Why study Physics, Physical Science, and Astronomy?
Physics is the basis of science and technology. The laws of physics describe the behavior of matter and energy and help us to understand the physical world. On the smallest scale, physicists study quarks, nuclei, atoms,and other basic constituents of matter. They also study the mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermal properties of solids, liquids, gasses, and plasmas. On the grand scale, physicists and astronomers study stars and galaxies, and apply physical principles to questions about the nature of the universe. More than 50,000 physicists work in industry, educational institutions, state and federal government, and nonprofit research centers in the United States. Some of them perform basic research in physics, while others apply their knowledge to solve human problems in such areas as energy sources, environmental protection, medicine, transportation, communication, meteorology, geology, and defense. These researchers are supported by those who teach science and engineering, provi
