Outline of physics
An organized map of physics that groups its major fields, foundational ideas, theories, and topics to show how they relate.
Classical mechanics: The study of motion and forces using laws developed before quantum theory and relativity. It provides the core framework for describing motion at everyday speeds and scales.
Condensed matter physics: The study of large collections of particles, especially the properties of solids and liquids. It applies quantum mechanics and statistical physics to materials and collective behavior.
Classical physics: Physical theories that do not rely on quantum mechanics, including classical mechanics and electromagnetism. It groups several foundational branches that remain accurate in appropriate regimes.
Quantum gravity: A proposed framework for reconciling quantum theory with gravity and spacetime. No experimentally confirmed theory yet unifies quantum physics and general relativity.
Electromagnetism: The theory of electric and magnetic fields, their sources, and their interactions with matter. Its field laws connect electricity, magnetism, light, and electromagnetic waves.
Particle physics: The study of elementary particles and the fundamental interactions between them. It investigates matter and forces at the smallest known scales.
Modern physics: The branches of physics based chiefly on quantum mechanics and relativity. It distinguishes theories developed to address phenomena beyond classical physics.
Dark matter: Matter inferred from gravitational effects that emits or absorbs little detectable electromagnetic radiation. Its nature remains unknown despite strong evidence for its gravitational influence.
Thermodynamics: The study of heat, work, energy, and the macroscopic laws governing physical systems. Its laws describe energy transformations and constrain every physical process.
Nuclear physics: The study of atomic nuclei, their constituents, and nuclear reactions. It focuses on the structure and transformations of nuclei within the broader physical picture.