What is Physicists: Definition and 445 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. T

    Importance of pure math books for aspiring physicists

    Hi everybody! I was wondering how much importance there is in studying pure math, for the budding theoretical physicist? mathematical physicist? Also I was wondering whether a mathematical physicist would work more on mathematical methods that physicists can use or do work like Einstein...
  2. T

    What is a good sequence through math for physicists?

    Hello everybody, this is my first post. I was wondering, what math a physicist needs. I know about the mathematical methods books, but I was hoping to learn as much math as I can rigorously. (I find it fascinating) So what kind of course sequence would encompass a lot of the math needed...
  3. R

    Physicists That Study Dark Matter?

    Hi. I've been looking into a possible career in physics once I graduate high school, and I was wondering which types of physicists study dark matter? I have heard astrophysicists do, but are there any others? Sorry if this question is in the wrong place, I've never posted anything before...
  4. Dr.Mobius

    Computer Science Useful for Physicists?

    I've been contemplating the possibility of pursuing a minor (or maybe even a dual major, but probably not) in Computer Science to go along with my Physics major. But I must wonder, is it worth it? Will it help me at all when I look for a job in tens of millions of years after getting a PhD...
  5. Z

    Looking for Experimental Nuclear Physicists and Nuclear Engineers

    Hi All, I want to run some small nuclear transmutation experiments for a nuclear battery project. However, my knowledge of nuclear physics is very theoretical and I was looking to get mentored by a physicist or nuclear engineer who has experience with working with radiation sources. Here is...
  6. N

    Physics Discover the Busy World of Physicists: A High Schooler's Perspective

    Hi, this is weird but I honestly love to be busy and a lot of work to do and I was hoping for a job that doesn't just end at the workplace and I feel like physics is a good fit but I just want to ask. I know physicists are passionate about their work just as I am even though I'm only a high...
  7. Ryan_m_b

    Terms physicists and biologists use differently

    I'm giving a presentation to a group next week made up of mathematicians, physicists and mechanical engineers. My talk is going to be related to my work so it's going to be very biology based. I want to start the talk pointing out that life science and the physical sciences are very different in...
  8. Hercuflea

    Have any nobel prizes been awarded to computational physicists?

    Seems like most have been to observational astronomers, and experimental solid state people generally. Would it be possible for a physicist whose main focus in research was computational to win a Nobel Prize?
  9. D

    Calculus for Physicists: Best Textbooks for Real-World Applications

    Can anyone recommend a good book that teaches calculus (particularly integral calculus) in a way that is specifically applicable to applications in physics? I'm looking for something to help me review and solidify the calculus I have already learned but I get lost in all of the formalism that...
  10. P

    Physics What are the job prospects for Nuclear Physicists outside of academia?

    What jobs can a Nuclear Physicist get that involves actual research? I am interested in the field and wish to do a PhD in it however, I don't really want to stay in academia (low pay, publish or perish etc.). So are there any industry jobs a Nuclear Physicist could do? Other? Also if possible...
  11. S

    Physics Do Many Physicists leave academia for industry?

    I had dinner with my Physics Professor ( it's one of those student-faculty dinners organised by the school), and he told me that ( and I am para-phrasing as closely as I can remember ) that "most Physics PHDs can get a job in Physics if they want to, but many don't want to " -- > be it low...
  12. Q

    How do theoretical physicists know so much?

    I'm a PhD student in theoretical physics, and I am just amazed by how much physicists working in my field actually know. I am currently studying QFT and plan on going a bit deeper into General Relativity afterwards, but look at people like Rovelli or Susskind (just two names that came to my...
  13. Last chance U

    Do women find scientists attractive? Specifically physicists?

    From your own experience do you think being a scientist or a science student has helped you attract beautiful girls? Discuss.
  14. N

    What kind of tools do physicists use?

    I know physicists use measurement tools to measure things from speed to capacitance, but a lot of people tell me that physicists have hands on work.....where is this hands-on work? Besides doing the math and measuring data in experiments, what do physicists do that can be considered hands-on work?
  15. J

    What kind of jobs do physicists get?

    I'm studying physics II, programming and maths atm. I always wanted to go for physics but I really have cravings for technology stuff like electrical engineering. I always had love for physics but school sort of systematically killed it and I am seeing more freedom in the programming/tech...
  16. Duplex

    Top 10 physicists in quantum mechanics?

    Which contemporary physicists in theoretical or experimental physics do you think should be included in the group of the Top 10? You do not have to rank them within the group. I just want to identify leading physicists, their research groups and geographical hot areas for QM, like the...
  17. NATURE.M

    Math Physicists: Training in Physics?

    I've always wondered do mathematical physicists tend to normally have a rigorous training in physics? I know (at least at most universities) mathematical physics is grouped under the math department rather than the physics department. So what training in physics do these individuals actually...
  18. B

    Schools What did physicists study in grad school in the early 1900's?

    Before quantum mechanics and relativity were incorporated into the physics curriculum, what did physicists go to grad school for? It seems like classical mechanics, thermodynamics (I believe stat mech was not well developed at the time), and electromagnetism were the only things that were...
  19. B

    Engineering Researchers in fluid mechanics: engineers , Physicists ?

    Researchers in fluid mechanics: "engineers", "Physicists" ? Dear all, I was reading the book "Turbulent flows" of S. Pope and I went to his website at Cornell and started to see his work. In case you do not know him, I can tell you that his work is 100% applied mathematics and fluid physics...
  20. 5

    To Physicists: Some questions and information?

    I am going to take part in a Physics contest in which I must present a Physical phenomenon. I chose to present the light-duality phenomenon. I created this thread so I can gather some information, and understand how things happened. What I have until now: Waves Vs Particles Waves...
  21. T

    How do famous physicists create their formulas?

    So how does one create a formula. I've seen that it starts with proportionalities and constants, but how does one connect a constant to a proportionality? Can you provide a step by step example?
  22. NATURE.M

    Physics Job prospects for condensed matter physicists

    From reading this thread, it demonstrates a rather pessimistic view of physics (at least in relation to job employment). Would you say that similar job prospects are true, not only for cosmologists but even condensed matter physicists?
  23. N

    Do all physicists have to be theoretical?

    If I become a physicist and got my Ph.D in physics can I work more experimentally and application based?
  24. A

    Fund Your Research: Physicists, Build Your Business & Reach Your Goals

    As a physicist... Would you like to fund your own research? Lets say that you are a brilliant physicist—applies to any scientists in general—and working on a research while running a business, and you have the ability to fund and build laboratories. I want to hear what people think of that...
  25. N

    Physics What do applied physicists do?

    Do applied physicists do scientific research and experiments to create new technology or do they do more engineering type work? I guess the real question is do applied physicists do work that more resembles pure physicists or engineers?
  26. N

    Physics Can physicists apply their own research?

    If I was a physicist and did research on superconductors can I apply it and make a product or a prototype on my own?
  27. N

    How can physicists make the world a better place?

    I know a lot of the technology (if not all) draws back to physics but what can physicists do to solve world problems and issues?
  28. B

    Please help with an exercise in mathematical methods for physicists

    Homework Statement Derive the equation of motion of a particle of mass m and charge q moving in three dimensional space under a Coulombic attraction toward a fixed center. I have the answer for a plane but a i need it for the space Homework Equations Mathematical Methods for...
  29. H

    Physics Computational Physics: A Career in the Intersection of Physics and Coding?

    I think I've decided on this career field (I really love physics and coding) with electrical engineering as my backup in case I change my mind. Is there anyone out there who is either on their degree track or has a career in that can give me info on their thoughts/experiences/projects you work...
  30. M

    Who invent things? Engineers or physicists?

    Hello I am new to the Physics Forum and recently I am thinking of choosing an engineering major, but I am having some question about the jobs of engineers. My dream is to use the rules and laws of physics to invent and create things that are useful in life (I know it is not easy to really...
  31. F

    A web-browser-based calculator for physicists

    Hi, I am currently developing a calculator for physicists which can be very simply opened in a web browser, without the need to install anything, or even be online. The repository is currently on Github here and can be freely accessed (click the download zip button at the bottom right...
  32. teroenza

    Engineering Questions to ask Engineers and Experimental Physicists

    Hello, I am a senior undergraduate (USA) who wants to go to graduate school for either engineering or experimental physics. I am an A/B student and have taken all the recommended classes as if I was preparing to apply to physics graduate schools. I am not sure I am satisfied with an...
  33. O

    Mathematicians and physicists, do you get intimidated by equations?

    suppose you are just about to read a book about some new mathematical subject. but you didn't start at page one. instead you open up to the middle of the book. and of course in that page you see lines upon lines of equations and symbols. do you get intimidated?
  34. J

    A few songs all physicists should listen to:P

    OMD- Electricity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zkMARyxPXw I picture myself with a thinking cap on and banging away on a xylophone Blue Oyster Cult- Astronomy Imaginos Version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY7h4VEd_Wk Obvious reasons Tool- Lateralus...
  35. DiracPool

    What's with this We physicists stuff?

    What's with this "We physicists" stuff? I know people have joked about this before on this site, but still, everytime I hear it, I cringe. I don't understand the psychology of this. I mean, I'm sitting down just a short while ago, having a nice, informal virtual dialog with my friend Sean...
  36. M

    Physics What are the Job Opportunities for a Theoretical Physics Degree Holder?

    Im considering a career in Theoretical Physics. In terms of jobs what opportunities would I have after my Bachelors , my Masters and then after my PHD. What is the most typical pattern followed by most people going into physics? Job after Masters or before it? and what is the future like for...
  37. A

    Mathematicians Who Became Physicists

    I know of mainly two famous physicists who came from a distinguishly mathematical background: Freeman Dyson Roger Penrose I'm sure there have been many, many, many others, so could anyone name me some more physicists who came from a mathematics background?
  38. H

    Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Physicists

    Although it's not my area of expertise I sometimes like to delve into a bit of Psychology. I came across the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator(mbti) a while ago and liked finding connections between it and other areas such as political affiliation. I was wondering if anyone here thought that there...
  39. M

    Two easy questions for particle physicists

    Hi folks -- I am a non-physicist writing a popular piece on particle physics and I have a couple of questions which I suspect will be very easy for you. Any answers would be massively appreciated! (1) Am I right in thinking that the brunt of what particle physicists predict is the...
  40. D

    Examples of Politics and Physicists

    (Note: This is probably the wrong place for this, but I wasn't sure where to post this) What are some examples of when politics and physics research coincided or had strong direct impacts on each other? For example: Napoleon and Laplace/Poisson Catholic church and Galileo WW2 and the...
  41. M

    Why do physicists care about electrical potential?

    So I was thinking, I never heard about gravitational potential, yet there is such a big deal about electrical potential. Why is it so much more important that voltage be taught, yet no mention of its gravitational analog?
  42. S

    How physicists were writting papers in the old times?

    Now it's very easy to write mathematical symbols and print them but how the physicists like Einstein, Schrodinger, Dirac, Haisenberg, Bohr and others at that time were writting papers. How people were writting any books that include mathematical symbols at all? What kind of technology did they use?
  43. A

    How do professional physicists think?

    Do professional physicists think in mathematical equations? Do they think in these mathematical equations first, and then come to a conclusion based on that math? Or do they think intuitively or visually about something first, then come to a conclusion, and only later prove it mathematically...
  44. U

    If the greatest mathematicians / physicists where alive today

    With the tools and knowledge we have today, if the great minds were still alive today, do you think we would be any further ahead of where we are today. What new discoveries could have possibly been solved. Also sinse Einstein, who else has revolutionised the way we think about a certain...
  45. micromass

    Geometry Modern Differential Geometry for Physicists by Isham

    Author: C.J. Isham Title: Modern Differential Geometry for Physicists Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9810235623/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Table of Contents: An Introduction to Topology Preliminary Remarks Remarks on differential geometry Remarks on topology Metric Spaces The...
  46. Greg Bernhardt

    Mathematical Methods for Physicists by Arfken and Weber

    Author: George B. Arfken (Author), Hans J. Weber (Author), Frank E. Harris (Author) Title: Mathematical Methods for Physicists Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0123846544/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Calculus 1,2,3 Table of Contents: Preface Vector Analysis Definitions...
  47. K

    Physicists jobs in pv sector

    Hello All, I have a master's degree in physics, my research is related to High Energy Physics. I hear a lot of talk lately about job creation from renewable energy development. Solar power, PV is my number one interest in the sector. I would like to know what positions in that...
  48. J

    Explore the Fascinating World of Physics with Us

    Hi all, My name is Jamie and I am currently living in The United Kingdom. I am a web-developer and work closely together with a designer and together we have always been very interested in physics and theories as well as astronomics and the universe greatest questions! We have not...
  49. K

    Top 3 living theoretical physicists

    physics, of course, is a broad subject with many fields within it, but who do you consider your top 3 most influential/top living physicists in the world.
  50. A

    Engineering Master's Degrees: Are Physicists or Engineers more employable?

    So, I've come to the end of my undergraduate education, and am a bit stuck on the next step to take. Quick background: I'm a physics major with a math minor, and have but one semester to go until I graduate in December 2013 (will be done with physics and math by spring 2013 but due to a...
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