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. Sakurasus

    Hello I'm an electrical engineer and a physicist

    Hello there, My name is Sara and I have an electrical engineering degree from an American university and a physics degree in the field of nanophysics from a United Kingdom university. I would like to move to the field of astronomy and astrophysics. I joined this forum to learn, share...
  2. Kostas Tzim

    Theoretical Physicist: Maths or Physics? (Greece)

    Hey folks, If someone wants to be a theoretical physicist is preferable to follow the mathematics department or the physics? i live in greece (just to know)
  3. P

    Exploring BB as a theoretical physicist or astrophysicist?

    I am curious as to the differences, if one wishes to study the big bang and the origin of the universe, as his/hers primary studies. How would my field of study, and expertise differ coming from a theoretical physics background, compared to (theoretical) astrophysics? Would there be any...
  4. 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...
  5. J

    Lover of Math but dont know which career path to take

    I'm currently a sixth form student in Jamaica starting to think about career paths to take. I'm in love with math and I'm sure ill never drop out of love with it. But I'm a little uncertain about which career path to take. I was thinking of either doing acturial science but wonder if the job...
  6. A

    Who is Your Favorite Physicist and Why? A Discussion on Scientific Role Models

    Tell me what do you think
  7. 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...
  8. TopherNelson

    Tips for Becoming a Physicist: A 14-Year-Old's Guide to Preparing for the Future

    Hi everyone; I am 14 years old. If I want to be a physicist in the future, what should I be doing right now?
  9. R

    Anxiety and Uncertainty about Pursuing Undergrad in Physics

    So for a little background, I'm an INTJ according to the Myers-brigs test and people often tell me I have an analytical mind. I'm not a genius or anything but I do above average in physics and math. I think it's mostly because I enjoy and engage more with the material than others. I think I have...
  10. K.A.Linh

    Hello everyone, I have a question to ask about becoming a physicist

    I am currently a grade 10th student stuying in Germany. I was never interested in science subjects such as Math, Physics or Chemistry, until I heard about Einstein's theories and the book " A brief history of time" by Stephen Hawking. Now I have a totally different view about those subjects I...
  11. dlgoff

    News Nobel-Winning Physicist Martin Perl Passes Away at 87

    http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/nobel-winning-physicist-martin-perl-dies-age-87-25918793
  12. B3NR4Y

    Is there a point to being a theoretical physicist?

    When I started undergrad I was speaking with my lab professor, a theoretical physicist, and he asked what I wanted to do when I am done with school. I said I planned on being a theoretical physicist and he told me that about 3/4 of the students in his graduate program at Stanford wanted to be...
  13. U

    Physics Considering childhood dream to become a physicist (soft question)

    Hello everyone, I'll start by saying I initially joined this forum to ask this question, because I thought the advice given here would be far more useful and respected than on Yahoo answers or similar. I'm sorry if it doesn't fit in right and I hope I don't offend anyone. I'm a bit lost and...
  14. M

    Physics Exploring the World of an Experimental Physicist: Key Facts and Insights

    Hello, I'm writing a paper for school about becoming an Experimental Physicist and have a few questions: 1. What degree or other credential is required to have this job? 2. What is the job outlook? (Upcoming retirements in the field, number of anticipated openings, any other...
  15. T

    Physics Can I be a Physicist with only a B.S In physics degree

    And what is Ph.D lol
  16. T

    I want to be a physicist but I'm not good at math

    I always think if is it hard if you are not good at math
  17. S

    Can a biochemist become a physicist?

    I am currently 22 years old, I graduated in Biochemistry and am now finishing my Master's in Bioengineering and Nanosystems, both with high grades. I've been thinking of leaving life sciences since I've rediscovered my passion for Physics (and Philosophy). Having some background on classical...
  18. W

    Have you ever heard of the physicist Alex Abastian (sp?)

    I'm not sure how it's spelled, Abastian, Ebastian, etc. He died recently, probably within the past year or two.
  19. J

    Can I Become a Physicist? Highschool Grads with Dedication

    I am a Highschool graduate. During my senior year I took an PRE-AP class in Physics. I wasn't too confident about taking the class because one, I never took any type of AP class, and two I was great at the math part in my sciences I already took (Chemistry and Biology) BUT I wasn't so great at...
  20. D

    Best foreign language to learn for a physicist

    Hi everyone. I know this question might have been asked many times, but still I would like to get some advice. I'm going to study physics in the UK as undergrad, and right now am interested in getting a PhD after graduation (I'm still open to any options including the US, the UK or in Europe). I...
  21. H

    On becoming theoretical physicist

    I'm a high school student . I'll start a self learning of physics and maths . I want to be theoretical physicist . I'm especially interested in gravitational physics . I wonder which website advice below is better to follow ? Why ? ...
  22. P

    Engineering Professional Engineer Exam for Experimental Physicist

    Long story short: I have a B. Sc. in EE, and currently doing PhD in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics. I plan to go for industry. I found that it would not be difficult for me to pass the Electrical and Computer PE exam (both the "Computer Engineering" and the "Electrical and...
  23. C

    How to become a Physicist in India?

    I live in Noida, U.P. and I am expecting about 90% in my 12th exam. I got 202 in JEE Main and I don't think I will get a good rank in JEE Advanced, so IITs and IISERs are out of option. I have given entrance test of CMI and awaiting its result. I want to pursue a career in theoretical physics...
  24. saybrook1

    Term paper on historical physicist

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  25. J

    Too late to become a physicist

    So as of late, I've really come to taking a serious interest in physics. I'm in eleventh grade. I don't expect to go to a prestigious college like Harvard etc, just to get a physics degree. Throughout High School, I haven't been the best student, I haven't tried as hard or applied myself as hard...
  26. F

    Physics PhD in Physics Theoretical Physicist career problem

    I am interested in getting a PhD in Physics, but I do not want to teach. However, I do want to conduct research, is there anyway, I can have a job as a theoretical physicist working to participate in researches, maybe work in CERN, for the large haldron collider or something, without teaching in...
  27. M

    Physics How you become a theoretical physicist

    Hi, I would like to ask HOW you become a theoretical physicist. By how, I mean what classes are needed? What is college like for one studying to become a theoretical physicist?I would like to specialize in Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. Of course this all depends on what college you attend...
  28. BadgerBadger92

    Is Natural Mathematical Ability Required To Be A Physicist?

    Hello, all. My whole life, I've had a passion for physics and understanding the universe in general. For years since I was younger I've read layman's books on the subject, reading articles and journals, etc. I have deeply thought about physics (theoretical physics in particular) as being my...
  29. S

    What Does a Quantum Physicist Actually Do?

    well first of all i thought he/she is just a regular guy who works in a physics lab or something.but when i googled it i found much more.then wukunlin told me that it is not a professional title at all and that anybody could call himself/herself as one if he knew physics.but seriously now i...
  30. interhacker

    Physics Should I Pursue a PhD in Physics or Switch to EE?

    I'm currently a high-school grad waiting for university admission decisions here in Pakistan (they are due in April/May). I have mainly applied to science/engineering universities and intend to do a BS either in Physics or Electrical Engineering. Now, the primary university I am applying to...
  31. T

    A list of Physicist and their contributions

    Below is a list of physicist I compiled, and there achievements. I have sources if you want them. Do tell me if there is any more I should add or anything I should add to their bios, thanks in advance.θ Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Developing Path Integral Formalism of Quantum Field...
  32. Larry Gopnik

    Pascual Jordan - The Forgotten QFT Physicist?

    Hallo! I know, I know - everywhere it says "NO HOMEWORK", but I am not entirely sure if writing a Historical Paper on Quantum Field Theory is classified as homework so will attempt to post it here - if it is classed, then I'm very sorry (please move this thread to the correct place). So yes...
  33. D

    Physics Medical Physicist jobs, with UK certification.

    Hi, I have dual citizenship, UK and US, and I have done my degree (Bsc and Msc) at UK universities. As well as 3 years of working as a radiotherapy physicist at a UK hospital. I am looking at moving back to the US so long as I can get a job in my field. Does anybody know what...
  34. M

    Book recommendations for becoming an amateur physicist?

    Book recommendations for becoming an "amateur physicist?" Hi all. Despite my lousy grades in physics in high school, it was always my secret love. Even when I was little I dreamed of being like those guys on TV explaining how the cosmos began. My first year of college I even came here to ask...
  35. N

    Music What makes this physicist musician's performance so extraordinary?

    I have a Bs degree in physics from the best university of turkey. however, I am an expert on traditoinal ottoman turkish music. this is an example of my musical performance: http://youtu.be/qjHW3yak9T8
  36. S

    Music What's the Latest from PTTRNRCGNTN, the Physicist/Musician Duo?

    Check it bruh, physicist/mathematician PTTRNRCGNTN has new stuff.
  37. U

    What kind of physicist is Nassim Haramein?

    I was wondering what branch of physics his education could fall under... Applied, theoretical, ect. I admire his work and I want to know what degree to get to pitch in my two cents into a similar field.
  38. V

    Physics How can I incorporate my passion for physics into my career as an investor?

    Hi guys, I'm feeling down because I should have been a physicist, instead I became an investor in the stock market. I am good at what I do but I feel I should have physics in my life. How do you think I could apply physics to my life in the investing world? You know Charlie Munger, one of...
  39. U

    What does it take to be a distinguished physicist?

    Disclaimer: ignore the word 'distinguished' in the title, what I mean is a person who is successful in their field of work. The topic of this discussion is what it takes to be successful in the field of physics. More specifically, if you need to be born with a certain quality. For example, "a...
  40. kini.Amith

    Are Numerical methods of any use for a physicist

    I am currently doing my bachelors in Mechanical engineering engineering and planning to pursue physics after completion. I have to choose an elective the coming semester. One of the electives offered is 'Numerical Methods for Engineers' and the modules covered include Error in numerical...
  41. M

    Physics Theoretical Physicist: Qualifications & Job Opps

    What does it take to be a Theoretical Physicist. and what are the job oppurtunities Sorry about the title. :D
  42. V

    Can I Pursue Research at an Australian University Without Prior Experience?

    Hello everyone ! I have completed my postgraduation in physics without any projects from an indian university five years back .I think some universities may call it as masters by coursework Before and after completion of post graduation I had worked for 4 years in different colleges and...
  43. I

    Physics How do you become a theoretical physicist?

    Hello, Can you guys please guide me and tell me what procedures are necessary to become a theoretical physicist? Also, tell me if you think if its a good idea to be that type of physicist or you think another type of physicist is probably better. Can you also tell me what the average salary is...
  44. F

    Physics Daily life of a physicist at a university?

    What would a typical day consist of for, say, a theoretical physicist at a University?
  45. L

    The usefulness of proofs to a physicist: eg The Schwarz Inequality

    I'm trying to really solidify my maths knowledge so that I'm completely comfortable understanding why and how certain branches of mathematics are introduced in physics and inevitably that leads me to a study of proofs. I usually skip proofs as I found them annoying, unintuitive and just...
  46. F

    Please check my road map for becoming a theoretical physicist

    Please check my road to Physics I am a new member,been to this forum before but was never a registered user (?) Before hitting on the topic, I think it is necessary to describe my background. So here it is: I live in India! I am currently enrolled in BSc MATHEMATICS at IGNOU (INDIRA GANDHI...
  47. T

    Physics Possible to become a physicist these days?

    After reading this, I'm having second thoughts on studying physics next year; http://wuphys.wustl.edu/~katz/scientist.html This is just one example of many discouraging articles I've read. What's the point in studying something you love, when in the end you'll most likely have to do...
  48. T

    Particles QFT for condensed matter physicist (should I?)

    Hi, I would like to ask whether if a course in Quantum Field Theory (in particle physics context) would be of any use to future condensed matter physicist. Is it beneficial to be exposed to things like Canonical Quantization, Interacting Fields, Dirac Equation, Quantizing Dirac field and QED? I...
  49. H

    Physics What Is the Job Outlook for Medical Physicists in Hawaii?

    Hello! I got my BS in Physics last May and recently decided I would like to pursue medical physics. I've looked up a ton of information on it already (grad programs, CAMPEP certification, residencies, etc.) I know there is varying opinion on job outlook also. My real concern is I am planning on...
  50. Z

    What type of physicist works in the field of Classical Mechanics?

    What type of physicist works in the field of Classical Mechanics? And yes, this does encompass the general theory of relativity.
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