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. Gvido_Anselmi

    Analytical methods in theoretical physics

    Hi everybody! I'm very interested in the methods of complex analysis in theoretical physics. By these methods I mean such things (tools) as (for example) analytical properties of scattering amplitudes (or S-matrix) in QFT, regge calculus in QCD, analytical continuations of Einstein's equations...
  2. L

    What is the right theory of quantum gravity?

    This question, at the moment, is ridiculously difficult or even impossible to answer. Some prefer string theory, and some think that it is overly speculative and LQG may be a better fit, and some say the opposite. I would like to ask; In your opinion, what could be the right theory of quantum...
  3. P

    What do TAs and RAs for theoretical physics do?

    do they also work with mathematics or do they do something different
  4. M

    Imperial QFFF vs Cambridge Part III

    Hi there, this has probably been done to death on countless other threads, but I just thought it would be better to get more personal and actual direct replies by making my own post. I plan to go on and study theoretical physics and I've been accepted into both QFFF and Part III Applied Maths...
  5. M

    Schools University in England to study theoretical physics

    Hi, I'm from Norway and I'm planning to go to university in England in 2016 to study theoretical physics, but I can't decide which ones to apply for. I have never been to England so I don't know the best places to live, how's studying in London for example? Which schools rank the highest in...
  6. A

    New Aspiring Theoretical Physicist

    Hello, my name is Alex. I'm a high school student in Menomonie and I'm fascinated by the world of physics. I want to work toward getting a doctorates degree in physics and go on to work as a theoretical physicist. I'm taking AP Physics as a class and spend all of my free time learning and...
  7. M

    Mandatory (online) courses for theoretical physics

    Hello, I am a master student in physics. I have come to realize that I will probably not work in a highly theoretical field in the future as I do not believe I stand a real chance in this world. However I want to learn as much as I can "on the side". Which set of courses would you recommend to...
  8. C

    Best Undegrad course in theoretical physics

    Hi all, My long term goal is to become a theoretical physicist, General relativity being my field of interest. I am not sure about the university I should choose for my undergraduate course. I am from India, but I want to pursue my undergrad, graduate and PhD from a US or UK university( In case...
  9. D

    Theoretical vs Experimental Physics

    I was watching a sixty symbols video on Stephen Hawking: , and it got me thinking. Is there any practical value for theoretical physicists, if what they are doing is simply speculation not backed by any data? I understand observing a physical phenomena, and from understanding it predicting new...
  10. A

    Photon as a Mathematical Concept in Theoretical Physics

    I always have some interesting on the photon. after I read the oscillator expansion of the electromagnetic field in a finite volume, I find photon is more a mathematical concept in theoretical physics than real particle. not like electrons, number of photon is a representation of the energy...
  11. D

    Nuclear physics or theoretical physics?

    From which branch of physics like nuclear physics or theoretical physics the PhD will be more beneficial for career?
  12. N

    Mathematical Physics vs Theoretical Physics

    Hello PF, pardon me if this isn't the wrong place but I just had a quick question. So I have always wanted to do Theoretical Physics (particular interests are Quantum Gravity, Cosmology, QFT and Quantum Optics, but those are subject to change), but recently I have started to look into...
  13. H

    Is This Theoretical Physics Book Easy to Learn?

    Hello everybody, I have see Theoretical Physics Book from amazon... This contain is easy to learn See the pic : https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486652270/?tag=pfamazon01-20 http://flgopics.science/10/o.png
  14. L

    Physics Is doing top-end theoretical physics hard?

    Hi, I am a enthusiastic student (not yet in University) but am mature for my age so please read on... I am deeply passionate about Theoretical Physics (Practically fell in love with it) but also I am concerned about future, as much as I do want to pursue Physics in University I feel a lot of...
  15. 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...
  16. AdrianHannon

    Engineering Info on weapons engineering and related areas

    Hi, I'm in first year of my physics undergrad degree in NUIGalway and currently (could change as the four years pass) have an interest in doing a masters in Weapons Engineering after the degree is completed. In my course we get the choice of specializing in one of four areas: theoretical...
  17. A

    Schools Extra courses for physics grad school after Mech.Eng?

    Hello everyone, I am starting my third year in Mechanical Engineering. I wish to get a degree in physics after my bachelors, theoretical physics, to be precise. So what extra courses should I take now in order to be ready for grad. school ? Please note that my college does not offer minors.
  18. S

    Calculus Calculus 10th Ed by Salas enough for theoretical physics?

    I am currently reading Calculus Volume 1 by Tom Apostol, I find it very good but hard. I often get stuck and it took me very long time to move from page to page (mostly pages with theorems). I am done reading till half of chapter 2. I just want to know if reading apostol is really a MUST for...
  19. P

    Courses Can a computer illiterate graduate in theoretical physics?

    I have recently taken up mathematics at home and found that it does not pose any problems for my future aspirations in becoming a physicist. However, I am not mechanically inclined and can't use a computer to any sophisticated degree. It's all about abstract thinking for me. I fear mechanical...
  20. Damian Norton

    Programs How many hours, on average, of pure learning for bachelor degree?

    Hello. I am in desperate need for advice. I have searched for advice everywhere and each time failed to obtain it. This is my last resort. Please help me and bare with me while I explain the problem. I am 28 years old guy. I have literally whole day free to pursue whatever goals I see fit...
  21. S

    Admissions Admission to Europe for PhD in theoretical physics

    I finished my Bachelors in Physics with second class. After that I did my Masters in Physics securing 4 out 6 (G.P.A) in 2011. From 2012 to 2014 I was a Junior Research Fellow at one of the top most theoretical physics groups in India and worked on a project in String Theory. I completed my...
  22. C

    How to calculate theoretical values for a ride?

    Hi, I've done a prac at school where we had to take an accelerometer onto a ride and obtain a graph in at duration. However, the data I've obtained (Acceleration in X, Y Z and resultant) is experimental data. I need to calculate theoretical data for certain segments of the ride. Assuming that I...
  23. hideelo

    Should I do undergrad experimental research if my goal is theoretical physics?

    I'm currently an undergraduate double majoring in physics and math and hoping to go into theoretical physics. It seems to me that there is very little I can do now in terms of research on theoretical physics, simply because of the knowledge required (please correct me if I'm wrong). I can get...
  24. B

    Nuclear and Theoretical Physics

    So I'm in Grade 9 and I have been thinking about careers and I've found myself to most interested in Nuclear and Theoretical Physics. I was wondering if I could do both as a career without dying from exhaustion. Also if I could work it out how many additional years of schooling is it after Grade...
  25. 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...
  26. M

    How do people obtain the math for theoretical physics?

    I'm confused about how people learn the required math for theoretical physics. Do they take the math during undergrad or is it taught during grad school or do they just learn it on their own time? The physics undergraduate program here requires calc 1-3, linear algebra, odes, pdes but that's...
  27. P

    Edinburgh theoretical physics msc

    Hi, I'm really into particle theory and I applied for msc particles, strings and cosmology in Durham and msc of theoretical physics in Edinburgh. I know the msc in Durham is a really good one. However, since the msc in Edinburgh is a new one there is little information about it. It will be great...
  28. kini.Amith

    A reasonable topic for a write-up in theoretical physics

    I was recently shortlisted for interview ( for integrated Ph.D. in Theoretical physics) at a research university in India. As a part of the admission procedure I am supposed to give "A write-up of 200-250 words describing your interest in your most preferred field of study. The write-up should...
  29. M

    What is my future after studying Theoretical Physics?

    Hi everybody! I'm an Italian high-schooler (but I'm living in California for an exchange year) and I love Physics. I decided kinda 6 years ago that I was going to study Physics at the University, and only now I started deciding the field of physics (but I'm still not sure if Cosmology...
  30. C

    Theoretical/mathematical physics at Cambridge

    Dear all, I really want to join Cambridge university for my undergraduate course. In the long term, I want to go into hardcore research in theoretical physics, esp. general relativity. I am in a fix as to which course to choose for my undergraduate course. I am an Indian citizen, so don't know...
  31. 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...
  32. FuturePhysicist

    Fields of Theoretical Physics.

    I'm in high school, thinking about what I want to do in college. I am aiming to get some sort of PhD in Theoretical Physics. I would love to just get one in general theoretical physics, but I am unsure if that is offered. I know that I can go into specific areas such as particle or field...
  33. ognik

    Is Distance Learning for Physics the Right Choice for 'Mature' Students?

    Hi - I'm a 'mature' student, living in Auckland. I decided to do an honors in Physics by distance learning (UNISA). Look like a strong & entertaining syllabus, but I am - as expected - kinda rusty, especially with Maths. So this forum looks like gold dust to me ;-)
  34. V

    Self-teaching theoretical physics

    I'm interested to get people's opinions on how plausible this is. My goal is to learn physics to the point that I can read and understand the latest works and potentially even contribute something small. My background: I have a bachelors and masters in computer science from a top-3 school and...
  35. E

    Is it possible to combine electronic engineering and physics for AI research?

    hi there! in case I'm writting this in the wrong place, sorry! i reached the 7th semester of electronic engineering and i left cause i got bored. this was 10 years ago. in this time i went to germany and austria as an intern, working in EEG models, signal processing, etc. I'm 35 now thing is, i...
  36. C

    Medical Physics, Theoretical Physics or Astrophysics?

    Hello there. I am a student doing a MSci at one of the top British universities and top 5 world universities according to QS. I am doing a Natural Sciences Degree and must choose a specialisation in Physics starting next term. Ever since I was a child, my dream has been to study Astrophysics...
  37. J

    Physics Can I Become a Physicist? | Lebanon Grade 11 Student

    Hi, I live in Middle East (lebanon) I am in grade 11, we finish school at grade 12 and we learn calculus 1,2&3 (if you are a general science student) in school.Till now i have a very high grades in math,physics and chemistry. But I want to know what it take to become a physicist and if i can...
  38. Joshua L

    My Physics Course Schedule I need much help please

    I am currently a freshman at Purdue University. Recently, I've just switched from First Year Engineering to the College of Science so that I may double major in Physics and Mathematics. I've taken the liberty to concoct a 4 year schedule that I will take. (As of right now, I plan on getting a...
  39. P

    How does theoretical physics advance?

    I've read about scientists such as Einstein who have advanced the field of physics. When Einstein was working on solving the grand unified theory, what were the obstacles? Was he trying to find patterns that could reveal something? Or did he have sufficient data, but solving certain math...
  40. P

    Best opportunities for research in theoretical physics

    What is the physics branch with better opportunities in theoretical research? For exemple many people say that there are fewer chances to get a PhD in quantum gravity than a PhD in others branches of theoretical physics. Is that true? I think that there are more opportunities in theoretical...
  41. Strangelet

    Theoretical Physics or Earth Physics?

    Good Evening to everyone! I'm currently a student of theoretical physics. I have a Bachelor Degree in Physics and I'm from Italy. When you finish your B.D. you can choose to go on with your studies in order to get a Master Degree (other 2 years of study) and here you can choose your curricula...
  42. WineRedPsy

    Cosmology or Theoretical Physics?

    I don't really have to look into this just yet but it bothers me. I quite like cosmology and stuff like such. Universal topology and relativity and sum of histories and stuff. Fun! I really would like to study any theoretical physics though, it just strikes my fancy particularly. I figure I'd...
  43. S

    Suggestions for books every Theoretical Physicist should have

    Hi, I am just starting my studies in earnest in Physics (woo, Freshman!) and plan on eventually seeking a PhD in theoretical physics. I was wondering if there were any "cannon" works, textbooks that almost every one knows or has studied from at some point, that I should start looking at...
  44. G

    How essential is non-commutative algebra in theoretical physics?

    For next term, I was wondering if I should take a course in non-commutative algebra. As of now, I'm focusing on mathematical physics, specifically on the mathematical side of string theory; mirror symmetry and field theories. I know that commutative algebra as well as algebraic geometry are...
  45. C

    Physics vs Theoretical physics

    Having been a lurker on the site for a few months I decided to make a post concerning my current college situation. I started a theoretical physics course this year, while I am intrigued by the material, the first two years of college would be far more relaxed and I would have more time to...
  46. Brunnun

    Doubts of an aspiring Theoretical Physicist

    I hope I do not extend myself here. I am a Brazilian High School student, graduating this year, that plans to pursue a Physics undergraduate in the United States. Since I started High School I decided on my degree; I love physics and my ultimate dream is to research the depths of the field...
  47. M

    Undergrad in *dire* need of advice

    Hello everyone, My name is Melissa i am a physics undergrad about to finish up my third and last year. I am facing a problem with deciding whether to continue my master's degree as a theoretical physicist or go into material science, biophysics or applied physics. Mainly the problem I'm facing...
  48. T

    Best Undergrad Program for Graduate Level Theoretical Physics?

    Definitely looking to pursue graduate level theoretical physics in Quantum Mechanics. Which undergrad program would be best? Mathematical Physics, General Physics, or Astrophysics?
  49. H

    Theoretical Physics: Investigating the Fundamental Laws of Nature

    Hi, So what exactly does somebody who is involved in "theoretical physics" do at their job? This is not the same thing as somebody who is involved in experimental physics, right? If I understand right, theoretical physics is the stuff we learn in class. It's the theory to explain the phenomena...
  50. J

    Changing career to an experimentalist from a Theoretical Physics Major

    Hi everyone, I 'm doing a physics degree in Imperial College london, I have a tendency to do experimental physics research in the future, however, I applied to the theoretical physics course 3 years ago, which means (a year less labs than the experimental physicists, I made this decision because...
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