Claim: Stephen Hawking is a scientist.

Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize , explain and predict natural phenomena . This is in contrast to experimental physics , which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena .   The advancement of science depends in general on the interplay between experimental studies and theory . In some cases , theoretical physics adheres to standards of mathematical rigor while giving little weight to experiments and observations.There is some debate as to whether or not theoretical physics uses mathematics to build intuition and illustrativeness to extract physical insight -LRB- especially when normal experience fails -RRB- , rather than as a tool in formalizing theories . This links to the question of it using mathematics in a less formally rigorous , and more intuitive or heuristic way than , say , mathematical physics . For example , while developing special relativity , Albert Einstein was concerned with the Lorentz transformation which left Maxwell 's equations invariant , but was apparently uninterested in the Michelson -- Morley experiment on Earth 's drift through a luminiferous ether . Conversely , Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for explaining the photoelectric effect , previously an experimental result lacking a theoretical formulation .