Physical science is a term that includes the two unique branches of natural science and science that are focused on the study of non-living system. It is concerned largely with the nature and properties of non-living matter and energy. This is in contrast to the 'life sciences', which are more concerned with the study of living organisms such as humans, plants and animals. However the distinction between 'physical' and 'natural' science is often unclear because many parts of physical science also involve the study of certain biological phenomena.
The three key branches of physical science are physics, chemistry and earth science, although each branch has a broad range of subtopics within it.
• Physics
Physics is considered by some, contentiously, as the 'fundamental science' because all other natural sciences obey the fundamental laws of physics. The interaction between particles are governed by the physical laws of matter, energy and the forces of nature. Key topics include motion, the theory of gravity, energy, kinetic molecular theory, electricity and light.
• Chemistry
Chemistry addresses phenomena that are associated with the composition, structure and energy of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. The different types of chemistry include physical, theoretical, computational, nuclear, organic, inorganic, materials and analytical chemistry, biochemistry and electrochemistry
• Earth science
The science of the planet Earth, which is the only known planet that bears life. Areas of study in the field of earth science include the water cycle, oceanography, geology, soil science, the atmosphere of earth and meteorology. Earth scientists will typically use tools from physics, chemistry, biology, chronology and mathematics in order to build an understanding of how the Earth works and how it has evolved to reach its current state.
The three key branches of physical science are physics, chemistry and earth science, although each branch has a broad range of subtopics within it.
• Physics
Physics is considered by some, contentiously, as the 'fundamental science' because all other natural sciences obey the fundamental laws of physics. The interaction between particles are governed by the physical laws of matter, energy and the forces of nature. Key topics include motion, the theory of gravity, energy, kinetic molecular theory, electricity and light.
• Chemistry
Chemistry addresses phenomena that are associated with the composition, structure and energy of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. The different types of chemistry include physical, theoretical, computational, nuclear, organic, inorganic, materials and analytical chemistry, biochemistry and electrochemistry
• Earth science
The science of the planet Earth, which is the only known planet that bears life. Areas of study in the field of earth science include the water cycle, oceanography, geology, soil science, the atmosphere of earth and meteorology. Earth scientists will typically use tools from physics, chemistry, biology, chronology and mathematics in order to build an understanding of how the Earth works and how it has evolved to reach its current state.
