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Were you addicted to the FX series Devs?
Did you ever wonder how the quantum computer worked?
Did you get sucked into HBO's Westworld and its super computer contemplating free will?
Or did you identify with Sheldon Cooper's love for physics in the hit TV show "The Big Bang Theory"?
If you answered yes to any of these questions and have an endless curiosity about how the world works, a career as a physicist may be for you!
Two Paths In Physics
There are two general paths in physics: applied and theoretical.
Applied: use physics to solve practical problems in the here and now. There is a practical goal. For example, designing a more cost efficient car with less drag and more horsepower.
Theoretical: ask the big questions in life. For example, how did life evolve from nonliving matter?
Quiz
Which of the following is an example of theoretical physics?
Finding the first particles of the universe is an example of theoretical physics because it focuses on explaining a natural phenomena instead of creating better technology or ending in a practical goal.
What Physicists Do
Develop scientific theories that explain natural phenomena.
Use complex mathematical equations to explain discoveries in astronomy.
Plan and conduct scientific experiments testing different properties of matter and energy.
Write proposals and apply for research funding.
Design new scientific equipment and develop computer software to analyze data.
Write scientific papers to publish in scholarly journals.
Physics Is For You
If you enjoy hands on experiments.
If you are curious about everything!
If you like to ask hard, open-ended questions.
If you enjoy problem solving.
Quiz
You should be a physicist if the thought of using the equation Fr = v āgā :
If this equation fills you with joy, you will love to solve physics problems!
Think Twice
You might not want this career if:
math is your enemy.
memorizing formulas, theories, and principlesis impossible.
abstract concepts do not interest you.
you don't often wonder how anything works.
Who Is The Future Physicist?
Olivia loves softball and uses a computer program to analyze the speed, spin, and path of pitches.
Dave is fascinated by bridges and wonders if it's possible to create a bridge from California all the way to Hawaii!
Tiffany is an amateur astronomer who stares at the stars through her telescope and reads everything she can find about what stars are made of.
Quiz
The future physicist is . . .
All three young people show curiosity for the world and how things work and could become great physicists.
In the US, the median income for a physicist is 114, 590 
In Canada, the median income for a physicist is 77, 146 
This Byte has been authored by
Lonette Robertson
Veteran Teacher | Instructional Designer