WHAT DOES PHYSICS STUDY? - SCIENCE - 2026

The physics studies matter, its movement and behavior within a given time and space. It can be said that physics is a natural science that studies the behavior of bodies in the universe, therefore, it studies the way the universe behaves. It is one of the oldest academic disciplines, since its existence dates from the appearance of astronomy.

Etymologically, the word physics is derived from the Greek term "physos" (nature), and refers to the study of nature. In this way, for approximately two thousand years physics was studied as part of natural philosophy, which encompassed both chemistry and biology and certain branches of mathematics.

During the 17th century, thanks to the Scientific Revolution, physics was seen for the first time as an independent branch of the sciences that is related in an interdisciplinary way with other areas of research such as biophysics and quantum chemistry. This is possible because the limits of physics are not strictly delimited.

Physics studies a wide spectrum of topics that allow it to contribute to technological advances that start from the mere theoretical explanation of the phenomena of matter.

For example, physics studies electromagnetism and nuclear phenomena, which has allowed the development of new products that have revolutionized the market and modern culture, such as television, computers and nuclear weapons (Avison, 1989).

What does physics study? Fundamental knowledge areas

Classical physics

This branch of physics is responsible for studying the laws of motion and gravity raised by Isaac Newton and the theory of kinetics and thermodynamics proposed by James Clerk Maxwell.

Classical physics focuses mainly on matter and energy, considering them as independent entities. Acoustics, optics, classical mechanics, and electromagnetism are the fundamental branches from which classical physics draws.

In the same way, all modern physical theories are contained and supported by this category of science (Aristotle, 1996).

Modern physics

Modern physics is a branch of physics that is primarily concerned with the study of the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Albert Einstein and Max Plank were the pioneers of modern physics, being the first scientists to introduce the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics to the scientific world (Mohindroo, 2003).

Within the ideas proposed by modern physics, energy and matter are not considered independent entities, but rather different forms of the same concept.

Nuclear physics

Nuclear physics is a branch of physics that is responsible for studying the constituent elements, structure, behavior and interaction of the atomic nucleus. Some encyclopedias define this branch of physics as one that is in charge of studying diligently all the elements related to the nucleus of an atom.

In the modern era, nuclear physics had a great boom. Even today, it is this branch of physics that makes the generation of nuclear power, nuclear weapons, and some medicines possible.

Atomic physics

Atomic physics is the branch of physics that is responsible for studying the composition of the atom independently of its nucleus. In this way, it is concerned with the behavior of the electrons orbiting the nucleus (Physics, 1971).

Geophysics

Geophysics is the branch of physics that is responsible for studying the behavior of the earth. Its main focus is the study of the shape of the terrestrial globe, its structure and composition.

Therefore, it is in charge of studying gravitational forces, magnetic fields, magma and volcanic eruptions, among others.

Biophysics

Biophysics is the interdisciplinary study of biological phenomena and problems, using principles, techniques and tools typical of physics.

This is how biophysics is in charge of studying the biological problems and molecular structure derived from all living organisms.

One of the main achievements of biophysics was to determine the structure and composition of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

Mechanics

Mechanics is a branch of physics that is responsible for studying the motion of matter when it is subjected to the influence of different forces. This branch is divided into two specific branches: classical mechanics and quantum mechanics.

Classical mechanics is in charge of studying the laws of physical movement of objects and the forces that cause these movements.

While, quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that is responsible for studying the behavior of smaller particles such as electrons, neutrons and protons of an atom.

Quantum mechanics is responsible for studying this behavior of atomic particles when it does not correspond to the classical laws of Newtonian mechanics.

Acoustics

The word acoustic is derived from the Greek word "akouen" which means "to hear." In this way, acoustics can be defined as the branch of physics that is responsible for studying the way how sound is produced, transmitted, received and controlled.

Similarly, this branch is in charge of studying the effects of sound in different media (gas, liquid and solid).

Optics

Optics is the branch of physics that is responsible for studying all phenomena related to the propagation, behavior and properties of light.

Light is that component of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends from X-rays to microwaves and includes radiant energy that makes the existence of the sensation of vision possible (Howard, 2015).

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that is responsible for studying temperature in relation to energy.

In this way, thermodynamics studies the effect that work, temperature and energy have on a system, mainly in large-scale observations.

Astrophysics

The word astrophysics is derived from the combination of the words "astro" which means star and "physos" which means nature.

In this way, astrophysics can be defined as the branch of physics that is responsible for studying the stars, galaxies, planets and all the components of the universe, making use of the laws of physics (Rafiq, 2017).

References

1. (nineteen ninety six). Physics. Oxford - New York: Oxford University Press.
2. Avison, J. (1989). The World of Physics. United Kingdom: Nelson.
3. Howard, D. (May 13, 2015). com. Obtained from What is Physics? - Definition, Branches, Fundamentals & Topics: study.com.
4. Mohindroo, KK (2003). Modern Physics. In KK Mohindroo, Basic Principles of Physics (pp. 1 - 1.7). New Dehli: Piyush Printers.
5. Physics, NR (1971). Atomic & Molecular Physics. Washington DC: National Academy of Sciences.
6. Rafiq, M. (February 25, 2017). Owlcation. Obtained from Physics: Definition and Branches: owlcation.com.