What Is Physics?

The word physics is derived from the Latin word physica, which means "natural thing."
Physics is the branch of science which deals with the study of properties of matter and energy
and their mutual relationship between them.

Definition of "Physics" by the Oxford English Dictionary

"The branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The
subject matter of physics includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound,
electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms."

Definition of "Physics" by Microsoft Encarta

“A major science dealing with the fundamental constituents of the universe, the forces they
exert on one another, and the results produced by these forces. Sometimes in modern physics
a more sophisticated approach is taken that incorporates elements of the three areas listed
above; it relates to the laws of symmetry and conservation, such as those pertaining to
energy, momentum, charge, and parity.”
The scope of physics is very wide and vast. It deals with not only the tinniest particles of
atoms, but also natural phenomenon like the galaxy, the Milky Way, solar and lunar eclipses,
and more. While it is true that physics is a branch of science, there are many sub-branches
within the field of physics. In this article, we will explore each of them in depth.

What are the branches of Physics?

While there are more branches sprouting up as science and technology progresses, there are
generally 11 branches of physics. These are as follows.

Branches of Physics
1. Classical physics
Classical mechanics refers to the classical physics of bodies and forces,
especially Newton's laws of motion and the principles of mechanics based on
them. Compare quantum mechanics.
2. Modern physics
Modern physics is an effort to understand the underlying processes of the interactions of
matter utilizing the tools of science & engineering. In general, the term is used to refer to any
branch of physics either developed in the early 20th century and onwards, or branches greatly
influenced by early 20th century physics
3. Nuclear physics
the physics of atomic nuclei and their interactions, especially in the generation of
nuclear energy.
4. Atomic physics
the branch of physics concerned with the structure of the atom and the
characteristics of subatomic particles.
5. Geophysics
The branch of physics which deals with the study of the earth.
 6. Biophysics
the science of the application of the laws of physics to biological phenomena.
7. Mechanics
 A mechanic is a person who builds or repairs engines or other
machines. Mechanics are trained to use special tools and often work in shops or
garages. ... The oldest meaning of this word was simply "laborer," or "person who
works with his hands," from the Greek root mekhanikos, "engineer."
8. Acoustics
Acoustics is the branch of physics concerned with the study of sound (mechanical
waves in gases, liquids, and solids). A scientist who works in the field
of acoustics is an acoustician. ... The ear itself is another biological instrument
dedicated to receiving certain wave vibrations and interpreting them as sound.
9. Optics
Optics is the branch of physics that studies the behaviour and properties of light,
including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or
detect it. Optics usually describes the behaviour of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared
light.
10. Thermodynamics
the branch of physical science that deals with the relations between heat and other
forms of energy (such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical energy), and, by
extension, of the relationships between all forms of energy.
11. Astrophysics
the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical nature of stars and other
celestial bodies, and the application of the laws and theories of physics to the
interpretation of astronomical observations.

Newton's Laws of Motion (The Three Laws of Physics)

1. Law of Inertia: A body remains at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless
acted upon by a force. 
2. Force = Mass x Acceleration: A body's rate of change of momentum is proportional
to the force causing it.
3. Action = Reaction: When a force acts on a body due to another body, then an equal
and opposite force acts simultaneously on that body.
Applied Physics
Applied physics is intended for a particular technological or practical use. It is usually
considered as a bridge or connection between physics and engineering. Applied
physicists can also be interested in the use of physics for scientific research.
Applied physics is a segment of physics that is intended for a particular technological or
practical use. Hence, the main difference between Physics and Applied Physics is
that Physics is field of study of the natural phenomenon, whereas applied physics is a field
of study under physics.

Comparison between Physics and Applied Physics:

 
Physics Applied Physics

Applied physics is physics

Physics studies matter, force,
which is intended for a
Description and energy, as well as their
particular technological or
interaction with the world.
practical use.

Type of Natural science Physics

All about nature, natural Using physics in real world

phenomenon, and human application to develop new
About
understanding of all technologies and to improve
relationships current technologies

 Understanding the laws

 Real world applications
of physics
 Developing new
 Understanding how the
technology
Characteristics world works
 Intended for practical
 The study of the
use of physics
universe, what make the
 Closely related with
universe and how the
engineering
universe operates?