Jonathan Hayman and Other Physicists Research Universe

Jonathan Hayman is a physicist who received his education at Columbia University. Physicists, such as Jonathan Hayman, normally work in four different areas of the field: particle physics, astrophysics, theoretical physics and experimental/applied physics.

Particle physicians deal in the extremes: the fastest computers, the coldest temperatures, the strongest magnets and the most complicated experiments. Particle physicians explore the universe from just after the Big Bang in the hopes of figuring where we came from and of what we are made. Scientists in particle physics deal with atoms, accelerators, particles and detectors.

Everything in the universe, every single thing – from the sun to your sofa – is made up of particles. Particle physicians examine what provides the basic composition of everything we see, feel and touch. A particle physician examines the miniature building block of the universe and how they interact to make the universe that exists today. Atoms are the most basic element of all things. The atom is so tiny that 100,000 atoms can fit across a human hair. Atoms contain a nucleus that is 10,000 times smaller than the atom and surrounded by electrons. Inside the nucleus are protons and neutrons and inside the protons and neutrons are particles called quarks. According to physicist Jonathan Hayman, a nucleus' quarks are "so tiny that they haven't even been measured yet," although we do know that a quark is at least 10,000 times smaller than the nucleus.

Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe. It deals with the physical properties of celestial objects such as galaxies, stars and planets. It deals with the temperature, composition and density of these objects. Because astrophysics is a very broad topic, people working in the field normally have a more select discipline such as electromagnetism, quantum mechanics or thermodynamics. Isaac Newton's discovery that the same laws that rule the dynamics of objects on Earth also rule the motion of planets and the moon is an early example of astrophysics.

Theoretical physics uses math models and physics abstractions to try and explain natural phenomena.

Physical theories are created after experimental results. Theoretical physics began more than 2,000 years ago with Greek philosophers. Galileo, Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein used math and physics to advance theoretical physics. More modern theoretical physics has attempted to explain issues of the universe that cannot be subjected to experiments. Black Hole thermodynamics, thermoeconomics and quantum thermodynamics are all examples of theoretical physics.

Experimental/applied physics is physics geared for a specific use. Everything from developing materials for fuel-cell applications to studying the physics of biological membranes falls under applied physics. Gathering data from physical phenomena is how experimental physics is put into practice. Researching complex oxides and nuclear technology are ways that experimental physics is put into action. Experimental and applied physicists often butt heads with theoretical physicists as theoretical physics is more concerned with explaining the physical properties of nature that acquiring knowledge about nature as in applied physics.