Physics is the natural science that studies matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. It is arguably the most fundamental of the natural sciences, seeking to understand how the universe works at its most basic level, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. Physicists aim to uncover the universal laws that govern all phenomena, from the fall of an apple to the expansion of the cosmos.
This vast field includes classical areas like mechanics (motion and forces), thermodynamics (heat and energy), optics (light), and electromagnetism. Modern physics extends into relativity (space and time) and quantum mechanics (behavior at the atomic and subatomic levels). Through observation, experimentation, and mathematical modeling, physicists develop theories that explain existing phenomena and predict new ones. For example, the theory of relativity reshaped our understanding of gravity and time, while quantum mechanics revealed the bizarre rules governing the microscopic world.
Physics provides the foundational principles for almost all engineering and technology. It drives innovations in areas such as electronics, medical imaging, and renewable energy, offering profound insights into the World-Wide Q&A of our existence and the universe around us.