Is Theoretical Physics the Right Career Path for Me?

[cyndanova]

Hi, I'm 14 and am currently in Secondary Education. I excel in maths and science as a whole and am the best at both in my year group. From an early age I've been interested in Theoretical Physics. How should I pursue this, what branches of Theoretical Physics are there and will it be a good career path to follow? Also, does anyone know of any websites where I can research into higher level Physics than I do at school?

 

[micromass]

Forget physics for now. I think it is more important now to practice a lot of mathematics. Try to study things like algebra, trigonometry and geometry. Once you know this, you can do physics (algebra-based physics, that is, which you might find extremely boring).

A good book you should look at is "basic mathematics" by Serge Lang. However, that book might be too advanced for you. I know I would find it too hard when I was 14. But perhaps it's nice to browse through it and see what things you know, and what things you need to catch up on.

Also, I will probably need to warn you that theoretical physics probably isn't is what you think it is. See https://www.physicsforums.com/blog.php?b=3727