Outline of physical science

Physical science is an encompassing term for the branches of natural science and science that study non-living systems, in contrast to the life 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:

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.

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
  • Newton's laws of motion
  • Forces, weight, and mass
  • Momentum and conservation of momentum
• The theory of gravity
• Energy, work, and power
  • Motion, position, and energy
• 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

Basic principles of chemistry

Chemistry, built upon physical concepts, addresses phenomena associated with the structure, composition and energetics of matter and the changes it undergoes. Often known as the central science, chemistry connects the fundamental laws of physics to engineering and other natural sciences such as biology, earth science, astronomy and material science

Chemistry, the central science, Partial ordering of the sciences proposed by Balaban and Klein.

• Physical chemistry
  • Chemical thermodynamics
  • Reaction kinetics
  • Molecular structure
  • Quantum chemistry
  • Spectroscopy
• Theoretical chemistry
  • Electron configuration
  • Molecular modelling
  • Molecular dynamics
  • Statistical mechanics
• Computational chemistry
  • Mathematical chemistry
  • Cheminformatics
• Nuclear chemistry
  • The nature of the atomic nucleus
  • Characterization of radioactive decay
  • Nuclear reactions
• Organic chemistry
  • Organic compounds
  • Organic reaction
  • Functional groups
  • Organic synthesis
• Inorganic chemistry
  • Inorganic compounds
  • Crystal structure
  • Coordination chemistry
  • Solid-state chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Analytical chemistry
  • Instrumental analysis
  • Electroanalytical method
  • Wet chemistry
• Electrochemistry
  • Redox reaction
• Materials chemistry

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:

• The water cycle and the process of transpiration
• Freshwater, surface water, and ice
• Oceanography
• Geology
  • Weathering and erosion
  • Rocks
• Agrophysics
• Soil science
  • Pedogenesis
  • Soil fertility
• 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
  • Cave

Notable physical scientists

• List of physicists
• List of chemists

Universities offering named degrees in physical science

• Open University: BSc(Hons) Physical Science
• University of Amsterdam: MSc Physics/Chemistry, Track: Physical Sciences

External links