These methods are used in physics
As a scientific discipline, physics deals with phenomena in nature and searches for scientific explanations for them.
To this end, it works closely with other disciplines such as chemistry, biology, computer science and mathematics. Various methods are used to present often complex processes in nature in a simplified way.
In this article, we will show you the different methodological subfields in physics and explain which content is covered.
What does theoretical physics deal with?
Theoretical physics as a subfield is about the description of natural processes on the basis of concepts that are established by analytical and numerical methods.
Researchers try to establish hypotheses about physical phenomena that can then be tested in experiments.
In physics, experiments are very important to research, because they make it possible to make statements about certain phenomena.
In order to find a mathematical explanation for physical phenomena, one must represent natural processes by means of mathematical structures that are as simple as possible. For this purpose, these processes are represented in a model that approximates reality.
With the help of scalars, vectors and equations, theoretical physics tries to describe quantities and their change within processes.
In order to deal intensively with theoretical physics, you can take certain courses on the subject during your physics studies. After graduation, there is the opportunity to work in various areas: consulting, patents, financial service providers, banks, public services, IT, insurance companies and research institutions.
In addition to studying, some textbooks are suitable for dealing more intensively with the topics of theoretical physics:
- Basic Course Theoretical Physics: this textbook by Wolfgang Nolting offers a good introduction through detailed explanations, numerous exercises with solutions and control questions.
- Theoretical Physics: the book by Matthias Bartelmann, Björn Feuerbacher, Timm Krüger, Dieter Lüst, Anton Rebhan and Andreas Wipf presents the four major fields of mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics as well as thermodynamics and statistical physics. This way you can get a good overview of the different topics.
- Revision Course Theoretical Physics: this textbook by Armin Wachter and Henning Hoeber deals with topics ranging from classical mechanics to electrodynamics, quantum mechanics to statistical physics and thermodynamics by means of exercises and the associated solutions as well as clear summaries of the individual topics.
- Workbook on Theoretical Physics: Revision Course and Exercise Book: the book by Thorsten Fließbach also offers you numerous exercises with sample solutions.
The contents of experimental physics
Experimental physics as a subfield is about the design, construction, execution and evaluation of experiments that can be used to make statements about natural phenomena or laws in mechanics, dynamics or optics.
An experiment is a planned scientific experiment that always takes place under the same reproducible conditions, as this is the only way to make an objective statement.
In this way, researchers can make qualitative and quantitative statements about certain phenomena and make new physical findings.
To carry out an experiment, a concept is first required, from which the test field is then prepared, so that the actual measurement and interpretation of the results can finally take place.
The experiments must always take place under the same conditions, as reproducibility plays a major role!
If you want to study experimental physics, you can do so at the Ludwigs-Maximilian-Universität in Munich. This special course deals with the methodological and empirical content.
You can also deepen your knowledge with the help of textbooks:
- Experimental Physics by Wolfgang Demtröder
- TextbookExperimental Physics by Joachim Heintze
- Revision Course Experimental Physics by Ernst-Wilhelm Otten
The contents of experimental physics can be learned theoretically and practically.
This is what technical physics deals with
In technical physics, which is a very research- and development-related subfield, the focus is on the technical aspect of the physical world. The interface between physical fundamentals and technical developments is examined.
Researchers study and develop new technologies, including the following examples:
- Semiconductors
- Laser technology
- Surface development
- Energy technology
- Environmental technology
Technical physics has many overlaps with various subfields, such as mathematics, chemistry and computer science. In addition, this sub-area also deals with aspects from design theory, electrical engineering, environmental physics, molecular physics and computer simulation.
If you want to get to grips with technical physics, there is the possibility to study the subject. This is a practice-oriented engineering degree program that imparts basic physical knowledge from experimental and theoretical physics as well as technical content from engineering sciences.
Content from the fields of electrical engineering, computer science and mechanical engineering also plays an important role. You can study the subject at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, University of Linz, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, TU Ilmenau, TU Kaiserslautern or at the University of Oldenburg.
Technical physics offers many career prospects as an engineer or physicist in the energy industry, environmental systems technology or environmental technology.
The World of Mathematical Physics
Mathematical physics as a subfield is not directly concerned with concrete physical phenomena, but with the theoretical results behind them, i.e. the mathematical properties of a model.
With the help of mathematical formulas and calculations, generally accepted statements, so-called axioms, are made that are used to solve complex problems.
This is used by researchers primarily to solve physical and technical problems, and conversely, physics acts as a driver for the development of new mathematical theories.
Whether methods of differential geometry, phenomena of mechanics or the general theory of relativity, all these physical problems are based on complex mathematical calculations.
If you are considering studying mathematical physics more intensively, then you can consider studying in this field. The Nuremberg University of Applied Sciences and the Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences offer the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Physics.
However, there is also the possibility of doing a Master's degree in Mathematical Physics, which can follow a classic Bachelor's degree in Physics. The following universities offer such a master's degree:
- University of Hamburg
- University of Leipzig
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in cooperation with the Elite Network of Bavaria
- Nuremberg University of Applied Sciences
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (i.e. Bachelor's degree)
Students learn interdisciplinary skills that make them very popular for the job market. As a graduate, you can work in areas such as basic research, research institutes, the IT industry, the financial sector or mechanical and electrical engineering.
Mathematical physics offers many exciting topics.
This is what computational physics is all about
Computational physics is a branch of classical physics and deals with the simulation of physical processes with the help of computers. With the help of powerful computers, researchers can make simulations in various areas possible.
The simulations focus on physical problems that can be described with the help of equations, but whose solution cannot be calculated directly with a formula.
With a mathematical formula of algebra, the initial equations of a physical system are solved in order to then clarify them in a simulation.
The world of physics can hardly do without computers anymore and so subfields such as quantum field theory, astrophysics and cosmology, solid-state physics, thermodynamics, meteorology and climatology or statistical physics use methods of computational physics.
In order to be able to carry out a simulation on the computer, such a simulation must first be programmed using a programming language. In physics, the programming languages Fortran, C, BASIC, Pascal, Mathematica, Maple, IDL or Labview are used.
There is also a course of study in computational physics at Chemnitz University of Technology. Here you can do a master's degree in computational science after completing your bachelor's degree in physics.
You will also find some textbooks on this topic:
- Computational Physics: Introduction, Examples and Applications" by Stefan Gerlach:
- Fundamentals of Probability Theory and Statistics: An Introduction for Students of Computer Science, Engineering and Economics" by Erhard Cramer:
- Physics with Python" by Oliver Natt
Computational physics plays a major role in many areas.
This is what statistical physics deals with
Statistical physics deals with the methods of probability theory, which are used to describe physical systems. In this way, researchers want to describe the properties and behavior of a large composite system without having to go into the behavior of a single particle.
Here, the distinction between micro and macro state is important. The microstate explains the microscopic events of a system, while the macrostate is about the entirety of the system.
In physics, statistical methods and calculations are used when an observable quantity in a system depends on the properties and behaviors of the subsystems.
In this way, the behavior of systems with many particles can be described. These include solids, liquids and gases.
Since there is no direct study of statistical physics, it is worth investing in a textbook, of which there are some helpful ones:
- Statistical Physics: Textbook on Theoretical Physics
- Theoretical Physics 4 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- Mechanics: Textbook on Theoretical Physics I
- Statistical physics based on quantum theory. An Introduction
- Statistical Physics. Equilibrium theory and kinetics
Statistical physics is enormously important as a branch of physics in many areas.
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