The 12 branches of Physics (and what each one investigates)

Most of the sciences are divided into branches or disciplines, according to the specialization that occurs within each of them. It is also the case of physics, the science in charge of studying matter and energy. In this article we will know the 12 most important branches of physics.

We will know what physics consists of, what are its two divisions (classical and modern physics) and the consequent 12 most important branches of this science.

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Physics: what is this science about?

Physics is the science that aims to study matter and energy; studies the properties of these, their phenomena, processes, composition, structure, etc. In addition, it establishes laws that allow us to explain and understand certain natural phenomena.

It is a very broad science, which is diversified into different branches. Each of them has a different object of study, and specific characteristics.

The 12 branches of Physics

Before explaining the different branches of physics, we must specify that physics is divided into two very broad branches: classical physics and modern physics. Classical physics studies those phenomena with a speed lower than the speed of light; on the other hand, it uses scales higher than that of molecules and atoms.

By contrast, modern physics (the one used after the appearance of relativistic theories) studies those phenomena that occur at the speed of light; the scales it uses are primarily atomic scales. This second branch is newer, and its beginnings are at the beginning of the 20th century.

The 12 branches of physics that we are going to explain correspond to branches of both classical and modern physics:

1. Nuclear physics

The first of the branches of physics that we are going to explain is nuclear physics. This branch is, in turn, a field of physics, which is responsible for studying atomic nuclei. It also studies the interactions that occur between atoms, particles and other substances or physical elements relevant at the atomic level.

2. Mechanics

The physicists and / or scientists who laid the foundations of mechanics were: Galileo, Newton, Kepler and Jayam.

Mechanics, another branch of physics, is dedicated to describing the nature of physical bodies, and studies their behavior when they are subjected to forces or displacements. He also studies the effects of these bodies with the environment, as well as the movement of forces on different objects and particles. But what are physical bodies? This category includes practically anything with mass, such as particles, stars, parts of machinery, parts of solids and fluids (liquids and gases), projectiles, spaceships, etc.

3. Quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a branch of modern physics, in charge of studying the behavior of light and matter, on an atomic and subatomic scale. It aims to describe what the properties of molecules and atoms are like; analyzes its components (electrons, protons, neutrons ...) and its structure. It also focuses on the study of more complex and minute particles, such as quarks.

On the other hand, it analyzes the interactions that occur between the different particles, and describes the properties of light, X-rays, and gamma rays (a type of radiation electromagnetic).

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4. Fluid mechanics

This branch of physics deals with studying the flow of liquids and gases. Other sub-disciplines of physics appear from this branch, such as aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. The first studies air and gases in motion, and the second, liquids in motion.

Fluid mechanics, also called fluid dynamics, allows you to calculate the forces of aircraft, determine the mass of fluids such as oil, predict weather patterns, and more.

5. Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics, the next of the branches of physics, study the effects of energy, heat and work in one or more systems. That is, to study the interactions between heat and other sources or manifestations of energy. The origin of thermodynamics dates back to the 19th century, when the value machine appeared.

In addition, this branch has the function of describing the states of thermodynamic equilibrium at the macroscopic level (on a large scale).

6. Acoustics

Acoustics is the branch of physics in charge of studying the sound. Sound implies the movement of mechanical waves; acoustics studies these waves in liquid substances, gases and solids. It focuses on how sound is produced, transmitted, controlled, and received. It also studies the effects it produces.

7. Biophysics

Biophysics, in addition to being a branch of physics, is also a branch of biology, since is halfway between these two sciences. It is in charge of studying biology through physical principles, applying physical methodology to biological systems.

8. Optics

The object of study of optics is vision and light; deals with its properties, processes and phenomena. In addition, it studies and describes the behavior of light (visible, infrared and ultraviolet light); that is, it studies, for example, how it interacts with matter. Another of its functions is to build instruments related to light and vision, like the lenses.

9. Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism aims to study electrical and magnetic phenomena. It groups these two types of phenomena in a single discipline. It is responsible for describing the interactions that occur between particles that have electric and magnetic charge (through fields of forces and energy).

10. Astrophysics

Astrophysics too is considered a branch of astronomy, the science that studies the stars (their structure, composition, location ...). For its part, astrophysics studies the physics of the stars, focusing on their properties, phenomena, processes, evolution, structure ...

11. Cosmology

Cosmology is considered one of the branches of modern physics, along with quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and others. This branch aims to study the Universe on a large scale; studies its structures and dynamics, its origin, evolution and final destination.

This branch of physics, considered a science, has its origins in the time of Copernicus and Newton. Copernicus established the principle that heavenly bodies obey the same physical laws as bodies on earth. The beginnings of physical cosmology, on the other hand, go back to the beginning of the 20th century, with Einstein's theory of relativity.

12. Geophysics

Geophysics is the branch of physics (and also geology) who studies terrestrial physics, that is, the physical fields linked to planet earth. We can distinguish two sub-disciplines within geophysics: internal geophysics (which studies the Earth's interior) and external geophysics (which studies the physical properties of the environment land).

Bibliographic references

• Boltzmann, L. (1986). Writings of mechanics and thermodynamics. Editorial Alliance.

• Eisberg, L. (1983). Physical. Fundamentals and Applications. McGraw-Hill Publishing House.

• Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (5th Ed.). (1993). Optics. McGraw-Hill.

• Montiel, J.A. (2016). Introduction to quantum physics. Quantum Electrodynamics. Quark, Digital Magazine.