Physicist Definition and 662 Threads

A physicist is a scientist who specializes in the field of physics, which encompasses the interactions of matter and energy at all length and time scales in the physical universe.
Physicists generally are interested in the root or ultimate causes of phenomena, and usually frame their understanding in mathematical terms.
Physicists work across a wide range of research fields, spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic and particle physics, through biological physics, to cosmological length scales encompassing the universe as a whole.
The field generally includes two types of physicists: experimental physicists who specialize in the observation of physical phenomena and the analysis of experiments, and theoretical physicists who specialize in mathematical modeling of physical systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena.
Physicists can apply their knowledge towards solving practical problems or to developing new technologies (also known as applied physics or engineering physics).

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  1. O

    Engineer -> Experimental Physicist -> Theoretical Physicist

    New member ! This is my first post. Long ago, I remember one of my friends talking about how engineers dream of becoming experimental physicists who in turn dream of becoming theoretical physicists. I remember the context but don't remember whether it was an explicit joke or musings of some...
  2. F

    Physics PhD Without a Bachelor's Degree - Does this Person Seem Familiar?

    I don't know if this is the right place to post it but I'm doing it. I remember reading a bio on someone who earned a physics Ph.D at Cambridge without having a bachelor's degree. I think he got into the program by impressing Einstein or some prominent physicist by exchanging ideas by mail...
  3. I

    Do you need to do calculus to be a good physicist.

    hi there, i was just wondering if you need to do calculus, or also if it helps a lot to succeed in physics? i really like physics and maths but i am going to have a hard time getting into calulus or getting a reccomendation into it from my teacher. i am in the highest class for...
  4. marcus

    Is Information Theory the Key to Quantum Gravity? A Rant from an Angry Physicist

    this new blog (that Peter Woit flagged) is potentially very interesting and has an uninhibited style http://angryphysicist.wordpress.com/about/ ==quote== Rantings of an Angry Physicist An angry Physicist ranting about Quantum Gravity, foundational Quantum Mechanics, the gross incompotency of...
  5. Ivan Seeking

    Nobel winning physicist takes on Global Warming

    http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/science/globalwarming/ I saw Dr. Chu at Stanford a few years ago where he gave a fascinating lecture and was most inspirational. I was thrilled to see him involved in this endeavor. And why not? He is in the business of "cooling" but on a slightly...
  6. I

    Was Galileo Galilei the first real physicist?

    Was Galileo Galilei the first "real" physicist? Before Galileo, I don't think there was physics in the way we think of it today. It seemed that physics was more of a philosophy to the Greeks and Romans, who just came up with theories and didn't try to prove them through experiment. In my...
  7. C

    Explain molar absorptivity to a dumb physicist.

    OK chem-wizards... I'm looking at a paper which states "...the integrated absorptivity of the stretching vibrations of a water molecule is 4.89 cm micro mol^-1" (I'm transcribing a 'mu' character as micro in the above. If mu doesn't stand for micro, then let me know!) OK, so some...
  8. A

    Can a physicist learn his math tools from wikipedia alone?

    Now that we have established that physicists do not need to study math proofs or do rigorous math problems, but rather just understand the math tools well enough to use them, I was wondering if a physicist can just get by in learning the math tools in a qualitative, prosaic, way as in wikipedia...
  9. W

    To be a mathematician or a physicist?

    Here is my background: in tenth grade I was very average in the fields of maths and science. To tell the truth, I was far more interested in arts. But when I first discovered Newton's equations on motion, there was a big change. I was so intrigued by those that I started to read about physics...
  10. I

    Greatest Physicist Ever - Redux Discussion

    Note: Please See thread "Greatest Physicist Redux."
  11. M

    To be a mathematician and a physicist?

    This goes out as a question mostly to mathwonk, b/c he is a mathematician. Quick into, to help with my question, and b/c I'm totally new to this forum. I'm x-navy. I was an electronic technician from 96 to 02. I am a math major in his 5th year (I took 1 year to off to explore EE, and...
  12. N

    What Makes a Physicist Unique?

    There are many clues you have to which career path you want to go on. Engineers they say like to take things apart. What do Physicists do? WHat are they like? How are they in their social lives? WHat likenesses do they have? WHat odd things or habits do they like to repeat? Besides saying...
  13. D

    Serious answer from a physicist required (please no random answers)

    Serious answer from a physicist required (please no random answers) Had an argument in the pub tonight whether 2 objects of equal size and shape one 5kg and one 100000 kg would fall from a height of 40k feet and hit the ground at the same time or not? This would happen in perfect lab...
  14. A

    Should a physicist learn math proofs?

    I'm a mathematics specialist with interest in general relativity, and would later like to learn quantum field theory and superstring theory. Of course this requires learning mountains of mathematics that I haven't even learned yet because I spend 80% of my studies doing math proofs. Doing...
  15. Loren Booda

    The Real Personality of Physicists: Breaking Down Stereotypes

    What does it really take mentally to be a physicist? No stereotypes, just your objective observations. I believe that a greater than average dissociation from people, although not to the degree of mathematicians, is one important psychological trait of physicists. The ability to project one's...
  16. S

    How To Become A Theoretical Physicist

    It seems like there is no specific Theoretical Physics major. You can major in Astrophysics, Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Engineering Physics, and just plain Physics. At the master/doctorate level you have to specialize in astrophysics, biophysics, chemical physics, geophysics, material...
  17. Q

    What is it like to be a physicist and study nanotech engineering in university?

    Im in my last year of high school, and am looking to go into physics. Either that or nanotech engineering. Id like to know what being a physicist is like, and what the programs are like in university. I've read up on employement and such, but id like a direct perspective of an actual physisict...
  18. R

    Getting started as a medical physicist questions

    Hi all, I just discovered this forum in my quest to find answers to some questions I have about getting started in the field of medical physics. I am going to finish my MS in Physics in about a year. I've become interested in medical physics recently after realizing, over the course of a...
  19. M

    What makes a memorable physicist?

    Hi:smile: This is my first post, and let's start it off with a common question. What makes a memorable physicist? 1. The institution in which he graduated from 2. The theories he himself thought of or improved on 3. Winning a nobel prize 4. Celebrity status These are just some...
  20. ZapperZ

    Who Is Considered the World's Most Creative Physicist?

    So who do you think it could be? Hawking? Brian Greene? Penrose? Think again! http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/10/8/13/1 Zz.
  21. C

    A pharmacist wants to be a physicist

    Hi guys, I really need ur help. I know nothing about physics universities, adminstration tests, scholar ships, and stuffs like that. I'm from Lebanon and studying pharmacy.Yes pharmacy, i know it has nothing to do with physics, but simply i hate pharmacy:cry: and obsessed about physics:!) ...
  22. R

    What Are the Next Steps for a Failed Physicist?

    It seems I've lost my chance at going into physics theory. In summary: I enrolled into a middle-sized liberal arts school before finishing high school, thinking there would be more opportunities available, and that classes would be challenging and motivating. That was a mistake; things came by...
  23. Pythagorean

    General pros and cons of being a Universalist as a physicist

    I'd like to hear some of the general pros and cons of being a Universalist as a physicist. I do have branch interets, but they're numerous. Mostly my interests are in plasmas and condensates. I'm curently a Junior Undergraduate Physics major.
  24. M

    Should I become a Classical Physicist?

    I will start undergrad next year (majoring in Physics). I am very interested in classical physics especially electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and Relativity. I want to explore them and possible come up with new ideas. I also have an interest in Quantum theory and Astrophysics; however, I am...
  25. F

    Can't Find It: 'So You Want to Be a Physicist?' Thread

    Where is the 'So you want to be a physicist?' thread ? I can't find it for the life of me (as a side note, the search function is pretty bad).
  26. J

    Engineer wants to be Physicist, whats my next step?

    Engineer wants to be Physicist, what's my next step?? I have a BS in mech eng and am working full time in the semiconductor/data storage industry. I've been exposed to physics here and i find myself stopping to listen to discussions in the lab among the physicists and asking questions. I've...
  27. E

    Engineering Physicist: What You Need to Know

    Hi. :blushing: I'll be starting college this fall. I know I want to do something in physics, engineering or math -- things of that nature. I looked at the course requirements for an engineering physicist, and I was wondering what sort of things they do, and where they can get jobs. ^...
  28. D

    Is it possible to be a physicist for mechanic and electronic Engineers?

    Hello everybody,I am from China,and I majored in mechanic and electronic in a college. now I want to devotee myself to physic. Anybody experienced,do you think it is possible and wish you some advice. Thanks for reply,my e-mail is daifeili@163.com:smile:
  29. zoobyshoe

    Who is the Most Physically Gifted Actress in Hollywood?

    Cathrine Zeta-Jones: http://www.poster.net/entrapment/entrapment-sean-connery-cathrine-zeta-jones-3700233.jpg Or Angelina Jolie?
  30. G

    Constant Acceleration Equation - physicist please

    I need a proper Physicist to settle an argument (and a bet) between myself and a friend over the correct equation for calculating constant acceleration (from rest) from velocity over time. my friend insists that A = V*T and I say A = V*T² in plain english, my friend claims that at 1 g...
  31. P

    Is a New Exact Solution to Einstein's Equations Possible?

    http://www.physorg.com/news10789.html Does anybody know anything about this Dr. Febler or the Advanced Institute at Austin? I can't find a dime to spit on. I have not taken any physics courses yet, but I do know what is meant by 'exact' (as stated in the title) form my math courses...
  32. M

    Self-learned physicist or pipe dream?

    I want to know more about physics. In fact, I want to possesses a physics Ph.D's erudition. The truth is, I blew it in my younger years...academically speaking. Given my financial and academic situation it is basically impossible for me ever to get back into college (unless I stretch it out...
  33. R

    Did you know that the leader of a superpower is a physicist?

    That's right, a physicist is the political leader of a superpower! I just found that out; it has never been mentioned on PF before (says google). Apparently she's some sort of chemical physicist, or physical chemist. Here's a link to one of her papers, on gas phase dynamics, in J. Am. Chem. Soc...
  34. F

    Who Is Considered the Greatest Physicist of All Time?

    Who do you think was/is the greatest physicist who ever lived and why? In my opinion #1 has to go to Newton, with Einstein and Feynman coming joint second. Newton started it all off, while Einstein and Feynman created a public face for science. If the physicist you want is not in the poll...
  35. zoobyshoe

    News Why Voting Matters: A Physicist's Perspective on Political Participation

    I was out at a laundrymat today sitting on a bench near a guy who was reading the paper. He put it down in disgust and launched into an interesting and articulate lecture about how people in the US are wasting their votes by both not using them and by letting themselves be swayed by manipulative...
  36. C

    Comparing EE & Physicist Degrees: What's Missing?

    When comparing the two degrees, what important aspects are missing on the physicist side when doing EE work and vice versa?
  37. D

    Looking for a physicist to interview

    Hey, I'm looking to interview a physicist to interview for a research paper. All you have to do is answer the following six questions. 1. Can you give me a description of your job? 2. What's the education needed to become a physicist? 3. What are the benefits of being a physicist? 4...
  38. E

    What's it like to be a theoretical physicist?

    Can anyone give me a description? Maybe I should ask some questions too. Do most theoretical physicists work alone or with colleagues? Do most theoretical physicists work at home? What do you need while doing your work? Just pen and paper? Or do most need books to refer to? I basically...
  39. S

    Mathematicians and physicist underpaid

    Such difficult courses (math & physics) comparing to the many, many other programs but sooooo underpaid comparing to; physiotherapists, electricians, nurses, ultrasound technicians, garbage pickers, etc. Sooooooo difficult to get a job in those fields (math & physics) and starting salaries...
  40. MathematicalPhysicist

    Physicist who won both the Nobel prize for physics and math

    i am wondering if the next case is frequent in the territories of physics/maths academia researchers: a pure mathematician who also writes articles in theoretical physics although he is only associated with the pure maths faculty at his univ, his employer. and also the other way around. and...
  41. T

    How I would go about becoming a Quantum Physicist

    I am currently going into my Grade 12 year in high school and was wondering what kind of courses are recommeded in high school to go into the field of quantum physics. Also, what kind of studies are recommended in university. I live about an hour north of toronto and was planning on going to...
  42. L

    Mathematica Questions for Mathematical Physicists - Answers Appreciated!

    I was wondering if anyone here is a mathematical physicist. The field sounds interesting, and perhaps I might head towards it in college. However, I can find virtually no information on it, besides the things that it studies (Quantum Field Theory, Statistical Mechanics etc.) If anyone here...
  43. C

    Programming for Physicist or a Astronomer

    Hello I got a few questions... To be a Physicist or a Astronomer, do you need to know how to program at all? I thought you needed to know a little of program..my friend who has a different thought on this, like why don't they hire their own programmers and do it themselves...after-all...
  44. S

    Engineer becomes physicist? help me.

    I have enegineering background (aerospace) and now about to embark on master degree in physics(if i can pass the qualifying test). I learn electromagnetisms, quantum mech, etc .. etc by myself. Is there anyone out there with the same kind of situation? How do you do it? What is the best...
  45. S

    Engineer becomes physicist? help me.

    I have engineering background (aerospace), and now about to embark on master degree in physics (if I pass the qualifying test). I learn electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, etc .. etc ...myself for the last 1.5 yrs. Is there anyone out there with the same kind of my situation before? What...
  46. T

    Chance of Becoming a Successful Physicist?

    I've always been a nerd at my school, and have wondered about the universe and read some stuff on physics(not a lot though). I have a 3.8 GPA at a parochial school (95-100 A, 92-92 A-, 70 percent-Fail), got a 185 index on my PSAT, and a 30s range on my Pre ACT test, which is really nothing to...
  47. S

    How Can I Transition from Software Engineering to a Physics PhD?

    Help Needed in changing career from being a Software Engineer to Physicist Hi Everybody, I did a bachelors in engineering (Electrical and Electronics) and Masters (Msc) in Physics. Both I did in India in BITS Pilani. After I did my masters in India, I have been in software industry for the...
  48. A

    Anyone here a computational physicist?

    moved... .....
  49. U

    Physics Math skills required to be a career physicist?

    I have aspirations of becoming a physicist. I absolutely love physics and pure mathematics; I am fascinated by both fields. I am only concerned with the required mathematical abilities to be able to become a competent physicist. I am not amazingly good at math, I would put myself in the lower...
  50. S

    Job Description of a Theoretical Physicist

    Can someone give me a general job description of a Theoretical Physicist? First of all let me make sure that I am going for the right profession. I very interested in wormholes, black holes, galaxies, speed of light, and many other aspects of the overall universe but most of all I am very...
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