Physics

Physics is concerned with the most fundamental properties and phenomena of nature. It employs mathematics as a language in order to describe relationships and laws in nature. It is concerned both with the smallest, subatomic natural phenomena as well as with the largest, cosmic phenomena and is therefore closely connected with chemistry and astronomy.

Physics can be roughly split up into the two areas of theoretical physics and experimental physics, which exist in a constant interaction with one another. Experimental physics seeks on the one hand to demonstrate by experiment the hypotheses put forward by theoretical physics, and on the other hand for its part sets up empirical models, which are conceptualised in formulas to form new theories.

The main specialist areas and areas of application of physics are included in the two subsections of instruments and nuclear physics in section G of the International Patent Classification (IPC).