, I was wondering, what do theoretical physicists actually do? Putting teaching and marking responsibilities aside, would you be able to describe to me your day-to-day activities when you do research? It is something that has been on my mind for a while. I suspect PF members...
  8. F

    Is There a Method to the Madness of Theoretical Physics?

    What exactly does a theoretical physicists do? Do they come up with hypotheses, and then do calculations to see how things would work if those hypotheses were true. If that is correct, how exactly do you come up with a hypothesis? Is there a lot of creativity involved? Also, when physicists...
  9. astroman707

    Schools Is New College of Florida good for physics?

    I'm wanted to go into theoretical astrophysics/cosmology in grad school, and I'm look for schools that will look very good to graduate admissions, and that will give me a great preparation. New College seems to have exceptional results in sending students to top grad schools according to their...
  10. Greg Bernhardt

    A The Crisis in Theoretical Physics - Gian Francesco Giudice

    The Italian physicist Gian Francesco Giudice has come out with an article about the crisis in theoretical physics. Please read the paper before commenting. Thoughts? https://arxiv.org/abs/1710.07663
  11. L

    Courses What courses do I need for a Ph.D. in theoretical physics?

    Due to circumstances outside of my control, I couldn't go to college after high school. Physics is my passion however and I refuse to give up. I have a 5 month old so it would be in my best interest to start my schooling online. I'm only the 2nd person in my family to go to college. So, I don't...
  12. Lunct

    Has Theoretical Physics met a bit of a roadblock?

    I personally am undecided on the issue but it goes without saying that physicists have been stuck on the same problems for years. Sure they recently proved gravitational waves, but one could say that we knew they were they existed anyway with near certainty, if they weren' t there it would be a...
  13. F

    Physics The right physics field for me

    I have finished my masters degree in cosmology and my research was on inflation, despite it being interesting, I'm not really fond of doing simulations/computations using a computer for a very long time. Don't get me wrong, I know that every physicists should know at least some computational...
  14. A

    Help on Theoretical Physics Master's Application

    Hi everyone! I am currently in the process of applying for a masters degree in theoretical physics. I am having troubles on writing the personal statement part since I really need to make it shine (200 applications and 20 places:frown:) . Any definitely do's and dont's I should bear in mind? A...
  15. A

    I Principle of superposition of states

    Upon reading Landau QM, the Principle of superposition of states, I got confused. It states (and i quote): "Suppose that, in a state with wave function Ψ1(q), some measurement leads with certainty to a definite result 1, while in a state with Ψ2(q) it leads to a different result 2. Then it is...
  16. Gjmdp

    Physics What job is better Theoretical Physics or AI?

    Recently, I've been struggling with this issue. I really really love theoretical physics and mathematics, but at some point, I feel like it has now become into a mix of speculation and super advanced mathematics. The fact that some physicists say some areas like String Theory or Quantum Loop...
  17. R

    Career advice -- What can I do with a Master's in Theoretical Physics and a Bachelor of Computer Science?

    Hi everyone, What can I do with a master's in theoretical physics and a bachelor of computer science ? I am in Canada, I had to do a master's before a PhD. I just decided to do something else than physics afterwards. I had the opportunity to do a PhD in computer science, in medical imaging...
  18. P

    Programs Physics engineering Or Applied Physics? ....theoretical?

    Hey there. I am going to stay the University next year and I want to know what do you think about the three options I have actually. I really like science, and I like to know about the process of the nature, how it is defined by math and by the physical processes. It is my passion I, in the...
  19. Q

    Master in theoretical/mathematical physics. Guidance.

    Hello, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what master’s degree or which specific master courses I should take. I am a physics student and I am going to finish my bachelor in physics next year. I plan to do a master in theoretical physics or in mathematical physics. However I...
  20. C

    Programs To pursue a masters degree in theoretical physics

    Hello, I'm about to start my last year of bachelor degree in physics, and in a few months I would like to have a clear idea of where I want to go for my master degree. My dream since I started university is to pursue theoretical physics, in which specific field, that remains for me to...
  21. Vanadium 50

    Jack Smith: A Life in Theoretical Physics

    Jack Smith, professor emeritus of physics at SUNY Stony Brook passed away Sunday. His colleague George Sterman writes " Jack Smith joined the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stony Brook as research associate in the Institute’s second year, 1967, and he subsequently joined the faculty of...
  22. B

    Physics Where Can I Study a Master in Theoretical Physics in Europe?

    Hi, I am finishing the grad in physics and i would like to study a master in theoretical physics the next year. Anyone know or have studied any master in theoretical physics preferably in Spain but also in other countries in Europe. I would like to know your opinion Regards
  23. G

    Best Written High School Physics Text Books (SAT)

    Advanced Physics (Advanced Science) by Steve Adams & Jonathan Allday from OUP Oxford: and Physics (Collins Advanced Science) 3rd Edition by Kenneth Dobson from Collins Educational: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0007267495/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Does anyone know any of these books? I find them very...
  24. Z

    I How Can We Interact with Dark Matter for Sci-Fi Novel?

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  25. Eslam100

    What are the topics in theoretical and mathematical physics?

    I'm a rising physics sophomore at a Japanese university. I've studied general physics, linear algebra, and analysis (actually, calculus of single and several variables with emphasis on analysis, everything was proven and the theoretical background was well explained) Other than that, I've...
  26. P

    Theoretical physics -- where does spin 1/2 come in

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  27. Jhelf

    Programs Are there any Engineering Majors that deal frequently with theoretical physics?

    Hi, quick question. Are there any Engineering Majors that deal frequently with theoretical physics? Thank you
  28. E

    Other Better Supervisor or preferred field?

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  29. P

    Programs Amsterdam vs Utrecht Theoretical Physics

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  30. S

    Studying How Do You Evaluate Theories and Physicists in Theoretical Physics?

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  31. Work Hard Play Hard

    David Suzuki and Applied Physics vs. Theoretical Physics

    Another thread reminded me of this. Sometime, probably in the 70's Suzuki said something like this, for something to be "real" it has to have a least one piece of retrievable information. One example he gave that I remember was a point in space. I remember this example because of his...
  32. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Sabine Hossenfelder - Comments

    TheAdmin submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Sabine Hossenfelder Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  33. P

    A little rant about theoretical physics....

    Not sure where to put this discussion, so please feel free to move it... Ok, so here I go... I understand why theoretically time travel cannot exist before the moment it was created, cause one fellah would have to take one end of a wormhole on a fast ship and fly about a bit. I understand...
  34. M

    Admissions Yes, another post about theoretical physics

    I apologize for perhaps seeming redundant with my post. Please forgive me, I'm looking for more specific advice orientated towards my situation. First and foremost, I am a second year student studying physics. Currently, I am also pursuing a double major in mathematics. To me it's either theory...
  35. jamalkoiyess

    Schools How to search for the best Theoretical Physics Schools

    Hello PF, I was wondering how could someone search for a graduate school while being a theoretical physicist (expl : String theorist). I mean someone working in an applied area can search for schools with the best labs or latest technologies but not the Theoretical Physicist. Thanks.
  36. unseeingdog

    I How are physics theories discovered?

    I often read about how famous theoretical physicists have made ground-breaking contributions to physics, but I always end up wondering how they are able to "discover" something that they have never seen or experienced. I believe that it has to do with the application of mathematical theories to...
  37. BL4CKB0X97

    Physics Is Theoretical Physics a Saturated Field for Aspiring Scientists?

    I am 19 and have always been interested in being a theoretical Physicist, but I am worried that the field seems to have a great amount of people also taking this road. I'd imagine jobs are running short in this field, do it begs the question: should I choose another path? Or do I follow the...
  38. Hypercube

    Schools PhD in theoretical physics at “prestigious” university

    Hi! I want to (eventually) do PhD in theoretical physics, and although universities like MIT, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, etc. are incredibly competitive, I was wondering if being self-funded student makes things any easier? My current situation is following: I am nearly 29 years-old student...
  39. J

    Quantum Theoretical Physics course textbooks

    Hello, I will be attending an undergraduate course called "Theoretical Physics" and I want to borrow some books from the library that cover the material of this course. I would appreciate any suggestions. The syllabus of the course is the following(I will be translating so I am sorry If...
  40. Elvis 123456789

    Courses Partial Differential Equations vs Classical Mechanics 2?

    Hello everyone. So I wanted to get some opinions on what some of you thought was a better choice, as far taking PDE's or classical mechanics 2 goes. First let me start off by giving a little info; I've already taken calc 1-3 and ordinary differential equations, physics 1 & 2...
  41. James - STARS

    A Antiparticles in Garrett Lisi's E8 Theory

    Greetings all :) I would like to know please how antiparticles fit into Garrett Lisi's E8 Theory. Thanks!
  42. J

    String Theory and Theoretical vs. Mathematical Physics

    Hello, I have a question about the the difference between mathematical physics and theoretical physics in general and about the difference between the MSc Theoretical and Mathematical Physics courses at Edinburgh in particular. I am planning to apply, however I am not sure which of the two...
  43. W

    Physics How to go about pursuing career in theoretical physics

    I am a year 1 University Physics student and am interested in pursuing a career (if i make the cut) in theoretical physics (in particle physics/cosmology). The thing is, I know precious little about this field (but enough to get the brain juices flowing) hence the following queries: a) What is...
  44. AdaggerA

    Admissions Applying for summer programs and picking a field.

    I am a third year physics major doing my undergrad. First, let me give you an idea on my academic background. We just picked our majors this year, meaning before we had to take other courses like courses from Biology, Chemistry, etc. This year I'll be taking courses like Classical mech, Quantum...
  45. J

    Schools Grad school application advice

    My questions are regarding admissions at top universities in Europe. Many of them are of a rather general nature, I hope that is okay. I am from Austria (EU) and I currently studying for a BSc in Physics from the University of Vienna. I will graduate in July 2017 after three years of full time...
  46. LevLandau

    Studying Theoretical physics or pure mathematics?

    have a nice day. I was torn between mathematics and physics. I do not know which one I wanted. How can I decide? for me; theoretical physics, applied mathematics - topology (dif.topology, alg.topology, geom.topology), differential geometry easy than pure, proof based mathemics. I'm better...
  47. R

    Other Phenomenology vs theoretical physics -- What should I choose?

    Hi I am an undergraduate student of physics in the university of Athens. I am reaching my final year of studying and we are asked to select and work with one of our professors so that we can make a (barchelors) thesis about a specific specialization. I have know for a long time that I want to...
  48. Liam Lau

    Mathematical Physics or Theoretical Physics

    Hi, I am currently applying to university and am an aspiring Theoretical Physicist. I see many different courses but the two I am not sure on are Mathematical Physics and Theoretical Physics. I was wondering what would give me a better foundation to go on to be a Theoretical Physicist, thank...
  49. P

    Physics Advice for becoming a theoretical physicist

    I am 14 and I have had an uncommon interest in math and science (mostly math). I have recently gotten into the mysteries of quantum physics. What I have heard about theoretical physics is that it requires manipulating data to create equations then find the why's and what's for phenomena. I feel...
  50. ibkev

    Relativity Sleeping Beauties in Theoretical Physics: 26 Surprising Insights

    This book Sleeping Beauties in Theoretical Physics: 26 Surprising Insights sounds pretty cool as something to read for fun. Has anyone looked at it yet? I'm wondering also what level of reader it's been written for? https://www.amazon.com/dp/3319134426/?tag=pfamazon01-20
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