What is a Physicist?
A physicist is someone who explores and identifies the basic principles that govern the structure and behaviour of matter, the interaction between energy and matter, and the generation and transfer of energy. These principals can be used in both theoretical and practical areas.
What does a Physicist do?
Physicists typically specialize in one of many subfields, and some will go further to specialize in a subdivision of one of these subfields. However, all physics involve the same fundamental principles.
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
- is research on atoms, simple molecules, electrons and light, and their interactions
Astrophysics
- is the study of physical processes in stars and other galactic sources, galactic structure and evolution, the early history and evolution of the universe, and the sun and solar activity
Biological Physics
- is the study of biological phenomena using physical techniques
Chemical Physics
- provides understanding for a broad range of systems, from atomic collisions to complex materials, as well as the behaviour of the individual atoms and particles that make up the system
Computational Physics
- explores the use of computers in physics research and education, as well as the role of physics in the development of computer technology
Condensed Matter Physics
- concentrates on such topics as superconductivity, semi-conductors, magnetism, complex fluids, and thin films
Fluid Dynamics
- is the study of the physics of fluids with special emphasis on the dynamical theories of the liquid, plastic and gaseous states of matter under all conditions of temperature and pressure
Laser Science
- or laser physics is a branch of optics that describes the theory and practice of lasers
Materials Physics
- applies physics to complex and multiphase media including materials of technological interest,
and uses physics to describe materials in many different ways such as force, heat, light and mechanics
Nuclear Physics
- is the study of fundamental problems related to the nature of matter
Particles and Fields
- is the study of particles and fields, their interrelationships, interactions and structure, and the design and development of accelerators and instrumentation techniques for high energy physics
Physics of Beams
- is the study of the nature and behaviour of beams and the instruments for their production and use
Plasma Physics
- plasma, solid, gas and liquid are the four states of matter. Plasma physics is the study of plasma charged particles and fluids interacting with electric and magnetic fields.
Polymer Physics
- focuses on the physics of natural and synthetic macromolecular substances
What is the workplace of a Physicist like?
You can find physicists working in high schools, colleges, universities, research labs, hospitals, power plants, museums, the military, in the astronaut corps, in patent law firms, oil fields, for the government, in various industries, and for businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the typical working day of a Physicist involve?
This varies depending on the type of subdivision in which a physicist has decided to specialize. However, in almost every work day a physicist will have to conduct some reading, some computational analysis, data analysis and perhaps some experimentation.
Physicists, by their very nature, are inquisitive and every day seek to learn something new in their field. Sometimes a physicist’s day can become frustrating if experiments do not produce expected results or if work is not proving fruitful. On the other hand there are many rewards to be derived and if a physicist’s workings are successful it can be highly satisfying.
If a physicist is working in a high school teaching capacity, they will primarily be working in a theoretical capacity and will be imparting their knowledge to students. Physicists at third level in universities will conduct research and write journal articles as well as focusing on pedagogy.
Why are there so many areas of study in physics?
The reason there are so many diverse subsections in physics is because physicists study the universe and everything in it, from the very small (quantum) to the very large (cosmology). It is exactly this large scope of learning that excites prospective physicists; they are afforded the opportunity to study a host of different areas before focusing on a subdivision in which they can become experts.
Physics has compartmentalized different fields so that the research of different areas of the universe is more manageable. For instance, astrophysicists apply their knowledge of principles of physics to try to understand the origin of stars, planets, galaxies, and other components of space. Atomic physicists conduct research into atoms; a different section of physics.
The important thing to remember, no matter which area of physics excites you, is that being a physicist requires commitment and diligence. An insatiable appetite to understand complex concepts and to comprehend the relationship between energy and matter should be inherent in any person wishing to pursue a career in this field.
What is a Theoretical Physicist?
Theoretical physicists have been made famous by such names as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. These great minds have provided watershed moments in science and their ground-breaking research has enhanced our understanding of the universe in which we live.
Someone who studies theoretical physics might never see the inside of a laboratory, but their work is crucially important. They formulate mathematical models to decipher the mysteries of the universe. Their work also aims to affirm the work of experimental physicists.
A strong mathematics and calculus background is advantageous for a theoretical physicist to have, so incorporating mathematics into your major would stand you in good stead if you want to specialize in a branch of theoretical physics.
Can Physicists work in other areas apart from scientific research laboratories?
The perception that the majority of physicists only adorn white coats and work in laboratories undertaking ground-breaking scientific research is misleading.
Physicists are sought after in a range of diverse industries. The skills physicists acquire provide them with outstanding analytical, mathematical and critical thinking abilities. These characteristics are worthwhile no matter which industry a physicist finds employment.
One area in which physicists can expect to work in greater numbers in the near future is the energy sector, most especially the renewable energy sector. Physicists are collaborating with other experts to establish the most effective and efficient methods of sourcing renewable energy. Photovoltaics, in particular, is one region of renewable energy in which a physicists' knowledge and expertise is required.