theoretical physics
Abstract natural science
Theoretical physics is the branch of physics that uses mathematical models and abstractions to explain natural phenomena, as opposed to experimental physics, which tests theories through observation.
Theoretical physicists develop frameworks like relativity and quantum mechanics to predict how the universe behaves: She studied theoretical physics before moving into applied research.
The field often explores concepts that can't yet be tested directly.
- standard modelAccepted reference framework
- quantum mechanicsPhysics at nanoscopic scales
- Schrödinger's catQuantum superposition thought experiment
- general relativityGravity as curved spacetime
- time dilationClocks slow at speed
cosmology · supersymmetry · black holes · event horizon · quantum gravity · determinism · fermions · gravitational waves · spacetime · dark matter · dark energy · bosons · mathematical modeling · multiverse · parallel universes · quarks · Einstein · dimensions
- sciencesbiology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, mathematics
- science fieldsmolecular biology, neuroscience, genetics, cosmology, biochemistry
- pure researchbasic science, pure mathematics, mathematics, philosophy, quantum mechanics
- theoretical physicsquantum mechanics, relativity, general relativity, special relativity, thermodynamics
- physicsmomentum, atom, acceleration, gravity, force
- Manhattan ProjectManhattan Project, Los Alamos, Trinity test, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer
theoretical physicsexperimental physics
Testing theories through observation
applied physics · experimental science · field research · materials science · instrumentation
theoretical physicsengineering
Designing functional systems scientifically
applied science · industrial research · product development · craftsmanship · practical application
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