Why Study Physics?

Whether you spend a lifetime studying physics, or just take one class, at least a few of the reasons listed below will make the effort well worthwhile.

Physics is Fundamental:

In many ways, Physics is the most basic of all sciences. It deals with motion and force and things that we all encounter on a daily basis in the "real world". Other sciences are built on Physics; notice the number of careers like Geo-Physics, Astro-Physics, Bio-Physics, and more that have "physics" in the title!

Physics is Social:

The best way to learn physics is to get together with some friends and talk about it. Explain stuff to each other. Discuss what happens and why. Pop up some popcorn and grab some cool beverages and work on homework problems together!

Physics Teaches you to Think:

In Physics you learn to take a complex system, break it down into the essential elements that make it interesting, and study each of the parts to make the whole complex problem understandable. This skill is useful in later careers, whether you study physics, engineering, economics, business, law, or almost any other field.

Physics is a Creative Subject:

In physics, you have to be resourceful and creative and somehow find a way to get to a solution. Sometimes there are many ways to solve a problem, some easy and others hard, and the challenge may be to find a better and more efficient way to get the job done.

Physics also allows you to take interesting problems you see in the world of sports, movies, or everyday life and do some calculations to see how things work.

Physics gives you a new appreciation of the world around you:

Students tell me all the time, "I was doing ___ and I saw ___ and the first thing I thought of was vectors and the equations we did in class."

Any time you start to apply what you learn in class to what you see in the real world, then I win.

Even better, if you have nightmares involving physics then I've really gotten into your head ... and I win again!

Physics is fun:

Lastly, studying physics gives you the opportunity of playing with a lot of really cool toys!