physics
gb/fˈɪzɪks/ us/fˈɪzɪks/
B1
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
B1
entity
1
science of matter and energy
The study of matter, energy, and how they affect each other.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'physics' (science subject) with 'physical' (relating to the body or tangible things).
Synonyms
physical science (Broader category that includes physics along with chemistry, astronomy, etc.)
Antonyms
metaphysics (Deals with abstract concepts beyond physical reality, unlike physics which studies the physical world.)
Collocations
study physics
|physics teacher
|physics experiment
|physics class
|physics textbook
Themes
science
|education
|research
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She decided to major in physics at university.
- Physics explains why planets orbit the sun.
- The laws of physics govern how objects move and interact.
- He is doing research in particle physics.
- Physics can be challenging but also very rewarding.
Learner examples
- I have a physics class today.
- Physics is my favorite subject.
- We learn about motion in physics.
- My brother studies physics at school.
Grammar
Dictionary form
physics
IPA
GB/fˈɪzɪks/
US/fˈɪzɪks/
Syllables & stress
phys - ics (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (phys)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: physics
- Plural: physics
Word family
Expressions
classical physics
1/klˈæsɪkəl fˈɪzɪks/
fixed phrase
technical
pre-modern physical theories
Physics based on older theories before quantum mechanics and relativity.
Examples
- Classical physics works well for everyday objects and speeds.
- In school, we first study classical physics.
laws of physics
1/lˈɔz əv fˈɪzɪks/
fixed phrase
technical
basic rules of physical science
The basic scientific rules that explain how the physical world works.
Examples
- The laws of physics cannot be broken.
- Engineers must follow the laws of physics when designing structures.
- Science fiction sometimes imagines breaking the laws of physics.
nuclear physics
1/nˈukliɚ fˈɪzɪks/
fixed phrase
technical
study of atomic nuclei
The part of physics that studies the center of atoms and how they change.
Examples
- Nuclear physics is important for understanding nuclear power plants.
- She works in the field of nuclear physics.
particle physics
1/pˈɑɹtɪkəl fˈɪzɪks/
fixed phrase
technical
study of subatomic particles
The part of physics that studies the smallest parts of matter, like protons and electrons.
Examples
- Particle physics experiments are done in large accelerators.
- She is pursuing a PhD in particle physics.
quantum physics
1/kwˈɔntəm fˈɪzɪks/
fixed phrase
technical
physics based on quantum theory
Physics that uses quantum ideas to describe how very small particles and energy behave.
Examples
- Quantum physics challenges our everyday understanding of reality.
- Quantum physics has led to technologies like lasers and MRI scanners.
- He is fascinated by quantum physics theories.
- He became interested in quantum physics after watching a documentary.