Physics is defined as being a natural science which involves the study of matter and how it travels through 'spacetime' (the combination of time and space in a single continuum). Physics usually studies the universe and universal forces known and theorized about time and space. The main divisions of physics are:
• Classical mechanics: The physics of forces that act upon bodies - gravity, friction, air resistance etc. Often named 'Newtonian physics' due to his theories and laws of motion. Also studies the mechanics of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, pneumatics and aerodynamics.
• Electromagnetism: The physics of interactions between charged particles and magnetic fields. Can be further divided into electrostatics (study of charges at rest) and electrodynamics (study of moving charges and radiation).
• Relativity: Usually combines both electromagnetism and mechanics, in which principles from mechanics can be used to derive principles from electromagnetism and vice versa.
• Quantum physics: The branch of physics that uses the quantum theory to describe and predict the properties of a physical system in both atomic and subatomic systems. It can also be described as being the study of atomic and subatomic systems and their interaction with radiation. It is solely based on the theory that all forms of energy in the universe are released in special units called "quanta".
• Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics: Thermodynamics literally means the interaction and conversion of heat and other forms of energy on systems. Statistical mechanics refers more to the future prediction of an energy or particle's behavior based on the statistical behavior of their particles.
Other branches of physics aren't listed as 'main divisions' namely because they focus more on the impact of physics on Earth instead of universally, and these include:
• Chemical physics: The study of chemistry which is concerned with laws and theories of physics such as thermodynamics and electromagnetism and how they interact with chemical systems.
• Geophysics: The science of physical processes and relations that occur on and within Earth.
• Ecophysics: The application of laws and theories from ecology to studies in physics.
• Classical mechanics: The physics of forces that act upon bodies - gravity, friction, air resistance etc. Often named 'Newtonian physics' due to his theories and laws of motion. Also studies the mechanics of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, pneumatics and aerodynamics.
• Electromagnetism: The physics of interactions between charged particles and magnetic fields. Can be further divided into electrostatics (study of charges at rest) and electrodynamics (study of moving charges and radiation).
• Relativity: Usually combines both electromagnetism and mechanics, in which principles from mechanics can be used to derive principles from electromagnetism and vice versa.
• Quantum physics: The branch of physics that uses the quantum theory to describe and predict the properties of a physical system in both atomic and subatomic systems. It can also be described as being the study of atomic and subatomic systems and their interaction with radiation. It is solely based on the theory that all forms of energy in the universe are released in special units called "quanta".
• Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics: Thermodynamics literally means the interaction and conversion of heat and other forms of energy on systems. Statistical mechanics refers more to the future prediction of an energy or particle's behavior based on the statistical behavior of their particles.
Other branches of physics aren't listed as 'main divisions' namely because they focus more on the impact of physics on Earth instead of universally, and these include:
• Chemical physics: The study of chemistry which is concerned with laws and theories of physics such as thermodynamics and electromagnetism and how they interact with chemical systems.
• Geophysics: The science of physical processes and relations that occur on and within Earth.
• Ecophysics: The application of laws and theories from ecology to studies in physics.
