What do I get to do if I become a theoretical physicist?

Question

Do I do maths all day? Do I become well known like Michio Kaku? Famous like Einstein? Do I become a boring old man?

I want to become a theoretical physicist but I still haven't managed to find out what they actually do in their daily lives as theoretical physicists.

Answer 1

The most active frontier in theoretical physics today is string theory, M-brane theory, quantum gravity, and related areas. They are VERY math-intensive. You make or change a mathematical model that you think represents real-world fields, forces, and particles. Then you exercise that model on lots of situations to see if its predictions match what's observed. Computers can be a big help. You write up your work accurately and provide supporting data. You discuss your work with colleagues. And argue. And fight. Sometimes you change your mind, sometimes they change their mind. You do the same kind of politics as in other fields to get funding, and to keep your ideas from being stolen or ignored. Trouble is, your adversaries are geniuses, so the fighting and politics can be rather complex.

Theoretical physics is just one little part of physics, which is just one little part of science. You have plenty to learn about science and about yourself before you need to make that decision.

Few become famous. Most scientists don't know Dr. Kaku. Very few non-scientists would know of him. Think of how many living scientists you can name.

I can't think of any intelligent person I've met who is boring. Some lack social skills, but most make the effort to develop them. Whether you become old depends a lot on the other choices you make in life: diet, exercise, safety, moderation, etc.

Answer 2

i would think that before you decide you want to become something...you would have done ur home-work to find out exactly what you it is and what you would be doing.

Answer 3

theoretically you could do whatever you want