Is physics suitable for someone who likes understanding why things happen more than building things?
Yes, physics is generally a good fit for someone who is more interested in why things happen. It emphasizes explaining natural phenomena through fundamental laws, mathematics, and experiments. However, physics also includes practical learning such as experiments, measurement, and data analysis; whether students build apparatus, and to what extent, varies by program. An interest in mathematical reasoning is also important.
Key points
- Physics focuses on modeling phenomena with laws and equations, then making and testing predictions.
- Laboratory work, measurement, and data analysis can be part of learning that tests theory.
- If your main interest is designing and building products or devices, engineering fields may also be worth comparing.
Things to check
- The amount of laboratory work and whether or how much apparatus-building is involved varies by university, department, and course, so check the official curriculum and course descriptions.