What is Physics: Definition and 993 Discussions

Physics (from Ancient Greek: φυσική (ἐπιστήμη), romanized: physikḗ (epistḗmē), lit. 'knowledge of nature', from φύσις phýsis 'nature') is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines and, through its inclusion of astronomy, perhaps the oldest. Over much of the past two millennia, physics, chemistry, biology, and certain branches of mathematics were a part of natural philosophy, but during the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century these natural sciences emerged as unique research endeavors in their own right. Physics intersects with many interdisciplinary areas of research, such as biophysics and quantum chemistry, and the boundaries of physics are not rigidly defined. New ideas in physics often explain the fundamental mechanisms studied by other sciences and suggest new avenues of research in academic disciplines such as mathematics and philosophy.
Advances in physics often enable advances in new technologies. For example, advances in the understanding of electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear weapons; advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization; and advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.

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  1. U

    How Can Niche Physics Topics Enhance a Senior Thesis?

    Hi, I’m a student studying physics that’s trying to learn more niche information for the purposes of my senior thesis that I have to begin to plan.
  2. Anonymous001

    I Difference between d/dt and d(theta)/dt? Why is it dr or ds/dt?

    So, first of all, why and how are we taking the derivative of the vector r or s as d/dt if t is not a parameter of the equations? Second question is what is the difference between d/dt(r) and d(theta)/dt(r) and also between d/dt(s) and d(theta)/dt(s)? Like, both of these appear at the bottom of...
  3. E

    Calculating the Energy Absorbed by a Spring in a Car Suspension System

    I approach this by considering the four springs in parallel each with spring constant ##k## as one spring with four times the spring constant ##k' = 4k##. The car is dropped and at the moment its tyres touch the ground I assume that the spring is in its resting position. As the car continues to...
  4. A

    I need opinions on a Projectile Motion problem that I made up

    Recently I started making physics problems and I made one that I really like, but I would like some feedback from other people (how difficult it is, how enjoyable it is to solve this problem, what I could improve about it, etc). Here is the problem: A cannon is fixed at height H relative to the...
  5. Jim Robison

    B Is Time a Fundamental Force in Physics?

    We all know the four fundamental forces in physics: gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces; and there is now some discussion about a fifth, more obscure force involving muons. But I have a question; could the fifth force be something we deal with every day? Could it...
  6. S

    What's New in Physics Since the Last 50 Years?

    Hi folks, 50 odd years ago I did a physics degree - wonder if anything interesting has happened since. Logged in a while ago, but seems lost. Worked in signal processing, still do the odd wee research contract. Nothing right now, thought I would have a look in here.
  7. S

    B Neutrino physics -- What are the project goals for the Jiangman underground observatory (JUNO)?

    Jiangman underground observatory (JUNO) is a setup at china which is used for detection of neutrino and their oscillation so far as I know. What is the basic goal of making this setup, Are they interested to observe the effect of neutrino on earth i.e neutrino may rise the temp of earth or some...
  8. Jenab2

    I Calculating the Raleigh Criterion constant to 99 significant figures

    I set about trying to use HiPER Calc Pro on my phone to solve the integral for the Bessel function of the first kind and of order one, so that I could get the ordinate value for the first root of the function to 99 significant figures, then divide that by π to 99 significant figures, in order to...
  9. ArtemA

    What are the implications of physics? Join the discussion on PF!

    I'm here to chat about physics and its implecations, discuss research, and ask question bothering me.
  10. opperator

    What are the current courses for a senior level physics student?

    Hi, I'm a physics college student! Trying to wade through work (even through the summer) and figure out my life and career plans.
  11. opperator

    Advice for an Undergraduate: What to do after I finish my Physics/Math double-major BS degrees?

    Hi, I'm an undergraduate student in the US going into their 3rd year (of 4), and I can start to feel the weight of deciding what to do after my undergraduate studies. I'll break down the concerns into 2 main questions, and any advice is greatly appreciated! For context, I am on track to finish...
  12. abdulhayee

    Admissions How to prove Physics competency to grad school admission committees?

    Greetings, This is a slightly longer post but it's coming from someone who's humbly and sincerely passionate+motivated about pursuing Physics and hence I'd be immensely grateful to everyone who can help me clear my confusions and see a ray of light and hope! You'd be doing me a solid :) My...
  13. blaire

    Other Can I Study Physics? A-Levels, GCSEs & University

    I'm starting a college course in a month and I'll be studying the following A-levels: chemistry, maths, biology and psychology. When I applied for my course I was under the impression that A-level physics would be a part of it, but I found out during my interview that it is not. My issue is...
  14. P

    Well here I am!!.I hope this forum will help me grow with Physics.

    I'm currently in high school ,and am a science student. I find physics Interesting I hope to learn more from this amazing physics community. Wish me luck for the future!! 👨‍🔬
  15. W

    What led a physicist to the IT industry?

    I studied physics in Aachen and Cologne Germany. But I am working mainly in the IT industry.
  16. A

    What is El Curioso IAM from Argentina: Exploring Physics and Mathematics?

    IAM from Argentina. Aficionated physics and mathematics
  17. Big Tommy C

    Lifting a mass from a point that is offset from its center of gravity

    Good Evening Everyone. I am having trouble wrapping my head around the physics involved with the example below. At first i was looking at this as if lifting may create a lever of some sort, but I don't believe it has a fulcrum. I am trying to find a formula (if there is one) for lifting a mass...
  18. J

    Oblique soccer shot calculation task

    Task: A football player hits the ball, which is at rest on the ground, so that it moves at an angle of 30° in relation to the horizontal plane and falls to the ground again after 3 seconds. a) How far from the point of impact will the ball fall? b) Calculate the velocity vector of the ball on...
  19. S

    Determining Maximum Torque in a Truck and Forklift System

    This maybe complex and complicated - I know its going to be multi step. Please see attached picture. It involves velocity and weight and gravity torque force, pivot points.
  20. Immer Tzaddi

    I Phenomena: Recent + Documented

    This might seem like a rather peculiar observation and question. However, a rather strange physical anomaly was noted about a decade ago. While gazing thorough a living-room window. A flying-insect was seen with a portion of its torso fixed within the pane of glass. It seemed, as if, it...
  21. Immer Tzaddi

    Is Traditional Engineering Still the Most Rewarding Path for Physics Majors?

    This physics forum is sought as a source of review material and alternative perspectives. While, a thorough reread of an old O' Hanian, a Serway, and an edition of Menzel is being made. Physics was a intended undergraduate major. However, a freshman advisor stated that basically all of the...
  22. L

    What is Physics? An Introduction to the Fascinating World of Science

    Hello, my name is Luis and I am a physics novice, it is nice to meet you guys
  23. G

    Hi! Excited to learn and share my knowledge

    I'm an undergrad physics and computer science student most of the way done with my degrees. I have a background in math (calculus, linear algebra, a little bit of group theory). Machine learning and data science are also areas that I'm actively studying. For anyone interested, my name is based...
  24. J

    Chat GPT asked me to speak to some real physicists is why I'm here!

    Hi all. Started a conversation with Chat GPT about the big bang, C, gravity, time, thought experiments and other things that I mull over in my brain every few months and it suggested I talk to someone that's actually studied some of the things I asked about especially as things change...
  25. P

    B Looking for help understanding string theory

    String theory is a vast topic, and no grade 9 book will have content on it. However, no site or video gives it the attention this topic deserves, please input your understanding of string theory here. here are a few general questions to think about: 1)What is string theory? 2)Why was it made...
  26. V

    Solve Simultaneous Equations: Loop/Junction Eqns

    +1.56 - 43i1 - 75i2 = 0 +1.6 - 100i3 - 75i2 = 0 +i1 - i2 + i3 = 0——-> i1 + i3 = i2
  27. ab200

    Destroying a Building Using a Lens

    Putting the questionable nature of my professor's problem-writing aside, I found this question pretty confusing. I assumed that 60 m was the focal length, and that R1 was infinity since it is a flat surface. This gives me: 1/60 = (1.5 - 1)[(1/∞) - (1/R2)] This gave me R2 = 30 m, but that isn't...
  28. L

    From Physics to Engineering: The Career Journey of Leslie Rhorer

    My name is Les and in 1977 I began studying Physics at Texas A&M university, After four years, I decided a career in Physics was not for me. Since then Ihave been working as an Engineer.
  29. kuruman

    Speed of cylinder rolling along a horizontal surface gathering snow (Solved)

    This is a spin-off of a similar problem posted here in which the cylinder gathers snow as it rolls down an incline. I think one has to understand the snow-gathering process before attempting the more complicated case. A horizontal surface makes that easy but because it is a different problem, I...
  30. immortalsameer13

    What is Quantum Theory and How Does it Apply to Classical Entities?

    hello! my name is Mohammad Sameer from India. Pursuing five years integrated masters in physics, will be starting my second year in couple of days. Interested in quantum theory of classical entities and want to explore more in the domain.
  31. Trysse

    I Three inertial particles: Separating the twins from the paradox

    This is a response to a recent insight article regarding the twin paradox. The idea is to model the most basic scenario in a way, that the paradox disappears. This basic scenario and its kinematic effects are then modeled using only a straightedge and a compass. The best way to read this post...
  32. AlbertX

    What is PF and how can it help me learn about physics and human sciences?

    Hi, My name is Albert, and I'm here to learn and share knowledge and experiences throughout my journey in physics and human sciences.
  33. D

    I Observer on Earth watching a spaceship traveling at c/2

    i have just started on relativity, so be simple. you are going to travel 1 lightyear at half the speed of light. therefore, it would take 2 years to travel 1 lightyear. on Earth, you would see me going half the speed of light, so it should take two years as well? i calculated gamma as being...
  34. R

    When is the distinction between science fields applicable?

    Something I have been thinking about and don't really have a good answer to. For context, let's take physics and engineering for example. From my understanding, a very rough definition of physics would be the study of naturally occurring physical phenomena and understanding how they work...
  35. D

    What sparked Dorian's interest in physics and led her to PF?

    I'm supposed to enter a valid message so here we go. I'm a girl obv and very much interested in physics. Found this platform on google and thought it might help me quench my thirst of ever growing curiosities. Yea, that's it pretty much
  36. O

    High school physics problem sheets and tests

    I'm a retired physics teacher who taught physics and AP physics for maybe 40 years. I saved my problem sheets and tests. If you are a beginning (or experienced) teacher and need pre-made problems and tests I'll send you mine. I'll wait a few months for a reply, then to the dumpster they go...
  37. L

    Asking physics questions based on very little information? (YouTube videos)

    Is there a category to ask physics questions based on very little information? Namely a YouTube video that discusses a topic in a way that confuses me that I merely want clarification on?
  38. Zycraz

    Need Help with Physics? Get Assistance from PF's Community of Experts!

    I need one since im about to enter university next year and i didn't have so much physics in HS so i might need a bit of help
  39. Arohan

    What is the Connection Between Mathematics and Physics?

    Math grad, crazy about physics!!
  40. advhaver

    Admissions PhD Programs for Mathematical Physics (Experimental Condensed Matter Physics)

    HI, I am an International Student studying in the US (at a "liberal arts" small college ranked in the Top 20 as per US News Rankings). I will graduate in 2024 and intend to apply for PhD programs in Mathematical Physics starting October 2023 for admission in 2024. GPA: I am a double major in...
  41. Ranku

    I Gravitational Force Calculation w/ Superposition Principle

    Consider an object which is constituted of two different materials, which are inseparably mixed together, but which have different magnitude of masses. To calculate the gravitational force of the object upon another object, can the superposition principle be applied to the two constituent...
  42. MadAce

    I Game Design: Set rigid body into a position (Euler angles) using angular velocity

    I apologize for messy title, but that's as short as I could make it to say all that I wanted. I also apologize if I'm not using correct math phrases, but I'll try to picture a problem the best I can. I've been pulling my hair out trying to solve a problem I'm having for couple of months. The...
  43. MadAce

    Hello fellow game physics enthusiasts! (I hope there are some here :D)

    Hello! I'm from Croatia and one of my pass time obsessions is game physics, especially ragdolls, and any game that lets me play with that is a game for me. I did some mods for games like Fallout New Vegas which modify how physical objects in game work which seem to be popular. Anyway, I hope...
  44. JessPlaysGames

    I haven't studied physics for a while, and looking to get back into it

    I’m Jessica, a (nearly) 25 year old trans woman from the UK. I studied Physics and Astrophysics at university before dropping out. I dropped out for mental health reasons which were later diagnosed as Gender Dysphoria. After a few years away, I have now begun tutoring Physics to a friend in...
  45. amoonaa

    Admissions Can I do PhD in Physics if I have Bachelors in Engineering and 14 years of industry experience?

    I have bachelors degree in electric engineering and masters in engineering management and 14 years of experience in software product development. So no experience in physics at all. Is it possible to do a phd in physics ? Its always been my passion that i now think about pursuing
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