Classical physics traditionally includes the fields of mechanics, optics, electricity, magnetism, acoustics and thermodynamics. The term Modern physics is normally used for fields which rely heavily on quantum theory, including quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, particle physics and condensed matter physics. General and special relativity are usually considered to be part of modern physics as well.

Fundamental Concepts Classical Physics Modern Physics Cross Discipline Topics
Sound Acoustics Transport Phenomena Geophysics
Motion Solid Mechanics Fluid Mechanics Nanotechnology
Space Classical Mechanics General Relativity Mathematical Physics
Time Special Relativity Quantum Mechanics Quantum Field Theory
Matter States of Matter Higgs mechanism Chemical Physics
Energy Heat Transfer Plasma Physics Materials Science
Electromagnetism Electrodynamics Quantum Electrodynamics Chemical Bonds
Electrons Solid State Condensed Matter Electronics
Strong interaction Nuclear Physics Quantum Chromodynamics Grand Unified Theory
Weak interaction Atomic Physics Electroweak theory Radioactivity
Light Optics Particle Physics Photonics
Information Thermodynamics Statistical Mechanics Information science
Gravity Gravitational Field Quantum Gravity String theory
Complexity Dynamical system Complex System Emergence
Life Biophysics Quantum Biology Astrobiology
Conscience Neurophysics Quantum mind Quantum brain dynamics
Unification Standard Model Grand Unified Theory Theory of Everything
Cosmos Astrophysics Cosmology Multiverse