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. gerardofingurbe

    Going from Electronics Engineering to Theoretical Physics?

    Due to the current situation in Venezuela , i decided on studying Two carreers in two different universities a public one and a private one (In Venezuela public universities are best , But they're usually on strike so they delay your studies often and a lot) , What i really love is physics ...
  2. S

    Schools Grad School: Distance Learning ? Theoretical physics

    I will be graduating with a bachelors degree in physics in the next year. Most of my professors have advised me that if I am considering graduate school (which I am), to just go straight for a PhD instead of stopping at a MA. Unfortunately, my family is currently in a terrible place...
  3. V

    Will the work done be infinite?

    If I displace an object at rest in space by giving it a force F in X direction and the object tends to move forever, will the work done be infinite? Knowing that work done = force*displacement . Since the space has no external resistance (unbalanced force) to stop the object from moving , making...
  4. P

    Programs What Physics degree would be best for me?

    I like physics because of the formulas, explaining nature in terms of maths (I love math), I love problem solving and it's just so diverse. You learn about subjects from materials to astronomy it's just learning about how stuff works. So topics I like: Kinematics Any mechanics Electricity...
  5. L

    Theoretical Magnetic Propulsion

    I was curious to the effects of a strong electromagnetic field applied to an object at distance. The field must be able to quickly activate and deactivate in order to account for the distance traveled towards the object as to eliminate the force applied to the source of the field by the object...
  6. KingCrimson

    Studying How to prepare for Theoretical Physics MSci over a gap year?

    So I will be starting an undergraduate MSci degree in Physics/Theoretical Physics in 2017, for the time being I am on a gap year. What's the best way to mentally prepare for a theoretical physics degree? I am not just talking about being familiar with the topics discussed, but also improving my...
  7. P

    Physics What is a typical day like for a theoretical researcher?

    Hello everyone, I am a high schooler from a European country with a deep interest in physics. I like studying the subject and reading about it both from a technical and a popular point of view. However, I've been wondering what actual theoretical research - the pen-paper kind, if anything like...
  8. R

    Physics Can a Young Person With No Degree Change Theoretical Physics? What to Do?

    Why if a young person like 21 years old with no degrer made a new discovery in theoretical physics like an equation or a theory will not be accepted by people and no one will believe him ? What he should do before to let people accept his discovery ? Can it be accepted if that person was not...
  9. Mr Proton

    Studying I need a physics mentor (Astrophysics or Theoretical)

    Hello all, I am an aspiring physicist, however I am only in high school, and I live in Idaho, I need an adviser. Someone who can tell me what I need to know, best ways to learn things, and how to get to where I want to be. Any help is appreciated.
  10. IahWay

    Courses Undergrad maths for theoretical physics - QIT

    Hi all I am a second year maths and physics student from Australia. I am hoping to complete a PhD in an interesting area of theoretical physics. At the moment I am interested in particles and quantum information theory. Though it is worth keeping in mind that I am only in second year. I know a...
  11. M

    Schools Any good open universities around?

    Hello, forum its been some time since I posted something on this site, feels good to be back :) well I am facing a problem and have thought about it and think I will be needing some help from you guys... the story goes as such.. well, I finished a four year degree in the field of physics...
  12. M

    Courses Straight physics or theoretical physics

    Hi guys! I am currently a first year undergrad (of 3 years) doing physics and in 2 months time need to decide whether or not to continue with my straight physics course or take the theoretical physics pathway I want to do a phd in the more theory based side of physics (particular interests...
  13. R

    Admissions What are the requirements to study theoretical physics?

    I am a high school student (still in grade 11) I want to study theoretical physics in USA or Switzerland but I am from the middle east (Lebanon) and I want to know what I need to be accept in theoretical physics what subjects I need and please tell me the grade for each subject I need example ...
  14. D

    Going into theoretical physics with a screw-up undergrad deg

    Hello every one I am from Hong Kong. I am in my mid-twenties and I have a very bad result in my undergraduate degree in physics and it hinders me a lot in applying for a graduate degree. Theoretical physics (gravitation, quantum field, strings) is the field that I want to do research in for my...
  15. JOULEJATT

    Programs What are my options after an M.Sc. in theoretical physics?

    I am an engineering graduate(ME) and want to study physics at masters level. If I get a Masters degree in theoretical physics, can I go for a PhD. in an experimental sub field? Say, I write a thesis in Nuclear & particle physics to get a masters degree, Can I go for experimental Nuclear &...
  16. PabloAMC

    Physics Doing theoretical Physics or Math work as a hobby

    I am a bit new in this forum, so excuse me if you have already talked about it before. I've been reading on this forum about the possiblility of doing scientific research without being paid for it, and according to some posts there were some problems, mainly due to a lack of time and social...
  17. S

    A Can a Scalar Field Exist Without a Net Source?

    The magnetic field has no net source or sinks i.e. number of sources are equal to the number of sinks. Can a scalar field also have no net source? Or a source is required for a scalar field?
  18. A

    Schools Theoretical physics at Uppsala University

    I have been accepted to the the theoretical physics program at Uppsala University. It ranks around 60-120 in the world for physics and astronomy. I know these rankings aren't the best metric to determine how good a program is, but it gives me an idea. I want to know how good the program is for...
  19. T

    What is it like doing a theoretical physics PhD?

    I am thinking of doing a theoretical physics PhD but i am worried about my knowledge on the subject. I am predicted at a first class degree. But i must honestly say i am not one of these prodigy types. I have to read over things a lot of the time and more often than not i will forget simple...
  20. P

    Best Theoretical Physics Master Programs in the World

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  21. JOULEJATT

    Is getting a masters in theoretical Physics a good idea?

    As a Mechanical engineering graduate who aspires to become an Astrophysicist one day but only has a formal knowledge in Physics, is getting a masters degree in theoretical physics a right step towards my goal of becoming an Astrophysicist?
  22. G

    Exploring the Boundaries of Physics: A Journey into Quantum Mechanics

    I can study physics to the limit of madness...
  23. G

    Physics Is Theoretical Physics a Viable Career Path in Academia?

    Hi everyone, I'm just starting my first year in undergrad and I've started to think a bit more about job prospects in physics. More specifically, the possibility of going into academia to work on theory, maybe HEP or condensed matter, maybe materials science. The thing is, almost everything I've...
  24. J

    I need some ideas in my Physics undergraduate research

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  25. T

    Physics Theoretical physics as a backup carreer

    I am 30 years old and doing a degree in pure maths wishing to work towards a Phd in pure maths. Think I will be late 30's when finished with this Phd. Unfortunately, I am not a maths genius and they say a job in pure maths is extremely difficult. Being close to 40 doesn't help either. If after a...
  26. jamalkoiyess

    Career Opportunities for Theoretical Physics PhDs in Lebanon & Beyond

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  27. Z

    Cannot find Theoretical Physics course in my country

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  28. N

    SoP for Theoretical Physics?

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  29. I

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  30. S

    Self study towards quantum mechanics, string theory etc.

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  31. A

    Theoretical Physics: UG Major & Importance of Sub-fields

    I'm an UG and I'm looking to major in theoretical physics, I learned that Elementary particle physics, plasma physics and condensed matter physics are of major importance. If so, of what importance are they?
  32. R

    Other What do you think of 'Methods of Theoretical Physics' ?

    Would you recommend this book as a first exposure to mathematical methods? How high a lever is this book of? Is it out-of-date or still quiet useful?
  33. Max Genkin

    Ireland for theoretical physics [bachelor]

    I'm between Maynooth University Department of Mathematical Physics and Trinity College Dublin Undergraduate Moderatorship in Theoretical Physics Tell me, how it works when this study program...
  34. M

    Engineering to Physics: Guidance for Undergraduate Students

    Hello everyone! I am 3rd year Mechanical Engg. student at one of India's good institutes... I want to switch from Engg to THEORETICAL PHYSICS after my Undergrade. But I don't know how to start or what would be the proper way to study on my own Ug physics. It will be very helpful if anyone can...
  35. A

    Schools Theoretical physics grad school

    Can anyone tell me the level of difficulty (approximately) of getting into QS world ranking top 150 theoretical physics graduate programs in Europe? ex. ETH Zurich, Durham University, University of Amsterdam, Uppsala University, etc.
  36. Enne

    How competitive is string theory compared to other fields?

    I'm Indian and I've heard stuff that it is difficult to get into a good PhD program in the US/UK for string theory because the competition is more fierce than other fields. Furthermore,the likelihood for getting academic positions is even tougher(added to the fact that I'm from a different...
  37. Bassa

    Change of Variable With Legendre Equation

    Homework Statement [/B] Change the independent variable from x to θ by x=cosθ and show that the Legendre equation (1-x^2)(d^2y/dx^2)-2x(dy/dx)+2y=0 becomes (d^2/dθ^2)+cotθ(dy/dθ)+2y=0 2. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution [/B] I did get the exact form of what the equation...
  38. O

    Studying theoretical physics in a creative way

    I have come across a serious problem in my studies. I like to self-study, but I am wrestling between different study methods. I have at least three options on how to read material: Read through it Derive every formula yourself (~6x extra time) Read the title and outline, and re-invent the...
  39. Enne

    Physics Is there current research going on in quantum mechanics?

    I have been recently introduced to QM and I am deeply interested in it. I have come to know that quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and quantum optics are the hot areas where research is going on. But I'm curious, is there theoretical research going on for understanding of the quantum...
  40. R

    Admissions Admission criteria for theoretical physics PHD

    What is the most important factors that determine if a candidate can be admitted into top theoretical physics PHD program? Since undergraduate students are most likely not able to produce significant research paper, will universities put more emphasis on GRE and GPA?
  41. Tony Stark

    Classical Best Theoretical Physics Journal

    Which is the best theoretical Physics Journal of year 2015 ?
  42. M

    Theoretical Physics and Applied Maths

    I have applied for a degree in TPAM, theoretical physics and applied maths at Birmingham. I just want confirmation: This degree is filled with a lot of maths similar to that found in the Further Pure syllabus of A-level, correct? I have seen third year notes from someone who took the same degree...
  43. ujjwal3097

    Schools Physics at liberal art college or engineering college

    hi I am an high school students and currently looking forward to apply for undergrad physics program in US universities but i am bit confused university is asking whether i am applying to college of art and science or engineering college .I am want to be an theoretical physicist /or...
  44. J

    Master of theoretical physics in Europe: ETH vs. ENS vs. LMU

    Could you please elaborate on their programmes and/or how they compare against one another ? I seem to be interested in the not-so-much-quantum part of theoretical physics, but any input will be very appreciated. *ETH Zurich *Ecole Normale Superieure *Ludwig Maximilian University
  45. M

    Confused on what degree to do for theoretical physics phd

    Hi guys :) I am in the uk and will be going to university to study physics and the aim is to go on to do a phd in fundamental theoretical physics either in the uk or in the usa However I am getting confused on what is better to study at undergrad between maths and physics as a lot of the phds...
  46. Futurestar33

    Anyone studying Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering?

    Good afternoon, I am just curious about what books you guys use, I am a aspiring physicist with other degrees. I have always had a passion for space and engineering and when I go looking for Aeronautical or Aerospace books I find out that none of them are really math rigorous. Could anyone...
  47. J

    Introductory book on theoretical physics

    I'm not necessarily looking for theory of any particular subject but rather a more general approach to how theoretical physics is actually done in practice: -What problem-solving strategies do physicists use? (Most important part for my interests, I'm getting back into math competitions and I...
  48. K

    Other A book that covers all the math a physicist will ever need?

    What is a good book, after mastering calculus, that covers all the mathematics a theoretical physicist will ever need?
  49. shezi1995

    Schools Maths or NatSci Tripos for US physics grad school?

    Background: I am an international student doing Mathematical tripos at Cambridge and I have just completed my first year with a 2.i. I did 'Maths with Physics' for my first year. The following paragraph is taken from the department's course website. "The Mathematics with Physics option consists...
  50. Gvido_Anselmi

    How to apply in US to study theoretical physics?

    Hello, everybody. I'm an undergraduate student interested in QFT (especially CFT, String theory, quantum gravity etc). I have already worked through several serious books in QFT and related topics of mathematics (including all problems from books). Of course I don't mean I'm an expert for now...
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