Physics is divided into classical physics and modern physics. Classical physics deals with macroscopic objects and phenomena and includes mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. Modern physics concerns the microscopic properties of matter and includes atomic physics, quantum physics, and solid state physics, exploring discoveries made in the 20th century like quantum mechanics. There are also branches that apply physics principles to different domains like astrophysics, biophysics, geophysics, and more specialized fields including acoustics, optics, plasma physics, and particle physics.

1. The World of PHYSICS…
Branches of
Physics: Physi
cs
Classical
Physics
Modern
Physics
Mechani
csHeat &
Thermodynamic
s
Sound &
WaveElectricity &
Magnetism
Opti
Atomic
PhysicsSolid State
PhysicsRelativit
yNuclear
Physics
Particle

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CLASSICAL PHYSICS is mainly concerned with
macro-world of matter.
Acoustics Propagation of sound.
Astronomy
Properties of space; origin and
evolution of galaxies, stars, and
planetary systems; origin and
evolution of the universe. Includes
astrophysics and cosmology.
Electromagnet
ism
Electric and magnetic force fields;
behavior of electrically charged
particles in electromagnetic fields;
propagation of electromagnetic

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CLASSICAL PHYSICS …
Geophysics
Application of physics to the study
of the earth. Includes atmospheric
physics, meteorology, hydrology,
oceanography, geomagnetism,
seismology, and volcanology.
Mechanics
Forces, interactions, and motions
of material objects.
Optics
Propagation of light,
electromagnetic waves.
Thermodynam
Temperature and energy; heat
flow; transformation of energy;

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MODERN PHYSICS includes the microscopic
characteristics of matter. These are the discoveries
found by scientist during the 20th
Century like Albert
Einstein, Lorentz, Roentgen, and many others.
Atomic
Physics
Structure and properties of atoms.
Cryogenics
Properties and behavior of matter
at extremely low temperatures.
Elementary
Particle
Physics
Properties of elementary particles
such as electrons, photons, etc.
Also known as high energy
physics.

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MODERN PHYSICS …
Plasma
Physics
Behavior of ionized (electrically
charged) gases.
Quantum
Physics
Quantum nature of matter, energy,
and light. Behavior of systems
composed of small numbers of
elementary particles.
Solid State
Physics
Physical properties of solid
materials. Includes crystallography,
semiconductors, superconductivity.
Also known as condensed matter
physics.

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