Theoretical Physics

Albert Einstein

Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena.

Key Words:

Models  -  A mathematical model can be defined as a description of a system using mathematical concepts and language to facilitate proper explanation of a system or to study the effects of different components and to make predictions on patterns of behavior.

Abstractions -   the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.

Rationalize -  is an attempt to explain or justify (one's own or another's behavior or attitude) with logical, plausible reasons, even if these are not true or appropriate.

Phenomenon -  A phenomenon is an extraordinary occurrence or circumstance. ... Like many words with Greek roots, phenomenon started out as a science term. Scientists used it (and still do) to describe any event or fact that could be observed, amazing or not.

What got me involved with this was an article I read about Einstein explaining the concept of gravity.  His first thought was making the assumption (that was later proved to be correct) that the universe is curved...  Once that concept was established, he imagined 4 people hold the corners of a square blanket as tight as they could.  This done, a ball was placed in the middle of the tight blanket and stayed exactly where it was placed.  The ball was removed.  Following this action, the 4 people were told to loosen the tightness at each of their corners.  Next, a ball was placed at the side of the blanket in between two of the people holding the blanket and instantly rolled into the middle of the blanket where it remained.

Loosening the blanket represented the curved universe.  The ball rolling into the center of the blanket represented the force of gravity.  The ball represented earth.