Applied physics

Experiment using a laser
A magnetic resonance image

Applied physics is physics which is intended for a particular technological or practical use.[1] It is usually considered as a bridge or a connection between physics and engineering.[2]

"Applied" is distinguished from "pure" by a subtle combination of factors such as the motivation and attitude of researchers and the nature of the relationship to the technology or science that may be affected by the work.[3] 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 an engineering problem. This approach is similar to that of applied mathematics. In other words, applied physics is rooted in the fundamental truths and basic concepts of the physical sciences but is concerned with the utilization of these scientific principles in practical devices and systems.[4]

Applied physicists can also be interested in the use of physics for scientific research. For instance, the field of accelerator physics can contribute to research in theoretical physics by enabling design and construction of high-energy colliders.

Computer modeling of the space shuttle during re-entry

Examples of Research Areas

References

  1. ↑ "Applied Physics". ArticleWorld. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  2. ↑ "Applied Physics at Caltech - Overview". Caltech. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
  3. ↑ "General Information on Applied Physics". Stanford Department of Applied Physics. Archived from the original on 7 March 2007.
  4. ↑ "Department of Applied Physics / Major in Pure and Applied Physics". Waseda University. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Thursday, January 28, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.