Exploring the Most Common Specializations in Physics: Practical Applications

  • Physics
  • Thread starter PhysicsHigh
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Physicist
In summary, the most common type of physics that physicists specialize in is condensed matter or solid state physics. This is due to its practical uses in the real world, particularly in the fields of electronics and technology. While high energy/particle physics may be a popular area, it is not the most common as condensed matter has a larger number and percentage of physicists. Additionally, at conferences and meetings, the attendance for condensed matter is significantly higher than for high energy physics.
  • #1
PhysicsHigh
67
0
What is the most common type of physics physicists specialize in? And what's the most practical
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Solid state physics (with its various sub-fields)
What do you mean by "practical"?
 
  • #3
f95toli said:
Solid state physics (with its various sub-fields)
What do you mean by "practical"?

Sorry I meant career wise
 
  • #4
I think the most common research area right now is definitely High Energy/Particle Physics. It just seems to be a vastly growing trend and I feel like everyone I talk to wants to go into Particle Physics.

Practically, like for a career, the best area would be AMO or solid-state. They generally lead to more real world applications.
 
  • #5
I like time resolved spectroscopy using ultrashort laser pulses
 
  • #6
sEsposito said:
I think the most common research area right now is definitely High Energy/Particle Physics.

Not even close. Condensed matter is by far the largest subfield.

Sure, a lot of people want to go into HEP. But nor everyone does.
 
  • #7
Most common is what Vanadium said - condensed matter/solid state. Why? It's mostly likely due to the correlation that it is has the most practical uses to the general public and is highest in demand (computers/electronics/etc.)
 
  • #8
No, it is not condensed matter physics. It is high energy physics. It all depends on what do you mean by condensed matter physics or high energy physics.


Vanadium 50 said:
Not even close. Condensed matter is by far the largest subfield.

Sure, a lot of people want to go into HEP. But nor everyone does.
 
  • #9
medphys said:
No, it is not condensed matter physics. It is high energy physics. It all depends on what do you mean by condensed matter physics or high energy physics.

This is highly incorrect.

If you go by, say the memberships in the various APS divisions, the Condensed Matter division clearly has a larger number and percentage when compared to the Particle and Fields division (which where here all high energy physicists are in).

http://www.aps.org/membership/units/upload/YearlyUnit10.pdf

One can also note that the Materials division are also often aligned with the Condensed matter division, i.e. you have people who consider themselves at condensed matter physicists who are in the Materials division. So the number of condensed matter physicists is even larger than what is in the official tally.

Anyone who has been to the APS March Meeting (where the CM division is one of the participating units) can see that it is WAAAAY larger than the APS April Meeting (where the Particle and Fields division is one of the participating division).

All of this points to the fact that the largest number of physicists are in condensed matter.

Zz.
 

What is a physicist?

A physicist is a scientist who studies the natural laws and principles that govern the behavior of matter, energy, and time.

What are the different fields of physics?

The main fields of physics include classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and relativity. Other subfields include astrophysics, biophysics, and nuclear physics.

Who is considered the most common physicist?

The most common physicist is difficult to determine as there are many influential physicists who have contributed greatly to the field. Some well-known physicists include Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking.

What are the tools and methods used by physicists?

Physicists use a variety of tools and methods in their research, including mathematical equations, experiments, computer simulations, and data analysis techniques. They also often collaborate with other scientists and use advanced technology such as particle accelerators and telescopes.

What are the practical applications of physics?

Physics has a wide range of practical applications in areas such as engineering, technology, and medicine. Some examples include the development of new materials and technologies, medical imaging techniques, and renewable energy sources.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
659
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
1K
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
286
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
650
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
20
Views
2K
Back
Top