Based upon the brief descriptions provided in the figure, which subfield of physics would you say is involved in explaining why an ice-cube melts? Table 1.2
The Major Subfields of Physics
Mechanics. The study of forces and motion
Thermodynamics. The study of temperature, heat, and energy
Electricity and Magnetism. The study of electric and magnetic
forces and electric current
Optics. The study of light
Atomic Physics. The study of the structure and behavior of atoms.
Nuclear Physics. The study of the nucleus of the atom.
Particle Physics. The study of subatomic particles (quarks, etc.).
Condensed Matter Physics. The study of the properties of matter
in the solid and liquid states.