I am sometimes asked, what is physics? I want to say that it is
the joy of discovering how nature works from the smallest particles
to the entire universe. I want to say that it is the thrill of
inventing or designing wonderful things like televisions, lasers,
computers, and rockets. I want to tell people that physics is
profoundly important to improving the human condition in medicine,
transportation, meteorology, geology, architecture, communications,
and technology. I want to say these things and more, but I am a
professional so I say what is expected of me, "physics is the
science of fundamental natural laws".
Perhaps you will study physics to explore Nature's mysteries or
to develop wonderful new products. Welcome! It is a challenging but
beautiful and rewarding adventure.
- Robert W. Finkel, Ph.D. Professor and Chair Department of
Physics