Mainstream Theories in Theoretical Physics

quantum field theory

A field theory that incorporates quantum mechanics and the principles of the theory of relativity.

standard model

An explanation of how the elementary particles interact with the four fundamental forces to serve as the basic building blocks of the universe.

field theory

Branch of physics that studies how energy distributes itself within physical systems.

quantum computer

Computers based on the properties of atoms and their nuclei and the laws of quantum mechanics.

condensed matter physics

Study of the properties of condensed materials (solids, liquids, and those intermediate between them, and dense gas) with the ultimate goal of developing new materials with better properties; it is an extension of Solid State Physics.

special relativity

The observable effects on a body in motion. As velocity increases, time slows down, mass increases and lengths contract.

particle physics

The study of subatomic particles.

fluid dynamics

The study of the mechanics of how fluids flow.

classical mechanics

Used to measure & describe the motion of objects larger than atoms.

conservation of energy

a principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can be altered from one form to another.

dark energy

a theoretical repulsive force that counteracts gravity and causes the universe to expand at an accelerating rate.

general relativity

describes how length and time are affected by gravity.

physical cosmology

is the study of the largest-scale structures and dynamics of the Universe and is concerned with fundamental questions about its origin, structure, evolution, and ultimate fate.

dark matter

matter that does not give off electromagnetic radiation but is quite abundant in the universe.

electromagnetism

the branch of physics that encompasses the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

quantum mechanics

the branch of physics that studies physical phenomena the size of atoms and smaller where things exist in a state of wave-particle duality and quantization governs behavior.

quantum chromodynamics

the governing theory of connecting quantum number color to gluons.

thermodynamics

the study of conversions between thermal energy and other forms of energy.

quantum electrodynamics

the theory of electromagnetism on the particle scale.

statistical mechanics

using math to model the motion of molecules and atoms.