Physicist

[1][2] Physicists generally are interested in the root or ultimate causes of phenomena, and usually frame their understanding in mathematical terms.

[3][4][5] The study and practice of physics is based on an intellectual ladder of discoveries and insights from ancient times to the present.

Many mathematical and physical ideas used today found their earliest expression in the work of ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonian astronomers and Egyptian engineers, the Greek philosophers of science and mathematicians such as Thales of Miletus, Euclid in Ptolemaic Egypt, Archimedes of Syracuse and Aristarchus of Samos.

Roots also emerged in ancient Asian cultures such as India and China, and particularly the Islamic medieval period, which saw the development of scientific methodology emphasising experimentation, such as the work of Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen) in the 11th century.

The experimental discoveries of Faraday and the theory of Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism were developmental high points during the 19th century.

Specific categories emerged, such as "biology" and "biologist", "physics" and "physicist", "chemistry" and "chemist", among other technical fields and titles.

[8][9][10] Physics students also need training in mathematics (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, complex analysis, etc.

Achieving chartered status in any profession denotes to the wider community a high level of specialised subject knowledge and professional competence.

According to the Institute of Physics, holders of the award of the Chartered Physicist (CPhys) demonstrate the "highest standards of professionalism, up-to-date expertise, quality and safety" along with "the capacity to undertake independent practice and exercise leadership" as well as "commitment to keep pace with advancing knowledge and with the increasing expectations and requirements for which any profession must take responsibility".

To get the certification, at minimum proof of honours bachelor or higher degree in physics or a closely related discipline must be provided.

An exemption can be granted to a candidate that has practiced physics for at least seven years and provide a detailed description of their professional accomplishments which clearly demonstrate that the exam is not necessary.

Albert Einstein , a key theoretical physicist in the 20th century who developed the theory of relativity and parts of early quantum theory
In an 18th-century experiment in "natural philosophy" (later to be called "physics") English scientist Francis Hauksbee works with an early electrostatic generator.
Experimental physicists at work at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä (Finland)