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. T

    I Need to identify a physicist from a documentary on TV some years ago

    I remember watching some documentary on TV some years ago and in it, they were mentioning how there was a physicist who was doing some research on radioactive elements in the laboratory, but because he was little bit crazy he believed that the fez hat he wore on his head would protect him from...
  2. M

    Physics Physicist and Entrepreneurism in the Future

    Hello, I will do my best to keep my question brief. I love physics and mathematics, and before anything in my life I felt the need to commit to this degree to simply be happy in life as I feel the absolute need to further understand everything around me. I plan to eventually work for myself...
  3. D

    Physics Inventor and physicist, what to study?

    I want to be an inventor that focuses on physics, I have the chance to study university but I don’t know what is the best career. I know inventing is much more than a degree, but I wanted to know which degree or degrees would help me more?
  4. R

    I Young physicist in seek of guidance

    Is there anyone on here who could help me fill in my gaps in quantum field theory up to renormalization? I know how to canonically quantize a theory and how to use scalars (spin 0), vectors (spin 1) and spinors (spin 1/2) but lack more advanced knowledge like renormalization which I could...
  5. A

    Physics Applied physicist, summer internship - panicking

    I am about to commence a 3 month summer internship as an applied physicist. The job role involves working within the R&D department performing on the bench experimentation involving optical and electromagnetic sensing and analysis using python. Having finished my University exams on June the...
  6. Gazing at the Stars

    Physics Opportunities for an Aspiring Physicist

    Hello, everybody! I've been interested in physics for quite a while. I have a passion for learning and have discovered that I truly love this area of study. I am particularly interested in research, perhaps dealing with astrophysics or quantum mechanics. However, I have been warned by many...
  7. O

    Are physics and fundamental chemistry only necessary to become a physicist?

    Does the understanding and application of physics and fundamental chemistry is only required to be physicist? Or you have to be be equally apt in chemistry??
  8. JD_PM

    Physics Essential skills for applying for Space Agency jobs as a physicist

    Hi Physics Forums community. Let me briefly explain my current state of affairs. Next season, if every goes as planned, I will begin my Master's in Physics. I have, what I call, a positive problem; I like lots of branches of Physics (I study Physics because of pure passion and not because I...
  9. brotherbobby

    Rotating physicist and momentum conservation

    We are aware of the well-known problem of a rotating physicist whose angular velocity ω increases as a consequence of angular momentun conservation (##I_1 \omega_1 = I_2 \omega_2, \Sigma \tau_e = 0##). I am assuming that the net external force (##\Sigma F_e##) is also zero along with the net...
  10. W

    Physics Career options for a physicist (MSc)

    Hi PF, I graduated (MSc) six months ago with a 3.7/4.0 GPA and is still unemployed. During my time at university, I focused on my studies and did not give my future work life much thought. Consequently, I do not really know what my options are as a physicist. Sure, after reading countless job...
  11. gleem

    All I (as a physicist) really Need to Know ....

    I rediscovered this article , an opinion column in Physics Today from May 1993 by a NASA research physicist who after reading Robert Fulghum's book "All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten" made a list of what he thinks every physicist needs to know. What do you think? Can you add...
  12. Spacepantz86

    Can someone discuss the holographic principle and dimensions with me?

    Hello all. I just would like to have an open discussion with someone that knows physics, cause I do not and everyone I know does not either lol. I have ideas I would like to understand better but it does not belong on these forums, I was wondering if anyone would like to take the time, to...
  13. LLD1231

    What Are the Unique Traits of Physicists?

    I always think of physicists as a special breed apart. As a novelist, I’m very curious about the characteristics and personalities of physicists and often wonder if I have the ‘big picture’, so to speak. For instance, what types of things do you do or say in your everyday life, in...
  14. Quantum_Arcanium

    Physics Want to become Theoretical Physicist but don't know Coding

    Hi, I am an aspiring Theoretical Physicist. I've heard that you need to know many programming languages to become a Physicist, but I have never learned a single programming language in my life and I am 16-17 years old now. Is there any chance of me still becoming one? Is there anything I can do...
  15. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with Physics Mentor bhobba - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new blog post Interview with Physics Mentor bhobba Continue reading the Original Blog Post.
  16. T

    Physics Jobs for a physicist in Bangladesh?

    Hello fellows! I was looking for a little guidance and some career advice. What job/work options are there for a physics graduate in Bangladesh other than teaching?
  17. Wrichik Basu

    MATLAB Matlab toolboxes essential for every physicist

    I was looking forward to buy Matlab student license sometime this year. Anyone who has already bought a license knows that a number of toolboxes are available. Here is the site. I am not buying Simulink at this moment. So, please leave out anything related to Simulink. Other than the basic...
  18. J

    Error in Mathematical Methods for Physicist by Arfken, et al

    Mathematical Methods for Physicist: A Comprehensice Guide (Seventh Edition) by George Brown Arfken, Hans Jürgen Weber, Frank E. Harris I am studying it. Up to now I read to page 35 and have found 3 errors. Chapter 1 Mathematical Preliminaries 1.1 Infinite Series More Sensitive Tests Equation...
  19. Luke Coughlin

    Tips for Pursuing a Career in Astrophysics

    Hello everyone, I began using this for help with some concept homework questions for my physics 1 course. I dream of getting a PhD someday and focussing on astrophysics. I would want to work near the west coast so I could take advantage of their clear night sky. I'm only about 60 credits into my...
  20. J

    How do I become a physicist in Puerto Rico?

    Im 16 and going into my senior of high school. I am interested in Quantum Physics(Espacially Quantum Field Theory). But I am not sure if a bachellor’s in physics in Puerto Rico is worth it. And if they would actually prepare me for a future degree in the U.S. If that's not the case, do i still...
  21. Non Euclidean

    Other Can a physicist study evolutionary biology? How can I do?

    Hello, I’m an undergraduate physics student. Recently, I recognize that I am interested in evolution and I want to study life’s origin. When I preferred physics, because I want to learn how nature works. Now, I am not only interested in how nature works, also I’m passionate for neuroscience and...
  22. jedishrfu

    B Physicist who Questioned Black Holes

    This is an article about the Indian physicist, Abhas Mitra, who questioned the theory of black holes and the loss of information long before Prof Hawking agreed that there is no Hawking radiation, no exact event boundary and no black hole information paradox...
  23. Non Euclidean

    Programs Can a physicist study neuroscience?

    Hello, I am a undergraduate student in physics. In the future, i want to be neuroscientist. What can i do?
  24. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with Theoretical Physicist Clifford Johnson - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with Theoretical Physicist Clifford Johnson Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  25. P

    Physics Air Force Physicist Career and AFROTC

    Hello! I am a high school student who is going to attend college this year (Phyiscs major). I was curious about the career prospects of being an Air Force Physicist, like what kind of work (research etc.) does one do, average salary, career prospects etc. Also, does one need to go through the...
  26. F

    Physics Which is the job of a physicist in a nuclear central?

    Hi everyone! I'm near to get a physics degree. Always like me nuclear physics, how can energy be obtained by a little cuantity of matter... I want to ask you,if you know, which is the work/tasks of a physicist in a nuclear central (if they can work there :) ). I would like to be more...
  27. M

    Studying How to be the best physicist you can be

    Hi All! A question that has been on my mind lately is how can a person be the best physicist that they can possibly be. Obviously 'best' is open to interpretation, so let's just say "How can a person make the largest impact on some field in physics that they are capable of". If we had to pick...
  28. A. Neumaier

    Insights Interview with Mathematician and Physicist Arnold Neumaier - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with Mathematician and Physicist Arnold Neumaier Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post. Arnold will welcome science questions and comments only.
  29. Grands

    Physics What kind of jobs can a physicist do outside of academia and research?

    Hi guys. I want to make a question about what kind of job can a physicist do. Excluding the academic carrier and the research, which kind of job can a physicist do? It is true that there are physicist that work at Wall Street? If yes, what kind of job they do there? A technical job? I don't...
  30. Grands

    Engineering Is there a significant difference in salary between physicists and engineers?

    Hi guys, I have a short question. In the US or Australia, or UK, Physicist and engineer has almost the same salary, or the are big differences ? Thanks.
  31. O

    How should I study to be a mathematical physicist?

    Hello, I'm new here, i just really want to know, how do i study to become one? I'm at the middle of high school and i live in Mexico, where i live there are good universities but they just offer physics engineering degree, but i want to be a mathematical physicist, so do i plan to get an...
  32. T

    What are great places in US or UK for a physicist to visit?

    As the title says, any ideas of great places that a physicist tourist could visit in US or UK? I have been thinking about the Cavendish laboratory, Cambridge University, but I don't know whether it's open for visitors.
  33. K

    Other Is it too late to become a physicist?

    I am now 24 and graduating a business major. I want to go for a second bachelors degree in physics. I already took an undergraduate physics course in my current college. I will be 25 or 26 when i start a physics major. Is it too late?
  34. B

    Studying How to develop the "thinking like a physicist"

    Hi everyone, I will start the major course in Physics and I would like to ask you a question about the way of studying. Supposing that you are preparing for the mechanics exam, how do you know at a certain period that you can stop practicing exercises? (I think that doing too much exercises...
  35. KeshavTheBest

    Engineering Become a Scientist: Engineer or Physicist?

    Hello, I would like to become a 'scientist' that can research new things and give theories but also is capable of inventing stuff. For example (just am example, don't say not possible please :( ) I research about how a kerr black hole can be made and used to travel time. I reach to a conclusion...
  36. starstruck_

    Programs Developing a Physicist's Mindset: Tips and Advice

    Hey, so I started my first year of physics and astronomy at uni on September 8th, it's been about 3 classes so it hasn't been long by what's been bothering me is how everyone else thinks and answers questions vs how I do it.. They know what details to use to reason out their answers while I...
  37. M

    Physics What does an experimental particle physicist do?

    Hi, I'm about to finish my degree on Physics (this will be my last year). I have plans to do a PhD with a professor who works too at the LHCb experiment (CP violation), so I'd research on this topics. But I have doubts on the specifical work of an experimental particle physicist... only analyze...
  38. V

    Courses Aeronautical Engineer to Physicist?

    Hey guys, I needed some help in my course advice. I recently completed my course in Aeronautical Engineering from India. I scored not-that-great with a 67% avg and a gap year cause of sickness. I always wanted to do a masters in physics and specifically in theoretical physics in topics related...
  39. T

    Physics Medical physicist thinking of moving to US

    Hi all, I'm just home from a trip around the US and I've fallen in love with some of the beach towns just south of LA. I'm currently working as a medical physicist in Ireland. Two years ago I completed the UK medical physics training scheme and have UK state registration. Having done a search...
  40. A

    Physics Theoretical Physicist Career Guidance

    what is the academic route to become a theoretical physicist?
  41. Cathr

    Engineering Can one successfully be an Engineer AND a Physicist?

    What I meant in the title is Theoretical Physicist (character limit). A year ago, when I decided to get a Physics bachelor degree, I was 100% sure I'm going to do theoretical research. Since high school, I was always searching stuff about particle physics, relativity and other topics on the...
  42. Sai Maurice

    Engineering Nuclear physicist with nuclear engineering PhD?

    Hello Physicsforums. The title states my main question, but there is a little bit more than is revealed there. 1. Can you become a nuclear physicist with a nuclear engineering PhD? 2. If not, then can I get a PhD in nuclear physics with a double major in mechanical engineering and mathematics...
  43. N

    Learn French or German language for physicist?

    I am planning on learning a new language in the upcoming year. I already have a B1 level of french and had thought about perfecting it. However, I was told that German was more useful as a physicist as it would open career paths in Germany and postgrad opportunities after undergrad, the only...
  44. A

    Can I be a successful physicist or mathematician?

    Hello, I am in high school in the United States. I am SUPER interested in mathematics and physics, and I have been researching physics and mathematics since middle school. I love it! I love theoretical particle physics and algebraic topology. If I had the choice, I would spend my entire life...
  45. GoldenBear

    Schools What kind of grades would a future physicist tend to have in high school?

    I am aware that the grades would vary from country to country and school to school, but what kind of grades (particularly in physics and mathematics) do people who go on to become physicists (experimental or theoretical) generally tend to have in their last year of high school?
  46. arpon

    How many equations does a physicist write in his lifetime?

    How many equations does a physicist write in his/her lifetime on average? Is there any approximate statistics on this? Also how much is this correlated to his/her contribution to physics?
  47. lawlieto

    Studying Should a theoretical physicist learn maths like a mathematician?

    I'm currently doing my undergraduate physics course at university, and I'm quite confident I'd like to be a theorist in the future. We have separate maths lectures from maths students, and most people have an attitude towards maths which could be summed up as "only learn what you need to know...
  48. Zoiona

    Can I Achieve My Dream of Becoming a Physicist?

    Hi! I've always had a curiosity about the world around us and how it works and then my dad sort of introduced me to cosmology, astrophysics and just physics in general I guess. Since then I've always had a distant dream of becoming a physicist (or astronaut :P). I'm 15 now and I get mostly Bs in...
  49. jamalkoiyess

    What is the computer hardware needed by a physicist?

    I am looking at desktop and laptop options, but I do not know which will be beneficial to me as a Physics student. I am a sophomore and am looking for something that can last up to 5 years of performance without having to upgrade and also it should fit my needs as a physicist. Since I know so...
  50. Rabu001

    Physics Is a Career in Accelerator Physics Risky and Limited in Scope?

    I looked on google for someone's opinion about this field, unfortunately, my search deemed unsuccessful as i found non other than jobs looking for accelerator physicist themselves. and this lack itself worries me. I would like to know more about this field, an explanation, for a simple minded...
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