This article is about the field of science. For other uses, see Physics (disambiguation).

Various examples of physical phenomena.

Further information: Outline of physics

Physics (from Ancient Greek: () phusik (epistm) "knowledge of nature",

from phsis "nature"[1][2][3]) is the natural science that involves the study of matter[4] and
its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force.[5] More
broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how
theuniverse behaves.[a][6][7]
Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines, perhaps the oldest through its inclusion
of astronomy.[8] Over the last two millennia, physics was a part of natural philosophy along
with chemistry, certain branches of mathematics, and biology, but during the Scientific Revolution in
the 17th century, the natural sciences emerged as unique research programs in their own right.
[b]

Physics intersects with many interdisciplinary areas of research, such as biophysics and quantum

chemistry, and the boundaries of physics are not rigidly defined. New ideas in physics often explain
the fundamental mechanisms of other sciences[6] while opening new avenues of research in areas
such as mathematics and philosophy.
Physics also makes significant contributions through advances in new technologies that arise from
theoretical breakthroughs. For example, advances in the understanding
of electromagnetism or nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have
dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances,
andnuclear weapons;[6] advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization, and
advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.
Contents
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1 History

1.1 Ancient astronomy

1.2 Natural philosophy

1.3 Classical physics

1.4 Modern physics

2 Philosophy

3 Core theories
o

3.1 Classical physics

3.2 Modern physics

3.3 Difference between classical and modern physics

4 Relation to other fields

o

4.1 Prerequisites

4.2 Application and influence

5 Research
o

5.1 Scientific method

5.2 Theory and experiment

5.3 Scope and aims

5.4 Research fields

5.4.1 Condensed matter

5.4.2 Atomic, molecular, and optical physics

5.4.3 High-energy physics (particle physics) and nuclear physics

5.4.4 Astrophysics

6 Current research

7 See also

8 Notes

9 References

10 Works cited

11 External links