Chaos

Chaos is the study of systems that do not behave in a traditionally predictable way.  The branch of physics studies things like pattern formation, granular materials and the turbulent flow of fluids.  It produces some of physics’ most beautiful images.

Space & The Universe

One of the largest branches of physics is devoted to studying our vast universe.  This branch studies things such as gravity waves, black holes and stars.

Light

Light is not just that which you can see, it includes electromagnetic waves of all wavelengths, from low energy, long wavelength radio waves.  Light particles, called photons, have properties of both particles and waves, a fascinating combination which makes light a very interesting thing to study.  With the invention and development of lasers we have gained precise control over light and revolutionized many areas of research and technology.

Sound

One of the main ways we gain knowledge about our world is through sound.  This area of physics studies both how sounds are produced and how sound waves interact with other things.

Matter

In the study of matter physicists explore things such as semiconductors, nano structures and plasmas.  It is this branch of physics that helps create many of the electronics we depend on every day.  The 2007 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded for the study of matter.

Earth Science

In earth science it is often helpful to use physics to study large scale phenomena on our earth.  Physics can help explain such things as earth quakes, weather patterns and ocean flows. Physics can help explain such things as earth quakes, weather patterns and ocean flows.

Biology & Medicine

Techniques used by physicists can also be applied to the study of biology.  This branch of physics not only explores the way life works it also helps create technology to diagnose and treat illnesses.

Atomic

Atomic physics studies the tiniest bits of matter, atoms.  Physicists study atoms by cooling them down, speeding them up and taking them apart.

Subatomic

Subatomic physics deals with the smallest particles that make up matter like quarks and muons. Experiments with these particles are usually done with large accelerators such as the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and soon the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva.