What is Physicist: Definition and 657 Discussions

A physicist is a scientist who specializes in the field of physics, which encompasses the interactions of matter and energy at all length and time scales in the physical universe.
Physicists generally are interested in the root or ultimate causes of phenomena, and usually frame their understanding in mathematical terms.
Physicists work across a wide range of research fields, spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic and particle physics, through biological physics, to cosmological length scales encompassing the universe as a whole.
The field generally includes two types of physicists: experimental physicists who specialize in the observation of physical phenomena and the analysis of experiments, and theoretical physicists who specialize in mathematical modeling of physical systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena.
Physicists can apply their knowledge towards solving practical problems or to developing new technologies (also known as applied physics or engineering physics).

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  1. A

    Dreaming to become a scientist (physicist), can I?

    Hello, my name is Andraž, I am from Slovenia(east neighbor of Italy, and southern neighbor of Austria for those of you who don't know) and I am very determined to be a physicist. I am 18 years old and as a student of the fourth year of high school, I am about to apply for the university...
  2. Immersion

    Physics Better MSc. option to be Data scientist if I'm Physicist?

    Hi everybody, I have a bachelor degree in physics and I want to be Data Scientist, I have good programming skills and background in mathematical statistics, so, between options that I have found of MSc. are applied mathematics, applied statistics, statistics, applied physics, computer science...
  3. P

    I How does a physicist view mental phenomenons?

    I am curious to know how modern physics stand on things that we cannot detect or measure, yet are very much present and real in everyday lifes such as the will and motivation. Is it reducible to physics even though you could never detect or measure it? Or do you consider them abstract phenomenons?
  4. A

    Physics Career prospects for a physicist.

    Hello I am a 16 years old high school student and I am thinking of doing a bachelor in physics and then a master in physics. I was wondering what the job/career prospects are for physicists? I don't know what specialization I will want to do, but I am very interested in astrophysics and thus...
  5. txr534

    Programming Languages for the Physicist

    Hi all, I am a sophomore physics and math major who has realized the importance of being able to code, so I decided to start learning. My question is, what languages should a young physicist learn? I was going to start with C but would like to know where to go from there. Thanks for the help!
  6. Luis Obis

    Programs I will soon graduate as a physicist, I am lost

    I am in my last year (4 year total) of my physics studies, I will be graduating as the top 1 or maybe top 2 of my class. I don't have a clue what to do next. These last years I have been getting more "cynical" to say something, don't really know how to express this. I have been losing my love...
  7. M

    J/psi Meson Detection: ΔEΔt≈h

    Homework Statement See Image The bit about Spectral lines, I couldn't explain why[/B] Homework Equations ΔEΔt≈h The Attempt at a Solution I expected the histogram to peak at the given mass in question and to have a width of about 0.08 MeV calculated as ΔE from the Energy-time uncertainty...
  8. J

    I am a Physicist looking for some credible answers

    I am a formally trained theoretical physicist and I received my degree in 1969. I then worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories for 30 years. The first fifteen years were in a branch lab connected to a manufacturing site in Allentown Pennsylvania. Based upon a series of my published technical...
  9. 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...
  10. Brent Lingenfelter

    Teen Struggling to Become a Theoretical Physicist?

    I'm 14 years old, and I would like to become a Theoretical Physicist. There is an issue though and I don't know what to do. The problem is in math/science "I have to take biology this year :(" class I am so bored they take the fun out of learning. Also everything is way way too slow I am...
  11. ChrisisC

    Physics Best Qualities to be a Physicist?

    I'm only 15 but I'm thinking about what i need to be a successful physicist. I want to know what kind of strengths a good physicist should have and also what sets one physicist from the rest?
  12. ChrisisC

    Physics What is it like to experience math in physics?

    I'm a 15 year old sophomore in high school who absolutely loves physics (more of quantum mechanics and Einsteins theories of relativity and how it is incorporated into everyday life). I want to grow up and be a Physicist and that's all i would like to do because nothing fascinates me quite like...
  13. A

    Programs Should I become an Astrophysicist or Experimental Physicist?

    I am unsure about what branch of physics I should get into. I am very interested in astronomy, but I also think I would enjoy working with lasers and designing experiments. What field would you say is more interesting? Also, pay is very important for me. If I can't afford to go to school and...
  14. T

    Who is better at Math, a physicist or a mathematician?

    Who is better in Math? I was told that a physicist may be a good autodidact mathematician, but a mathematician may be a mediocre autodidact physicist.
  15. DatsRadBro

    Physics Health Physicist - Need just a B.Sc in Health Phys?

    Hi everyone, I am looking to work in a powerplant as a health physicist. I have been looking at requirements and they seem to be typically just a B.Sc in Health Phys + experience. Does anyone know if this is often what is needed? I am doing a dual hons in biology and physics and I want to...
  16. MiLara

    Who was the most important physicist to ever live?

    James Clerk Maxwell
  17. T

    Who has more prestige, a physicist or an engineer?

    To the common citizen, what profession is more estimated, physicist or engineering.
  18. micromass

    Insights Interview with a Physicist: David Hestenes - Comments

    micromass submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a physicist: David Hestenes Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  19. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Physicist: David J. Griffiths - Comments

    TheAdmin submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Physicist: David J. Griffiths Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  20. Heiwa143

    Can a physicist become a mathematician and succeed in academia?

    I'm just in high school but I was curious as to how many physicists may conduct math research or switch professions like this altogether.
  21. 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...
  22. V

    Courses Does this group theory course look useful to a physicist?

    I'm in my 3rd year of a physics degree, with plans to study further in graduate school. I am currently enrolled in a group theory class, as I have heard it can be useful in many fields (particularly solid state physics, which I am interested in learning more about). However, so far all we have...
  23. LazarusLong

    Physics Do I have any chance of becoming a theoretical physicist?

    I am a senior physics student. Since high school I have been mainly self-taught in physics. I’ve hardly had any success in university, with an average score of about 74. The reason partly has to do with my terrible algebra skills, with the vast majority of exams being algebra-oriented. However...
  24. N

    Other Should a Future Physicist Master Calculus or Programming?

    Which skill is more important for Physics in the modern era? From what I know, Newton (along with some other fellows) developed Calculus in order to solve problems in Physics. Because of this, it's safe to say that Calculus is an essential branch of mathematics to understand when it comes to...
  25. S

    Engineering Physicist, Electrical Engineer, or physician

    Hi, I am a rising junior in high school. I have always wanted to be an engineer. I eventually found out that I loved electrical engineering, ever since then my career path was focused on engineering. I discovered that I love physics as well. Every time I learn about a new physics topic I get...
  26. jamalkoiyess

    Studying Books for a prospective physicist

    Hello PF, Lately i have been interested in reading scientific books after knowing that most successful people got concentrated into books and that's what pushed them (Elon Musk, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates ...) But most of the advice i get for books are for business and management. So i would be...
  27. diogenesNY

    Tom Kibble, Physicist .... Dies at 83

    New York Times, 7-20-16: Obituary Tom Kibble, Physicist Who Helped Discover the Higgs Mechanism, Dies at 83 By STEPH YINJULY 19, 2016 Though Tom Kibble never received a Nobel Prize in Physics, the consensus among his colleagues is that he deserved one. His research was at the root of at...
  28. G

    Collaborate with a Physicist: Finding Solutions to Complex Problems

    Is there any such service anywhere where I can hire a physicist to help solve certain things? How much per solution or day or week? anyone here?
  29. T

    Physics Connecting with Medical Physicists: Tips for Shadowing and Networking

    Hi, I've recently graduated with a BS degree in applied physics and I'm interested in pursing medical physics. I'm currently looking for medical physicists to shadow and I haven't been able to find any. I know that hospitals that have radiology oncology departments are likely to employ...
  30. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Physics Mentor: Nugatory - Comments

    greg-bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Physics Mentor: Nugatory Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  31. R

    Why physicist who discovered things in gravity are the most famous ones ?

    Why only physicist who discovered new things in gravity are the most famous , Like Einstein Newton and Galileo ? Is it because gravity is the most mysterious thing and it's related to the biggest unsolved problems in physics ? Like black holes dark energy and dark matter and the unification of...
  32. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Physicist: Sean Carroll - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Physicist: Sean Carroll Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  33. D

    Engineering Guidance as a nuclear physicist after B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering

    Can anyone please provide me information about the career as a nuclear physicists after B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. is it a viable option?
  34. P

    Physics Can a physicist work as a rocket scientist?

    For an agency can a physicist be employed as a rocket scientist or he has to get a degree in engineering? If not does he need to take some special courses to convert himself to a rocket scientist?
  35. H

    B How do physicist determine the energy of the universe?

    I have heard popularized physics claims that the total energy of the universe may be zero. Supposedly positive mass energy plug negative field energy eg gravity cancel. How is this claim supported by science?
  36. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Chem-Physicist: DrClaude - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Chem-Physicist: DrClaude Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  37. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Physics Mentor: PeterDonis - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Physics Mentor: PeterDonis Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  38. D

    Engineering Physicist or Mechanical Engineer?

    Can anyone please tell me the benefits being a physicist or being Mechanical Engineer?
  39. F

    Physics How hard is it to become a physicist?

    Only possible job for me is to become a physicist because it's the only subject I enjoy every second of it. Can I know what the competition of a job will be and the process Ill need to complete to become one,
  40. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Carlo Rovelli - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Carlo Rovelli Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  41. john baez

    Interview with a Mathematical Physicist: John Baez Part 2 - Comments

    john baez submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Mathematical Physicist: John Baez Part 2 Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  42. john baez

    Interview with a Mathematical Physicist: John Baez Part 1 - Comments

    john baez submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Mathematical Physicist: John Baez Part 1 Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  43. S

    Physicist that is also Eagle Scout

    I'm looking for some physicists that are also Eagle Scouts. My son recently earned his award and I would like to get some letters of recognition. This is what he plans to study in college- he made this decision in middle school and has been working towards his goal ever since.
  44. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Garrett Lisi - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with a Theoretical Physicist: Garrett Lisi Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  45. C

    Physics Can a Late Start in Education Lead to a Career in Physics and Chemistry?

    Hello. I am a 24 yr old male who dropped out of HS in 9th grade i was young and dumb and all about partying at that time. Currently I am in school at PennFoster doing the online High School they offer in order to earn my High school Diploma then am going to college for physics chemistry biology...
  46. G

    Physics Questions for an aspiring physicist

    I'm currently 16, pretty young to be thinking about my future like this I know, but I really like science. Not so much experimental but that might change seeing as how the only ones I do right now are really really basic and don't interest me at all. But that's not to say I don't like science...
  47. P

    Physics What does a nuclear physicist do?

    And where does he work? University, industry or government?
  48. jamalkoiyess

    Is an experimental physicist the same as an engineer?

    Hello Lately i have been searching for what to do in university and i decided to go for physics because i am passionate about it. Then i visited the campus of the university i am planning to go into and had a talk with the physics department chairman , he told me that if i had a PhD in...
  49. S

    Schools Should i attend to top universities to become a physicist?

    Hey. I may go next year to study space physics in Embry Riddle Aeronautical university in Daytona Beach. i know that they have the best aerospace program in the world. But do they have a very good physics program. because what i am asking about is that should i go to one of the top universities...
  50. Dr. Courtney

    Insights Trials and Tribulations of a Physicist who Became a Math Geek - Comments

    Dr. Courtney submitted a new PF Insights post Trials and Tribulations of a Physicist who Became a Math Geek Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
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