Editing Physics (section)

===Fundamental vs. applied physics===
{{Main|Applied physics}}

Physics is a branch of [[fundamental science]] (also called basic science). Physics is also called "''the'' fundamental science" because all branches of natural science including chemistry, astronomy, geology, and biology are constrained by laws of physics.<ref name="feynmanleightonsands1963v1ch3">[https://feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/I_03.html The Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol. I Ch. 3: The Relation of Physics to Other Sciences]; see also [[reductionism]] and [[special sciences]]</ref> Similarly, chemistry is often called [[the central science]] because of its role in linking the physical sciences. For example, chemistry studies properties, structures, and [[chemical reaction|reactions]] of matter (chemistry's focus on the molecular and atomic scale [[Difference between chemistry and physics|distinguishes it from physics]]). Structures are formed because particles exert electrical forces on each other, properties include physical characteristics of given substances, and reactions are bound by laws of physics, like [[conservation of energy]], [[Conservation of mass|mass]], and [[charge conservation|charge]]. Fundamental physics seeks to better explain and understand phenomena in all spheres, without a specific practical application as a goal, other than the deeper insight into the phenomema themselves.

[[File:Prediction of sound scattering from Schroeder Diffuser.jpg|thumb|upright|left|An [[acoustic engineering]] model of sound reflecting from an acoustic diffuser, implemented with classical physics]]
[[File:Archimedes-screw one-screw-threads with-ball 3D-view animated small.gif|thumb|[[Archimedes' screw]], a [[simple machine]] for lifting]]

Applied physics is a general term for physics research and development that is intended for a particular use. An applied physics curriculum usually contains a few classes in an applied discipline, like geology or electrical engineering. It usually differs from engineering in that an applied physicist may not be designing something in particular, but rather is using physics or conducting physics research with the aim of developing new technologies or solving a problem.

The approach is similar to that of [[applied mathematics]]. Applied physicists use physics in scientific research. For instance, people working on [[accelerator physics]] might seek to build better [[particle detector]]s for research in theoretical physics.

Physics is used heavily in engineering. For example, statics, a subfield of [[mechanics]], is used in the building of bridges and other static structures. The understanding and use of acoustics results in sound control and better concert halls; similarly, the use of optics creates better optical devices. An understanding of physics makes for more realistic [[flight simulator]]s, video games, and movies, and is often critical in [[forensic]] investigations.
[[File:Military laser experiment.jpg|thumb|Experiment using a [[laser]]]]

With the [[Uniformitarianism (science)|standard consensus]] that the [[Scientific law|laws]] of physics are universal and do not change with time, physics can be used to study things that would ordinarily be mired in [[uncertainty]]. For example, in the study of the origin of the Earth, a physicist can reasonably model Earth's mass, temperature, and rate of rotation, as a function of time allowing the extrapolation forward or backward in time and so predict future or prior events. It also allows for simulations in engineering that speed up the development of a new technology.

There is also considerable [[interdisciplinarity]], so many other important fields are influenced by physics (e.g., the fields of [[econophysics]] and [[sociophysics]]).