9.2 Branches of Physics
Due to the expanding scope of research, physics is usually divided into several branches.
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Mechanics It is the study of motion and the physical effects that influence motion. It is based on Newton's laws of motion and gravitation and is often called classical mechanics.
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Heat and Thermodynamics It deals with the thermal energy possessed by materials and how it is used when it flows from one body to another.
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Acoustics It deals with the nature and physical aspects of audible sound energy.
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Optics It deals with the physical aspects of visible light.
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Electromagnetism It is the study of electromagnetic phenomena and the mutual relationship between electric current and magnetic field.
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Quantum Mechanics It explains the behaviour of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.
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Relativistic Mechanics It explains how space and time are not absolute quantities but related to the observer. It describes the relationship between them and how they are influenced by gravity and speed.
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Nuclear Physics It is the study of the properties of nuclei of atoms.
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Particle Physics It is the study of subatomic particles and elementary particles, which are the basic building blocks of matter.
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Astronomy It is the study of the distribution of celestial bodies like planets, stars, and galaxies.
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Cosmology It explores the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe.
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Solid State Physics It is the study of some specific properties of matter in solid form.