Physics

Scientists whose most historically significant work is in physics: the study of matter, energy, motion, and the fundamental forces, from classical mechanics through electromagnetism, thermodynamics, relativity, particle physics and quantum theory. Does not include chemists whose primary contribution is the composition and reaction of substances (see Chemistry) or astronomers whose primary contribution concerns celestial objects and cosmology (see Astronomy), even where their work leans heavily on physical law. A physicist who also worked in mathematics or chemistry is placed here when physics carries their single most significant legacy.