physical science
Nature's measurable laws
Physical science encompasses the branches of science that study non-living matter and energy—physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, and related fields.
It contrasts with biological science, which studies living organisms.
She majored in physical science before switching to biology.
The term often appears in educational contexts describing curriculum or degree requirements.
Science of motion
- dynamicsStudy of forces
- kinematicsStudy of movement itself
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
- opticsScience of illumination
acoustics · electromagnetism · relativity · classical · Newtonian · force · motion · gravity
Firm matter state
- liquidFree-flowing substance
- gasFormless, expanding substance
- plasmaElectrified matter state
- phaseDistinct period in sequence
density · mass · volume · properties · crystal · amorphous · molecular · particle
Relating to motion
- potentialLatent capacity for development
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
- jouleSI energy quantity
- powerEnergy transfer rate
work · heat · temperature · conduction · convection · radiation · entropy · enthalpy
Fundamental parts or substances
- compoundsBonded element substances
- reactionsResponses to events
- moleculesBonded atomic groups
- periodic tableSystematic display of elements
valence · catalyst · synthesis · organic · inorganic · solvents · titration · alkaline
State of being intertwined
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
- wavefunctionQuantum state's mathematical representation
- uncertainty principleConjugate variables resist simultaneous precision
- Schrödinger equationGoverns quantum state evolution
quantization · tunneling · interference · photon · spin · probability · energy levels · quantum mechanics
Complete system or domain
- galaxyGravitationally bound stellar mass
- nebulaInterstellar gas formation
- supernovaExploding massive star
- black holeCollapsed star's remnant
cosmology · big bang · dark matter · dark energy · quasar · pulsar · cosmic rays · redshift
Positive nuclear particle
- neutronUncharged nuclear particle
- electronNegative subatomic particle
- nucleusCentral controlling part
- isotopeElemental variant by mass
element · atomic number · atomic mass · radioactivity · ion · fusion · fission · particle
mechanics
Science of motion
- dynamicsStudy of forces
- kinematicsStudy of movement itself
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
optics · acoustics · electromagnetism · relativity · classical · Newtonian · force · motion · gravity · waves
solid
Firm matter state
phase · density · mass · volume · properties · crystal · amorphous · molecular · particle · atom
kinetic
Relating to motion
- potentialLatent capacity for development
- thermodynamicsScience of heat-energy relationships
- jouleSI energy quantity
power · work · heat · temperature · conduction · convection · radiation · entropy · enthalpy · mechanical
elements
Fundamental parts or substances
periodic table · valence · catalyst · synthesis · organic · inorganic · solvents · titration · alkaline · acidic
entanglement
State of being intertwined
- superpositionCoexisting in multiple states
- wavefunctionQuantum state's mathematical representation
- uncertainty principleConjugate variables resist simultaneous precision
Schrödinger equation · quantization · tunneling · interference · photon · spin · probability · energy levels · quantum mechanics · discrete
universe
Complete system or domain
- galaxyGravitationally bound stellar mass
- nebulaInterstellar gas formation
- supernovaExploding massive star
black hole · cosmology · big bang · dark matter · dark energy · quasar · pulsar · cosmic rays · redshift · stellar
proton
Positive nuclear particle
isotope · element · atomic number · atomic mass · radioactivity · ion · fusion · fission · particle · decay
- sciencesbiology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, mathematics
- school subjectsmath, English, history, reading, art
- science curriculumbiology, chemistry, anatomy, ecology, genetics
- science educationSTEM, biology class, scientific method, hands-on experiments, biology textbook
- schoolteachers, classrooms, classes, student, grades
- sciencebiology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, electron
physical sciencelife science
Study of living things
biological science · biology · life sciences · social science · behavioral science
physical sciencehumanities
Study of culture
liberal arts · theology · metaphysics · philosophy · literature
science, physical, physics, physician, physiology, physicist, nonphysical, metaphysics, physicality