Chemical physics is a branch of science that combines principles from both chemistry and physics to study the physical properties and behavior of chemical systems. It focuses on understanding how chemical reactions occur at a molecular level, often using techniques from quantum mechanics to explain the interactions between atoms and molecules. Researchers in chemical physics explore various phenomena, such as spectroscopy, which analyzes how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation, and thermodynamics, which examines energy changes during chemical processes. This interdisciplinary field helps to bridge gaps between theoretical concepts and practical applications in areas like materials science and nanotechnology.