Physics: Definition and Branches
mathematical physics
Application of mathematics to problems in physics and the development of mathematical methods for such applications and for the formulation of physical theories
statics
Branch of mechanics concerned with the analysis of loads (force, torque/moment) on physical systems in static equilibrium, that is, in a state where the relative positions of subsystems do not vary over time, or where components and structures are at a constant velocity
mechanics
Branch of physics concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment
quantum physics
Branch of physics dealing with physical phenomena where the action is on the order of the Planck constant
chemical physics
Branch of physics that studies chemical processes from the point of view of physics
particle physics
Branch of physics that studies the properties and interactions of the fundamental constituents of matter and energy
optics
Branch of physics which involves the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it
electromagnetism
Branch of science concerned with the forces that occur between electrically charged particles
cryogenics
Cryogenics is the study of the production of very low temperature (below −150 °C, −238 °F or 123K) and the behavior of materials at those temperatures.
vehicle dynamics
Dynamics of vehicles, here assumed to be ground vehicles
polymer physics
Field of physics that studies polymers, their fluctuations, mechanical properties, as well as the kinetics of reactions involving degradation and polymerisation of polymers and monomers respectively
nuclear physics
Field of physics that studies the building blocks and interactions of atomic nuclei
econophysics
Interdisciplinary research field, applying theories and methods originally developed by physicists in order to solve problems in economics
physics
Natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves
psychophysics
Quantitatively investigates the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they affect
astronomy
Studies the universe beyond Earth, including its formation and development, and the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects (such as galaxies, planets, etc.) and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth (such as the cosmic background radiation)
computational physics
Study and implementation of numerical algorithms to solve problems in physics for which a quantitative theory already exists
atomic, molecular, and optical physics
Study of how matter and light interact
acoustics
Study of mechanical waves in solids, liquids, and gases (such as vibration and sound)
biophysics
Study of physical processes relating to biology
agrophysics
Study of physics applied to agroecosystems
solid state physics
Study of rigid matter, or solids, through methods such as quantum mechanics, crystallography, electromagnetism, and metallurgy
atmospheric physics
Study of the application of physics to the atmosphere
dynamics
Study of the causes of motion and changes in motion
astrophysics
Study of the physical aspects of celestial objects
condensed matter physics
Study of the physical properties of condensed phases of matter
geophysics
The physics of the Earth and its environment in space; also the study of the Earth using quantitative physical methods
theoretical physics
The pursuit of describing physical phenomena with rigorous mathematical models and physical abstractions in order to analyze, explain, and predict natural processes
plasma physics
The study of plasma, a state of matter similar to gas in which a certain portion of the particles are ionized
relativity
Theory of physics which describes the relationship between space and time
materials physics
Use of physics to describe materials in many different ways such as force, heat, light and mechanics