It is not entirely accurate to categorize classical physics as solely based on experimentally proven facts and modern physics as relying solely on theoretical calculations. Both classical and modern physics utilize a combination of experimental observations, empirical evidence, and theoretical calculations to develop our understanding of the physical world.
Classical physics, which encompasses Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics, among other areas, indeed relies heavily on experimental observations and measurements. Scientists like Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell formulated mathematical equations that accurately described the behavior of macroscopic objects and electromagnetic phenomena. These theories were developed based on empirical data obtained through experiments and observations.
However, it is important to note that even in classical physics, theoretical calculations play a crucial role. The mathematical equations and models derived from experimental observations allow scientists to make predictions, explain phenomena, and solve complex problems. Theoretical calculations in classical physics are used to derive formulas, establish relationships between variables, and analyze the behavior of physical systems.
In modern physics, which includes areas such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and particle physics, the role of theoretical calculations becomes more prominent. This is partly due to the fact that modern physics deals with phenomena that occur on smaller scales, at higher energies, or in extreme conditions that are not easily accessible to direct experimentation.
In modern physics, theoretical frameworks and mathematical models are developed to describe the behavior of particles, the structure of spacetime, and the fundamental forces of nature. These theories are then tested through a combination of experimental observations, indirect measurements, and theoretical predictions. Experiments in modern physics often require sophisticated and advanced technologies to probe the subatomic or cosmological realms.
It is worth noting that the boundary between experimental and theoretical physics is not rigid. The two aspects are intertwined, and advancements in one often inform and guide the other. Experimental discoveries can lead to the development of new theoretical models, and theoretical calculations can guide the design and interpretation of experiments. The scientific process involves a continuous interplay between experimentation, observation, and theoretical understanding, both in classical and modern physics.