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Physicists explore and identify basic principles and laws governing motion and gravitation, the macroscopic and microscopic behavior of gases, and the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer between energy, and the interaction of matter and energy. Some physicists use these principles in theoretical areas, such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe; others apply their knowledge of physics to practical areas, such as the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment.

Physicists design and perform experiments with lasers, particle accelerators, telescopes, mass spectrometers, and other equipment. On the basis of their observations and analysis, they attempt to discover and explain laws describing the forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. Physicists also find ways to apply physical laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communications, aerospace technology, and medical instrumentation.

Astronomy is sometimes considered a subfield of physics. Astronomers use the principles of physics and mathematics to learn about the fundamental nature of the universe, including the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. They also apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications and to develop the instrumentation and techniques used to observe and collect astronomical data.

Most physicists work in research and development. Some do basic research to increase scientific knowledge. Physicists who conduct applied research build upon the discoveries made through basic research and work to develop new devices, products, and processes. For example, basic research in solid-state physics led to the development of transistors and, then, integrated circuits used in computers.

Physicists also design research equipment, which often has additional unanticipated uses. For example, lasers are used in surgery, microwave devices function in ovens, and measuring instruments can analyze blood or the chemical content of foods. A small number of physicists work in inspection, testing, quality control and other production-related jobs in industry.

Much physics research is done in small or medium-sized laboratories. However, experiments in plasma, nuclear, and high-energy physics, as well as in some other areas of physics, require extremely large, expensive equipment, such as particle accelerators. Physicists in these subfields often work in large teams. Although physics research may require extensive experimentation in laboratories, research physicists still spend time in offices planning, recording, analyzing, and reporting on research.

Almost all astronomers do research. Some are theoreticians, working on the laws governing the structure and evolution of astronomical objects. Others analyze large quantities of data gathered by observatories and satellites and write scientific papers or reports on their findings. Some astronomers actually operate large space- or ground-based telescopes, usually as part of a team. However, astronomers may spend only a few weeks each year making observations with optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and other instruments. For many years, satellites and other space-based instruments, such as the Hubble space telescope, have provided prodigious amounts of astronomical data. New technology resulting in improvements in analytical techniques and instruments, such as computers and optical telescopes and mounts, is leading to a resurgence in ground-based research. A small number of astronomers work in museums housing planetariums. These astronomers develop and revise programs presented to the public and may direct planetarium operations.

Physicists generally specialize in one of many subfields: elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, physics of condensed matter (solid-state physics), optics, acoustics, space physics, plasma physics, or the physics of fluids. Some specialize in a subdivision of one of these subfields. For example, within condensed-matter physics, specialties include superconductivity, crystallography, and semiconductors. However, all physics involves the same fundamental principles, so specialties may overlap, and physicists may switch from one subfield to another. Also, growing numbers of physicists work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics.

Task	Level of Importance	Frequency
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.	4.56	Yearly or more (37.50%)
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.	4.53	Daily (34.38%)
Present research findings at scientific conferences, and in papers written for scientific journals.	4.47	Yearly or more (75.00%)
Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.	4.30	Yearly or more (40.00%)
Develop theories based on personal observations, or on observations and theories of other astronomers.	4.28	Yearly or more (37.50%)
Raise funds for scientific research.	4.22	Yearly or more (62.50%)
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.	4.16	Daily (31.25%)
Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.	3.83	Yearly or more (27.59%)
Teach astronomy or astrophysics.	3.52	Weekly or more (45.16%)
Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.	3.23	Yearly or more (53.33%)
Calculate orbits, and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.	3.22	Yearly or more (42.31%)
Direct the operations of a planetarium.	2.12	Yearly or less (64.71%)

Importance Interacting With Computers [ ? ]  4.91 Analyzing Data or Information [ ? ]  4.84 Getting Information [ ? ]  4.81 Thinking Creatively [ ? ]  4.72 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge [ ? ]  4.69 Processing Information [ ? ]  4.66 Making Decisions and Solving Problems [ ? ]  4.47 Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events [ ? ]  4.44 Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information [ ? ]  4.28 Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others [ ? ]  4.03 Documenting/Recording Information [ ? ]  3.94 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates [ ? ]  3.91 Communicating with Persons Outside Organization [ ? ]  3.66 Training and Teaching Others [ ? ]  3.66 Developing Objectives and Strategies [ ? ]  3.56 Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work [ ? ]  3.56 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships [ ? ]  3.22 Coaching and Developing Others [ ? ]  3.06 Provide Consultation and Advice to Others [ ? ]  3.03 Developing and Building Teams [ ? ]  2.94 Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People [ ? ]  2.91 Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates [ ? ]  2.91 Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings [ ? ]  2.84 Scheduling Work and Activities [ ? ]  2.78 Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others [ ? ]  2.69 Monitoring and Controlling Resources [ ? ]  2.56 Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards [ ? ]  2.50 Selling or Influencing Others [ ? ]  2.47 Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material [ ? ]  2.38 Performing Administrative Activities [ ? ]  2.31 Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others [ ? ]  2.25 Performing for or Working Directly with the Public [ ? ]  2.16 Staffing Organizational Units [ ? ]  2.16 Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment [ ? ]  2.06 Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment [ ? ]  2.03 Controlling Machines and Processes [ ? ]  1.94 Assisting and Caring for Others [ ? ]  1.50 Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment [ ? ]  1.47 Handling and Moving Objects [ ? ]  1.38 Performing General Physical Activities [ ? ]  1.31 Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment [ ? ]  1.28

Level Getting Information [ ? ]  6.66 Analyzing Data or Information [ ? ]  6.66 Thinking Creatively [ ? ]  6.66 Processing Information [ ? ]  6.38 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge [ ? ]  6.25 Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events [ ? ]  6.16 Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information [ ? ]  5.84 Making Decisions and Solving Problems [ ? ]  5.75 Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others [ ? ]  5.63 Training and Teaching Others [ ? ]  5.47 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates [ ? ]  5.28 Communicating with Persons Outside Organization [ ? ]  5.28 Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work [ ? ]  5.19 Interacting With Computers [ ? ]  5.19 Documenting/Recording Information [ ? ]  5.06 Provide Consultation and Advice to Others [ ? ]  4.66 Coaching and Developing Others [ ? ]  4.59 Developing Objectives and Strategies [ ? ]  4.28 Scheduling Work and Activities [ ? ]  4.13 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships [ ? ]  4.13 Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates [ ? ]  4.13 Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People [ ? ]  4.09 Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others [ ? ]  4.09 Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings [ ? ]  4.00 Developing and Building Teams [ ? ]  3.97 Monitoring and Controlling Resources [ ? ]  3.88 Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others [ ? ]  3.50 Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment [ ? ]  3.38 Performing Administrative Activities [ ? ]  3.31 Selling or Influencing Others [ ? ]  3.25 Performing for or Working Directly with the Public [ ? ]  3.06 Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards [ ? ]  3.00 Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material [ ? ]  2.97 Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment [ ? ]  2.94 Staffing Organizational Units [ ? ]  2.88 Controlling Machines and Processes [ ? ]  2.13 Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment [ ? ]  1.53 Assisting and Caring for Others [ ? ]  1.31 Handling and Moving Objects [ ? ]  1.09 Performing General Physical Activities [ ? ]  0.66 Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment [ ? ]  0.59