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