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2 Major Fields of Physics: 1. Classical Physics - Physics That Does Not Make Use of Quantum Mechanics or The Theory of

Classical physics and modern physics are the two major fields of physics. Classical physics includes Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, which do not incorporate quantum mechanics or relativity. Modern physics deals with post-Newtonian concepts like quantum mechanics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and applies to extremely small objects and high speeds. It provides more accurate descriptions of nature through theories like relativity and quantum mechanics.

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Dennis Villas
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50 views2 pages

2 Major Fields of Physics: 1. Classical Physics - Physics That Does Not Make Use of Quantum Mechanics or The Theory of

Classical physics and modern physics are the two major fields of physics. Classical physics includes Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, which do not incorporate quantum mechanics or relativity. Modern physics deals with post-Newtonian concepts like quantum mechanics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and applies to extremely small objects and high speeds. It provides more accurate descriptions of nature through theories like relativity and quantum mechanics.

Uploaded by

Dennis Villas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2 Major Fields of Physics

1. Classical Physics – Physics that does not make use of quantum mechanics or the theory of
relativity. Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, and Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism
are all examples of classical physics. Many theories in classical physics break down when
applied to extremely small objects such as atoms or to objects moving near the speed of light.

A. Classical Mechanics – one of the two major sub-fields of mechanics, which is


concerned with the set of physical laws describing the motion of bodies under the action
of a system of forces.
B. Electromagnetism – branch of science concerned with the forces that occur between
electrically charged particles
C. Thermodynamics – branch of physical science concerned with heat and its relation to
other forms of energy and work.
D. Statistical Mechanics – branch of mechanics concerned with the analysis of loads (force,
torque!/moment) on physical statements in static equilibrium, that is, in a state where the
relative positions of subsystems do not vary over time, or where components and
structures or at a constant velocity.
E. Acoustics – study of mechanical waves in solids, liquids and gases (such as vibration and
sound).
F. Optics – branch of physics which involves the behavior and properties of life, including
its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it.

2. Modern Physics – is a branch of physics which deals with the post-Newtonian concepts in the
world of physics. Modern physics often involves an advance description of nature through new
theories which were different from the classical descriptions and involves elements of quantum
mechanics and Einsteinian relativity.
A. Relativity – theory of physics which describes the relationship between space and time.
B. Quantum Mechanics – branch of physics which describes tiny discrete quantities of
matter and energy, where action is on the order of Planck’s constant.
C. Atomic Physics – the branch of physics concerned with the structure of the atom, its
energy states and its interactions with particles and fields.
D. Molecular Physics – is the study of physical properties of molecules, the chemical bonds
between atoms as well as the molecular dynamics.
E. Nuclear Physics – field of physics that studies the building blocks and interaction of
atomic nuclei.
F. Particle Physics – branch of physics that studies the properties and interactions of the
fundamental constituents of matter and energy.
G. Condensed Matter Physics – study of the physical properties of condensed phases of
matter.
H. Astrophysics – study of the physical aspects of celestial objects.

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