Learningscience.org. What is Physics The Answer may surprise you. As well as being concerned with deep fundamental questions, physics forms the basis of most present and future technology. Without an understanding of the basic physics of a problem, we'd be shooting in the dark. For example, when compact disc players were developed, it was crucial that the physics of solid-state lasers and the interaction of light with matter were well understood. This in turn depended on an understanding of atomic physics and quantum mechanics. Other new technological developments depend on modern physics in a similar way. One of the key ideas in physics is that behind the complexity of the world around us, there is an underlying simplicity and unity in nature. Apart from its importance and flexibility, physics is fascinating and can be fun.
What do Physicists do? The employment prospects for those with qualifications in physics are generally good. Author: Philip Diamond, Manager, Higher Education & Research, Institute of Physics. What is Physics. The Office of Science - What is Physics. Physics 2000.