Is theoretical or experimental physics better?

The Experimental Physics provide the empirical data that allows us to know where we are up to. Neither can happen in vacuum. The truth is the Experimentalist have over the last 100 years been much, much more effective than the Theoretical Physicist which have frankly produce a lot of drivel.

Can you do research in theoretical physics?

Having said that, doing research by your own is NOT impossible and I believe theoretical physics is coming to a crisis like it did in 1900’s, so new approaches will be needed. You will need pen, paper, books, access to some journals and probably a computer that can do calculations.

How do you choose theoretical and experimental physics?

An experimental physicist is an electrician/plumber on the side, while a theoretical physicist is a mathematician/computer scientist on the side. Most of the domain specific knowledge for experimental physics comes from working in a research lab, not by taking a class about it.

What is the difference between experimental physics and theoretical physics?

Based on the definition above, theoretical physics provides the theory and data about the universe while experimental physics provides the methodology and tools for testing the theory and analyzing the data, as well as insights on how to better acquire the data for future theorization.

Is Galileo Galilee a theoretical physicist?

On the other hand, Galileo Galilee and Sir Isaac Newton are both experimental physicists and theoretical physicist. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of physicists under each subset of physics is also important in appreciating the distinction between theoretical physics and experimental physics.

Who are some of the most famous theoretical physicists?

Some of the notable theoretical physicists in history were Albert Einstein, Erwin Schrödinger, and Stephen Hawking. On the other hand, Galileo Galilee and Sir Isaac Newton are both experimental physicists and theoretical physicist.