应用物理学（applied physics）指的是针对实际用途而进行的物理研究。

物理学通常视做一种基础科学，而非应用科学。物理学也被认为是基础科学中的基础科学，因为其它自然科学的分支，像化学、天文学、地球物理学、生物学的理论都必须遵守物理定律。。例如，化学研究物质的性质、结构、化学反应（化学专注于原子尺寸， 这是化学与物理的主要界线）。结构的形成是因为粒子与粒子之间彼此施加静电力于对方。能量守恒、质量守恒、电荷守恒等等，这些物理定律主导了物质性质，化学反应。

应用物理学的课程规画通常会选修一些应用学科的课程，像地质学或电机工程学。应用物理学与工程学不同，应用物理学不会特别地设计某种组件或机器，而是用物理理论或从事物理研究来发展某种新科技或解析某问题。

Applied physics is physics which is intended for a particular technological or practical use. It is usually considered as a bridge or a connection between physics and engineering.

"Applied" is distinguished from "pure" by a subtle combination of factors such as the motivation and attitude of researchers and the nature of the relationship to the technology or science that may be affected by the work. It usually differs from engineering in that an applied physicist may not be designing something in particular, but rather is using physics or conducting physics research with the aim of developing new technologies or solving an engineering problem. This approach is similar to that of applied mathematics. In other words, applied physics is rooted in the fundamental truths and basic concepts of the physical sciences but is concerned with the utilization of these scientific principles in practical devices and systems.