How do physics and chemistry differ in their main areas of study?

In the context of physical science, the boundary between physics and chemistry is often considered arbitrary, as both fields are deeply interconnected through their study of matter and energy. However, they differ primarily in their focus and scope:1

• Physics is the fundamental science concerned with the structure of matter and the interactions between the fundamental constituents of the universe. Physicists generally investigate the general properties shared by all matter, ranging from subatomic particles to the largest extragalactic scales, and seek to formulate comprehensive, universal laws governing motion and force.21
• Chemistry focuses on the properties, interactions, and transformations of molecules, elements, and compounds. Chemists are typically more interested in the specific behaviors and reactions of these substances.1

While these distinctions exist, fields like physical chemistry bridge the gap by applying physical principles—such as quantum mechanics and thermodynamics—to explain the quantitative aspects of chemical processes and reactions.34