The branches of physics are the different areas or fields of study of physics. Physics is the science that is responsible for explaining everything that happens in the Universe, which is why it covers a great diversity of areas: movement, forces, radiation, energy, among others..
| Physics branch | Object of study | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustics | Sound | Navigation and location systems by sound, ecosonograms. |
| Astrophysics | Large bodies in space. | Knowledge of other celestial bodies. |
| Biophysics | Physical laws of biological processes. | Cell energy, nerve impulse transmission, cell transport. |
| Cryogenics | Materials at very low temperatures | Superconductivity, strong magnets. |
| Kinematics | Moving objects | Calculate the trajectory and velocity of objects. |
| Dynamic | Forces acting on objects. | Aerodynamics |
| Static | Forces on bodies at rest. | Construction, engineering. |
| Electromagnetism | Electricity and magnetism | Electrical networks, wireless communication, electronic equipment. |
| Atomic physics | The atom | Quantum mechanics, nanotechnology, |
| Fluid physics | Behavior of liquids and gases. | Aeronautics, industrial processes, circulatory system. |
| Solid state physics | Matter and the interactions between atoms. | Photoresist, new magnetic and laser materials, superconductors. |
| Plasma physics | Physical properties of plasma | Treatment for paper recycling. |
| Physics of condensed matter | Properties of solids and liquids. | Thermal conductivity, ferromagnetism. |
| Medical physics | Radiation in human health. | Radiation therapy and dosimetry. |
| Nuclear physics | Nucleus of the atom. | Nuclear reactors, medicine. |
| Particle physics | Particles that make up the atom. | Treatment and medical diagnosis, world Wide Web, sterilization. |
| Classical mechanics | Movement of bodies: includes kinematics, dynamics and statics. | Rocket and spacecraft launch. |
| Quantum mechanics | Behavior of subatomic particles. | Properties and structure of matter. |
| Meteorology | The atmosphere and its components. | Prediction and monitoring of weather conditions. |
| Optics | Light and other electromagnetic waves. | Optical fibers, laser. |
| Thermodynamics | Energy, heat and their transfers. | Cooling, motors |
Acoustics is the branch of classical physics that study the sound as an air disturbance, its way of spreading, the phenomena that produce it, how it is heard and how it is absorbed.
Tools: pressure diagram, microphones, ultrasound.
Applications: soundproofing, sound insulation, design of musical instruments and concert halls, navigation systems and sound location.
The branch of physics that studies larger material bodies is astrophysics. Describes the motion of bodies and systems in space, such as stars, quasars, galaxies, and interstellar matter.
Tools: astronomical observatories, telescopes, radio telescopes, space probes.
Applications: geopositioning, knowledge of other planets.
Biophysicists combine biology and physics to study the physical laws of biological processes, the functioning of the cell membrane, the way nerve impulses operate and muscle contraction.
Tools: molecular biology, X-ray diffraction, fluorescence microscopy based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, electrophysiology.
Applications: thermodynamic stability of proteins, cellular energy, cellular transport.
The physics of low temperatures or cryogenics studies the behavior of the matter at extremely low temperatures. Absolute zero (0ºK) indicates the lowest temperature that a body can reach, where the molecules are practically immobile..
Tools: compression and expansion of gases, cryostat.
Applications: superconductivity and superfluidity, construction of super powerful magnets, high efficiency power transmission lines.
Kinematics is the branch of mechanics that studies the moving objects. To describe the movement, kinematics studies the trajectory of points, lines and other geometric objects, speed, acceleration, displacement are calculated.
Tools: video cameras, observation, mathematics.
Applications: calculation of velocity and trajectory of objects, ballistics.
Dynamics is the branch of mechanics that studies the relationships between the movement of bodies and its causes. It studies the forces that cause objects and systems to move.
Tools: Newton's laws, force diagrams.
Applications: calculations of friction, deformation, resistance, aerodynamics, propulsion.
Statics is the branch of mechanics that studies the balance of bodies. It deals with the analysis of forces acting on a system at rest.
Tools: Newton's laws, simple machines.
Applications: construction of buildings and bridges.
Electromagnetism is the study of phenomena of electricity and magnetism, the interaction between charged particles in electric and magnetic fields and the propagation of electromagnetic waves through space.
Tools: magnets, electrical charges, voltmeters, ammeters.
Applications: electricity distribution network systems, global communication networks, electronic equipment.
Atomic physics deals with the study of the atom: its structure, electronic configuration and the mechanisms of emission and absorption of energy.
Tools: radioactivity, spectroscopy, lasers.
Applications: quantum mechanics, nanotechnology.
Fluid physics studies the behavior of liquids, gases or other fluids at rest and in motion.
Tools: Archimedean principle, surface tension, capillarity.
Applications: control of compressed air and fuel flow in airplanes, industrial hydraulic process control systems and processes at high temperatures. Functioning of the circulatory system.
Solid state physics studies and explores matter and the interaction between atoms in dimensions on a macroscopic scale. Try to explain the chemical properties based on the physical properties of each atom.
Tools: Electron microscope, X-ray diffraction crystallography.
Applications: materials for lasers, photoresistors, photocells, fluorescent or phosphorescent materials, new magnetic materials, superconductors, new magnetic materials.
Plasma physics studies the state of matter of charged particles. Plasma is naturally found in stars and space. In laboratories, plasma is created by heating gases until electrons detach from their atom or molecule.
Tool: high power laser, microwave.
Applications: treatment of paper for recycling.
Condensed matter physics deals with the thermal, electromagnetic and optical properties of solid and liquid substances
Tools: crystallography, spectrometry.
Applications: thermal conductivity, semiconductors and insulators, superfluidity, ferromagnetism.
Particle physics comprises the study of the fundamental particles which constitute matter. It is also known by the name of "High Energy Physics" due to the high amounts of energy necessary to create the appropriate conditions that allow its observation..
Tools: particle accelerators, cosmic rays.
Applications: magnetic resonance imaging, the World Wide Web, nuclear waste transmutation, shipping container scanner.
Medical physics is a branch of physics that applies the principles, methods and techniques of physics in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
Tools: imaging, radiological equipment, magnetic resonance imaging.
Applications: clinical service, radiotherapy, dosimetry.
Nuclear physics examines the atom nucleus, made up of protons, neutrons and other particles. The nuclear physicist studies the arrangement of these particles in the nucleus, the forces that hold them together, the way in which nuclei release energy in the form of natural radioactivity or due to fusion or fission reactions..
Tools- beams of protons or electrons such as projectiles, nuclear reactors, Geiger counters.
Applications: radioactivity, medicine, power plants.
Classical mechanics comprises the entire study of the motion of bodies. Includes kinematics, dynamics and statics.
Tools: Newton's laws of motion.
Applications: rocket and spacecraft launch.
Quantum mechanics studies the laws that govern the behavior of subatomic particles. In the field of extremely small dimensions, bodies follow laws of behavior completely different from those of the macroscopic world..
Tool: black body radiation.
Applications: predict the behavior of the particles and internal phenomena of the atom, allows to delve into the properties and structure of solid materials, such as semiconductors.
Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and its components. Meteorologists apply physics to examine the flows and movement of air and water on the Earth's surface.
Tools: satellite images, radars, weather stations.
Applications: air flow investigation, weather forecasting, monitoring weather conditions.
Optics studies the light and has many applications in the field of optoelectronics and optical fibers.
Tools: lenses, mirrors, telescopes and binoculars.
Applications: study of the behavior of light and other electromagnetic waves, optical fibers.
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that studies the different forms of energy, as well as the conditions under which one can be transformed into the other.
Tools: laws of thermodynamics, calorimeters.
Applications: cooling systems, internal combustion engines, spacecraft propulsion engines.
Physics is the study of the matter that constitutes the Universe and the laws that govern it. The work in physics can be approached in two main strategies:
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