Physics is a broad scientific discipline that encompasses the study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter and energy. It involves the investigation of various phenomena, such as motion, forces, electricity, magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and more. Physics seeks to understand and explain the fundamental laws and principles that govern the universe at both macroscopic and microscopic scales.
Atomic physics, also known as nuclear physics, is a specialized branch of physics that focuses specifically on the study of atoms, their structure, and their interactions. It involves the investigation of the behavior of atomic nuclei, the properties and behavior of subatomic particles (such as protons, neutrons, and electrons), the forces acting within atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions, and the release and absorption of energy during such processes.
In essence, atomic physics is a subfield of physics that zooms in on the study of atoms and their constituents, whereas physics as a whole encompasses a much broader range of phenomena and encompasses other branches such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, and more.