Physical science is an encompassing term for the branches of natural science and science that study non-living systems, in contrast to the biological sciences. However, the term "physical" creates an unintended, somewhat arbitrary distinction, since many branches of physical science also study biological phenomena.
The following is presented as an overview of and topical guide to physical science:
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General principles of the physical sciences
The foundations of the physical sciences rests upon key concepts and theories, each of which explains and/or models a particular aspect of the behavior of nature.
- Nuclear chemistry
- The nature of the atomic nucleus
- Characterization of radioactive decay, originally discovered by Henri Becquerel
- Organic chemistry, considered to have started in 1828 with the synthesis of urea by Friedrich Woehler
Basic principles of earth science
Earth science is the science of the planet Earth, the only known life-bearing planet. Its studies include the following:
- Rocks and minerals
- The water cycle and the process of transpiration
- Freshwater, surface water, groundwater
- Oceanography
- Geology
- Weathering and erosion
- Rocks
- Agrophysics
- Soil science
- Earth's tectonic structure
- Geomorphology and geophysics
- Physical geography
- Seismology: Stress, strain, and earthquakes
- Characteristics of mountains and volcanoes
- Characteristics and formation of fossils
- Atmosphere of earth
- Atmospheric pressure and winds
- Evaporation, condensation, and humidity
- Fog and clouds
- Meteorology, weather, climatology, and climate
- Hydrology, clouds and precipitation
- Air masses and weather fronts
- Major storms: thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes
- Major climate groups
- Speleology
Basic principles of physics
Physics is the "fundamental science" because the other natural sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, etc.) deal with systems that obey the laws of physics. The physical laws of matter, energy, and the forces of nature govern the interactions between particles (such as molecules, atoms, or subatomic particles). Some basic principles of physics are:
- Describing and measuring motion
- The theory of gravity
- Energy, work, and power
- Energy forms
- Energy conservation, conversion, and transfer.
- Energy source the transfer of energy from one source, to work in another.
- Kinetic Molecular Theory
- Phases of matter and phase changes
- Temperature and thermometers
- Energy and heat
- Heat flow: conduction, convection, and radiation
- The Three Laws of thermodynamics
- The principles of waves and sound
- The principles of electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism
- The principles, sources, and properties of light
Notable physical scientists
Universities offering named degrees in physical science
- Open University: BSc(Hons) Physical Science
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