Branches of Physics

Branches of physics are the subjects studied within the scope of physics. The physics can be defined as the branch of science which deals with the study of properties of matter and energy along with the interaction between them is undertaken.

Physics is one of the most important subjects of all science, therefore the branches of science have evolved to understand each and every underlying aspect of the physical world. Physics can be classified into various branches but classical physics is mainly concerned with energy and matter. The traditional branches of classical physics are Optics, Acoustics, Electromagnetics, and Classical mechanics. With the rapid development of physics, the scope of the subject is growing so large that it is not possible to cover physics under the above branches. A number of main branches of physics are discussed below.

1. Classical physics: This branch of physics is mainly concerned with the laws of motion and gravitation as outlined in Sir Isaac Newton and James Clark Maxwell’s kinetic theory and thermodynamics, respectively. This branch of physics deals mostly with matter and energy. 

2. Modern physics: Modern physics is a branch of physics that is mainly concerned with the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Albert Einstein and Max Plank were the pioneers of modern of physics as the first scientists to introduce the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, respectively.

3. Nuclear physics: Nuclear physics is a branch of physics that deals with the constituents, structure, behaviour and interactions of atomic nuclei. This branch of physics should not be confused with atomic physics, which studies the atom as a whole, including its electrons.

4. Atomic physics: Atomic physics is a branch of physics that deals with the composition of the atom apart from the nucleus. It is mainly concerned with the arrangement and behaviour of electrons in the shells around the nucleus. Thus, atomic physics mostly examines electrons, ions, and neutral atoms.

5. Geophysics: Geophysics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of the Earth. It is mainly concerned with the shape, structure and composition of the Earth, but geophysicists also study gravitational force, magnetic fields, earthquakes, magma, and more.

6. Biophysics: According to the Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia, biophysics is defined as:

“the interdisciplinary study of biological phenomena and problems, using the principles and techniques of physics.”

Biophysics studies biological problems and the structure of molecules in living organisms using techniques derived from physics. One of the most groundbreaking achievements of biophysics is the discovery of the structure of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) by James Watson and Francis Crick.

7. Mechanics: Mechanical physics is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of material objects under the influence of forces.

Often called just mechanics, mechanical physics falls under two main branches:

• Classical mechanics
• Quantum mechanics

8. Acoustics: The word "acoustics" is derived from a Greek word akouen, meaning "to hear."

Hence, we can define acoustics as a branch of physics that studies how sound is produced, transmitted, received and controlled. Acoustics also deals with the effects of sounds in various mediums (i.e. gas, liquid, and solids).

9. Optics: Optics is a branch of physics that studies electromagnetic radiation (for example, light and infrared radiation), its interactions with matter, and instruments used to gather information due to these interactions. Optics includes the study of sight.

10. Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work. The behaviour of these quantities is governed by the four laws of thermodynamics.

11. Astrophysics: The word "astrophysics" is a combination of two Latin-derived words: astro, which means "star," and phisis, which means "nature."

Thus, astrophysics can be defined as a branch of astronomy which is concerned with the study of universe (i.e., stars, galaxies, and planets) using the laws of physics.