Physicist: Job Description

US only-> Education and Training: Doctoral degree

Salary: Median—$87,450 per year

Employment Outlook: Fair

Definition and Nature of the Work

Physicists are scientists who investigate motion and gravity, the behavior of gases, the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interaction between matter and energy. They identify basic forces and laws of nature. Theoretical physicists investigate these areas without thought to practical application, concerning themselves with concepts such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe. Other physicists apply their knowledge of physics to practical matters, such as the development of computers, transistors, laser beams, microwave appliances, communications satellites, and a wide variety of other devices. They solve problems in industry, medicine, defense, and other fields.

Physicists work at colleges and universities, independent research centers, hospitals, and government agencies. Many work in private industry, especially for companies that make chemicals, electrical equipment, missiles, and aircraft. Some physicists spend most of their time doing research. Others teach physics and related science courses.

Physics is a very broad science. Many physicists specialize in one branch. For example, nuclear physicists study the structure of atomic nuclei and the way that they interact with one another. Nuclear physicists sometimes use particle accelerators to smash nuclei as an aid to their research. Their work has led to the development of nuclear power plants and the use of radioactive substances that help medical doctors diagnose illness.

Solid-state physicists study the structure and properties of such materials as metals and alloys. They may grow synthetic crystals in a laboratory. The work of solid-state physicists led to the development of the transistor. Health physicists devise equipment to detect harmful radiation. They design and supervise radiation protection programs for nuclear power plants, hospitals, and industries that use radioactive materials. Astrophysicists develop instruments for observation and experimentation in space. Optical physicists are interested in how to control light. Their research on lasers has already been applied to everything from eye surgery to cutting tools. Elementary particle physicists study atomic and subatomic particles. Fluid and plasma physicists investigate the properties of liquids and gases. Plasma physicists are interested in electrically charged fluids, while fluid physicists are interested in uncharged fluids. Plasma physicists help in such areas as reentry of space vehicles into the atmosphere. Acoustical physicists study shock, vibration, underwater sound, and noise. Biophysicists research the medical application of physics. They are responsible for the development of the betatron for radiation therapy.

Source:The Gale Group, education.com