What Is Physics?

[RaphaelHythlodaeus]

I have been away from school the last two years but am planning on returning in the Spring of 2018. I am finishing up my major in Biochemistry and I am interested in finding a community where I can discuss scientific ideas.

My questions to all is: what is physics?

 

[phinds]

I have been away from school the last two years but am planning on returning in the Spring of 2018. I am finishing up my major in Biochemistry and I am interested in finding a community where I can discuss scientific ideas.

My questions to all is: what is physics?

What research have you done so far? What do YOU think physics is?

 

[RaphaelHythlodaeus]

What research have you done so far? What do YOU think physics is?

Well, I have not thoroughly researched the subject. I do have four semesters of physics but I was more interested in a survey of the question. I guess, that physics is the study of the basic constituents of matter and energy, that seems like a fairly simple definition.

What do you think?

 

[phinds]

What do you think?

I'm perfectly happy w/ what the wiki says:

PHYSICS: the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.

Although I think that definition shortchanges cosmology a bit.

OR ... to put it another way, physics is like pornography. I can't define it, but I know it when I see it.

 

[davenn]

I do have four semesters of physics but I was more interested in a survey of the question.

we don't really do surveys here

@phinds gave you a pretty good response

 

[russ_watters]

Yes, this isn't really appropriate for what the forum is about. Locked.