What is Theoretical physics: Definition and 543 Discussions

Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena.
The advancement of science generally depends on the interplay between experimental studies and theory. In some cases, theoretical physics adheres to standards of mathematical rigour while giving little weight to experiments and observations. For example, while developing special relativity, Albert Einstein was concerned with the Lorentz transformation which left Maxwell's equations invariant, but was apparently uninterested in the Michelson–Morley experiment on Earth's drift through a luminiferous aether. Conversely, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for explaining the photoelectric effect, previously an experimental result lacking a theoretical formulation.

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  1. F

    Topics in modern theoretical physics with interesting philosophical implications

    What are in your opinion the most interesting areas or topics in foundational physics? (that have or could have profound philosophical implications) I want to see what's out there.
  2. M

    The theoretical physics saga continues

    Hi all, my situation is as follows: I'd like to pursue a career in research in the absurdly competitive field of theoretical physics. I'm 3/4 of the way through an MSci in Physics and Maths from Durham in the UK and at present, I'm *JUST* on course for a 1st class degree (Not sure what that is...
  3. C

    Courses Preparing for a Theoretical Physics PhD at CMU

    I'm starting CMU in about a month and I ultimately want to get a PhD and do research. My dream is to work on theoretical physics and I wanted to know what you guys think about what classes I should make sure I take while I am an undergraduate. I don't know if I am smart enough to work on...
  4. A

    Got a BSc in EE, eligible for an MSc in Math, interested in theoretical physics

    Well, to get straight to the point, I've got a BSc in electrical engineering and have developed an interest in theoretical physics. Since string theory and theoretical physics in general is heavy on math I was wondering if a possible way into the field of theoretical physics might be an MSc in...
  5. Chewy0087

    Theoretical Physics / Straight Physics

    Hey it's me again. I'm at the stage now where I'm practically picking universities to apply to & courses and the one problem that I'm having trouble with now is theoretical/straight physics. Would taking theoretical physics affect my chances of post-graduate in terms of research? I know...
  6. C

    Enquiry to get professional advices on Theoretical Physics.

    Hi Everyone, I don't know what kind of my message is so I post it here as it is matter of physics. In fact, I am a UG Students who had just finished my First year. I am so impressed by the "thought experiment" , the "theoretical approach to physics" and "The expression of natural phenomenon...
  7. M

    Schools Best university for theoretical physics

    As I think this would be the right place to ask, I'd like to know what's the best university on Earth that teaches (theoretical) physics and mathematics, which I both want to study, because I want to become a theoretical physicist. What would be the minimum requirements (also diplomas) to be...
  8. S

    Unsolved Problems in Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics

    I have been wondering what some of the big problems in theoretical physics and astrophysics are. Through some research I have not been able to find a whole lot of them, I am starting to think that this means we have a good grasp on understanding the universe but then I realize that this can't...
  9. P

    About math textbook for undergraduate student in theoretical physics

    Hi my friends, I comes from China, and I want some English math textbook for undergraduate student in theoretical physics, contains Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Statistics and Probability Theory, Method of Mathematical Physics, any suggestion pls?
  10. K

    Engineering Engineering Student with Interest in theoretical Physics

    Hello everyone, I am a junior in aerospace engineering student at Georgia Tech, and out of my boredom for the month that I have off I have begun to be interested in theoretical physics, I was wondering if there were some good books to read at my level. Of course with AE, there is a lot of...
  11. U

    A good computer for theoretical physics

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  12. P

    Was that end of theoretical physics?

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  13. S

    The governance of theoretical physics

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  14. H

    Good Books on Theoretical Physics for Beginners

    Does anybody know of any good and easy to understand books over theoritical fields in physics (i.e. quantum phyiscs, particle physics, general realitivity, etc.)? I'm really interested into reading in on those topics right now, so I would apperciate your help. Thanks!
  15. S

    Cantors Influence on Theoretical Physics

    If I start with basic algebra, I get rules that suggest; 1x+1x=2x Then I consider the 'no end' scenario, and say that if x is infinite; 1x+1x=1x And so I decide that infinity is a 'special case'. Then I get really clever and use something called set theory, which is pretty...
  16. S

    Physics Theoretical Physics: Job Opportunities in the Field

    What kind of job can you get as a theoretical physicst?
  17. T

    Schools Canadian Universities for Theoretical Physics?

    Hi, right now I am a grade 11 student in Ontario, Canada. I've been captivated by theoretical physics for some time now and I really want to try persuing a career in it (ideally in string theory/ other beyond the standard model stuff but anything in quantum mechanics would still be great). So my...
  18. O

    Courses Theoretical Physics MSc courses

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  19. V

    Necessity of theoretical physics and philosophy

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  20. I

    How hard is theoretical physics?

    I have to choose what I want to do in university and I was wondering how smart you have to be to do theoretical physics. I do maths , applied maths and physics in school and I'm good at all of them. Any help is very much appreciated.
  21. R

    A request for advice on studying theoretical physics

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  22. F

    Schools Which Universities have the best graduate programs for theoretical physics?

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  23. Quantumjump

    MSc in Theoretical Physics as mature student

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  24. W

    Theoretical Physics by George Joos

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  25. H

    Exercises with solutions in theoretical physics

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  26. D

    The Relationship between Experience and Theoretical Physics

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  27. P

    Schools Theoretical Physics and Graduate School

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  28. B

    Programs A day in the life of a theoretical physics PhD student

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  29. G

    LMU or Utrecht for MSc in Theoretical Physics?

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  30. M

    Exploring Wedge Product: A Theoretical Physics Primer

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  31. I

    Programs What are the options for studying theoretical physics degree in Egypt?

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  32. M

    Oxford PhD: Mathematical or Theoretical Physics?

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  33. B

    TA or RA-ship for theoretical physics

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  34. S

    Schools Studying theoretical physics at the same university

    At the moment, I'm doing my Master degree in theoretical physics. I'd like to do a doctoral program in the field of quantum field theory. My partner is also doing his Master degree at the same university like me (in Switzerland). He is more interested in the field of astrophysics. We are...
  35. P

    Astrophysics and Theoretical Physics.

    What's the difference between Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics? What I mean is isn't Astrophysics also included in Theoretical Physics?
  36. Ed Aboud

    Choosing Elective Modules for Theoretical Physics Program

    Hi all. Starting an undrgraduate programme in Theoretical Physics in two weeks and I have to choose two modules to take for the year. These modules can be of absolutely any topic that is availible in my college, they are called elective modules. I have come to a conclusion that it probably...
  37. M

    Theoretical Physics vs Physics (UK student)

    I'm having to decide which degree to take now and can't really make my mind up between straight Physics or Theoretical. I will be applying to Oxford, Bristol, Manchester, Imperial and Nottingham if anyone cares. Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on the 'Physics with Theoretical...
  38. L

    Job Opportunities for Theoretical Physicists: Lorenzo's Quest

    I am 21 years old and after this semester I will be transfering to begin work on my masters degree. I have been pursuing electrical engineering but am seriously contemplating studying Theoretical Physics after I get my bachelors. My question is "What kind of job opportunities are there for...
  39. T

    Bad at maths but good at theoretical physics?

    There been some discussion about whether good at maths implies good at physics. I like to ask something else. Can someone be bad at maths but good at theoretical physics? bad obviously means not as good compared to most of the maths people. And not just bad as in knowing less but also bad as...
  40. Ed Aboud

    Study theoretical physics in UCD

    Hi all, I just got accepted to study theoretical physics in UCD in Ireland for the next four years. At the end of it I will come out with a BSc, hopefully. My ambition is to later get an MSc in Cambridge. I have heard so many stories about the level of difficulty associated with getting into...
  41. W

    Considerations for Pursuing an MSc in Theoretical Physics

    Hello everybody! I have two questions: 1. What universities should be considered when looking for a place to study for a MSc? The criteria are high level scholars, possibly working in theoretical high energy physics, and a possibility to get funding. 2. I'm currently studying for a BSc...
  42. V

    From computer science to theoretical physics

    Hello all. Without further ado, my situation is this: I graduated with a Master's in computer science from the University of Turku, Finland earlier this year. It's equivalent to a UK MSc. I have a strong maths and physics background; I started as a physics major, but switched over to...
  43. M

    Courses Maths courses for theoretical physics

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  44. Ed Aboud

    Schools Choosing a College for Theoretical Physics in Ireland

    Hi I am currently in my last year of school in Ireland and I am hoping to study theoretical physics next year. The problem is there is a few colleges that provide the course but I have no idea which one to choose. The two main ones I am looking at are UCD and Trinity College Dublin. Do either of...
  45. E

    Theoretical Physics vs Math: Regrets of Scientists

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  46. A

    Programs Considering Double Majors in Aero Eng & Theoretical Physics

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  47. P

    Programs PhD in theoretical physics in Europe. Concerns and Ideas.

    Greetings to all! As deadlines approach for PhD applications, I'm pretty confused about where to get my PhD and the implications of my choice. I'd really like to hear some opinions on my dilemma. Firstly, I'm currently in a MSc program somewhere in Europe and estimate to graduate on the...
  48. E

    How useful is topology in theoretical physics?

    How useful is topology in theoretical physics? By topology, I mean the contents of Munkres book, Hausdorff spaces, homeomorphisms, etc. It seems to me like topology is totally a mathematical construct since the idea of an "open set" in an abstract space seems to have no "physical" meaning...
  49. I

    Theoretical Physics or Robotics

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  50. J

    Physics and Theoretical Physics

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