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What does physics cover? By now you have a vague picture, but physics has such a broad scope and plays such a basic role in all science and engineering disciplines that it is hard to define. We could define physics as "the study of nature." This indicates its breadth, but does not show how it differs from the other sciences. We could define physics as "the study of the structure of matter, the nature of radiation, and the interaction of radiation and matter." This is a bit better, but still does not show clearly and simply how it differs from some of the other sciences. We could define physics as...but wait! This process of definition could go on indefinitely.
Look instead at the major branches of physics - and some closely related disciplines - as they exist today. Perhaps you will then see what it really is. The various research fields of physics can be placed into several categories: basic (pure) or applied; experimental or theoretical, etc. Applied research is very broad and can be interdisciplinary; in addition to physics it may involve electrical or mechanical engineering, chemistry, biology, numerical analysis, etc.
One category of applied physics is R&D (research and development), i.e., the development of new devices or products. Applied physicists also do research to gain knowledge that has direct practical usefulness. Pure physicists seek to understand structure and workings of material and to expand our general knowledge base. This knowledge base is valuable to society and is often applied by others later to achieve goals previously considered impossible, i.e., exploring the moon or using a laser to repair a patient's retina.
Pure or basic physicists often work in the following fields. Condensed-matter physicists investigate the properties of materials such as metals, alloys, semiconductors, superconductors and insulators. Nuclear-physicists are interested in what happens inside the atomic nucleus. Optical physicists are interested in light - how to generate it, how to control it, how to describe it. Medical physicists apply the methods of theoretical and experimental physics to the health-care field.
Elementary-particle physicists take up where nuclear physicists leave off; they want to learn about Nature's most fundamental building blocks, which combine to form the particles inside a nucleus. Atomic, molecular and electron physicists study how the electrons and the nucleus inside an atom interact, and how atoms combine to form molecules. Fluid and plasma physicists both investigate the flow of fluids - liquids and gases - but plasma physicists are interested in uncharged fluids.
Space physicists study the region between the planets; this may be a vacuum as compared with conditions on Earth's surface; but it still contains many nuclear particles, atoms, molecules and meteorites, and is traversed by various kinds of radiation. Planetary physicists study the atmospheres, compositions and structures of the planets and moons that make up our solar system.
Acoustical physicists study sound production, its transmission, and its many uses as a diagnostic tool. Biophysicists are growing in number as increasing attention is being given to developing a basic, quantitative understanding of living things and how they operate. Astrophysicists have the largest possible laboratory - the universe, and study the physical processes occurring in aggregates of matter throughout the universe.
Over one-third of the total number of physicists, because of their broad range of interests, become involved in a wide variety of other areas. Some of the areas in this broad category are physics education, history and philosophy of physics, statistical and thermal physics, electromagnetism, mechanics, computer applications from software to hardware, technical sales, energy related technologies, health care related areas, safety and protection supervision and device development, military application and device design and testing, etc. Some physicists, of all backgrounds, go into various types of administration.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT A PHYSICIST DOES, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS: Am I more interested in discovering how things work? Am I more interested in discovering how the same idea can explain a variety of different devices or problems rather than just a single one? Am I more interested in finding exact, quantitative explanations rather than being satisfied with generalities?
If you have answered "yes" to these questions, you will enjoy being a physicist. If, in addition to the above questions, you enjoy working with youth and sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, consider these questions: Do you want a challenge and want to do something you know will count? Do you enjoy holiday vacations and summers off to do what you want to do?
Do you want skills which will give you job security as well as allow you to travel and be employable wherever you go? Do you want to keep your options open and get a versatile education which will allow you to move in several career directions? Do you enjoy science and math, yet still want to work with people, especially young people? Would you enjoy coaching athletic teams? Do you need help financing an education? If your answer is yes to these questions, then you may want to consider Math-Science Teaching which allows you to have or do all of these.
