Physics
Hey friends, let’s chat about physics! Physics is the scientific study that explores the composition of matter and the relationships between the basic building blocks of the observable universe. It encompasses all aspects of nature, ranging from the largest scales of the cosmos to the smallest scales of subatomic particles. Derived from the Greek word “physikos,” meaning “natural,” physics seeks to understand the fundamental principles governing the universe at both macroscopic and submicroscopic levels. Ever wonder why the sky is blue, or how a roller coaster works? Physics has the answers!
Is it a good idea to major in physics?
In terms of careers, a degree in physics offers diverse career opportunities across various sectors. Graduates in physics are highly sought after by employers in both government and industry. They can pursue careers in telecommunications, electronics, computing, quality control testing, banking, insurance, teaching, management, technical sales, and the armed forces. You could work in research, exploring the universe’s mysteries and pushing our knowledge’s boundaries. Or you could work in industries like aerospace, engineering, or technology, where a deep understanding of physics is crucial.
Does a physics major pay well?
As for salary, it depends on what you do with your physics degree. According to the American Institute of Physics, the median salary for physicists in the United States is around $122,000 annually. However, not everyone who has a physics degree becomes a physicist. When you look at the average across all physics majors in the United States the annual salary is much lower at $62,150, which translates to an hourly wage of $29.88. The top 10 percent of earners in this field make over $118,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $32,000 per year.
So, if you’re someone who loves asking questions about how things work and you’re not afraid of a little math, physics might just be the perfect field for you!
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Physics Cheat Sheet
| Concept | Definition | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Force | Push or pull on an object | Newtons (N) |
| Newton’s Laws | 1. Object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. 2. Force equals mass times acceleration. 3. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. | – |
| Energy | Ability to do work | Joules (J) |
| Kinetic Energy | Energy of motion | Joules (J) |
| Potential Energy | Energy stored in an object due to its position or condition | Joules (J) |
| Work | Force applied over a distance | Joules (J) |
| Power | The total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it | Watts (W) |
| Momentum | Mass times velocity of an object | Kilogram meters per second (kg m/s) |
| Conservation of Energy | Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed | – |
| Conservation of Momentum | The force of attraction between objects with mass | – |
| Gravity | Force of attraction between objects with mass | Newtons (N) |
| Electromagnetism | Interaction between electrically charged particles | – |
| Thermodynamics | Study of heat and energy transfer | – |
| Optics | Study of light and its behavior | – |
| Quantum Mechanics | Study of particles on the smallest scales | – |
Deep dive into one of the following Physics-related topics:
Electricity and Magnetism
- Understanding Mechanical Waves
- Electromagnetic Induction and Maxwell’s Equations
- Magnetism, Permanent Magnets, and Solenoids
- Exploring Magnetic Fields and Forces
- Understanding Capacitance and Dielectrics
- Electric Battery Explained
- What is a Diode?
- Understanding Solar Energy
- Energy Management of a Hybrid Car
- The Power of a AC Motor
Physics
- Understanding Mechanical Waves
- Electromagnetic Induction and Maxwell’s Equations
- Magnetism, Permanent Magnets, and Solenoids
- Exploring Magnetic Fields and Forces
- Understanding Capacitance and Dielectrics
- Understanding Moment of Inertia
- Energy vs Power
- Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
- Electrical Flux and Gauss’s Law
- Electric Potential and Energy