A physicist is a scientist who specializes in the field of physics, which is the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. Physicists seek to understand the underlying principles that govern the behavior of the universe, from the smallest particles, like atoms and subatomic particles, to the largest structures, such as galaxies and the cosmos itself.
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A physicist investigates physical phenomena through experiments, observations, mathematical models and computation. Quantitative predictions connect a physical theory's assumptions with measurements, while discrepancies can expose missing effects or a failed mathematical model.
Experimental and theoretical work often interact: a new measurement can motivate a new description, and a physical theory can suggest which quantities to measure or which background effects must be excluded. The specialized lists organize individual contributions by their main subject.
