physics

The science of how matter and energy work, including movement, heat, light, sound, and electricity.

• I study physics at school.
• Our physics teacher explained how magnets work.
• Did you enjoy the physics lesson?

Common phrases: study physics, physics class, physics teacher, laws of physics

The ways matter, forces, and energy work in a particular situation or system.

• The physics of flight is fascinating.
• She explained the physics behind the crash.
• The game's physics makes falling objects look real.

How to use it: the physics of something (The book explains the physics of ocean waves.)

Common phrases: physics of flight, physics of something, understand the physics