Physical science is the branch of the natural sciences studying the nature excluding living systems. It includes non-biologic chemistry, physical chemistry, physics and earth sciences and is contrasted with biological science. The distinction is somewhat arbitrary, as there are many overlappings between physical and biological natural sciences. Furthermore, the term physical science, like the term natural science which is used in Wikipedia categories to include both physical science and biological science, is used to distinguish them from the social sciences. Additional distinctions are sometimes made between the physical sciences and applied science.
Physical science includes the sub-branches of aerodynamics, astronomy and astrophysics, classical mechanics, civil engineering, data physics, electrical engineering, energy, geography, geology, mechanical engineering, physical chemistry, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics. Sometimes mathematics is also included, though more commonly it is considered a separate science or theoretical practice, more akin to philosophy.