What is Physics?

Physics is the most fundamental of all sciences.  It is the science of matter, energy, and the interactions between them.  Discoveries in physics have applications throughout the natural sciences. Physics is at the root of every field of science, and underlies our understanding of all phenomena.  Many of the problems that will need to be solved in the next decades will occur on the interface between physics and other related areas. Understanding and controlling new forms of energy, developing new materials for the next generation of computers, and improving methods of medical imaging—all these and more will certainly require a thorough knowledge of physics.

Here are some links to others who have offered their answers to “What is physics?”.

• As defined by Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

• A history of physics told by linking the contributions of Nobel laureates.

• Wikipedia, an on-line encyclopedia

• The Department of Energy

• The Canadian perspective.  Good advice on careers, too!