Final answer:
The field of physics that studies masses in motion is called kinematics, which is a branch of classical mechanics. While kinetics relates to chemical reaction rates, kinematics specifically deals with motion irrespective of the forces involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of masses in motion falls under the field of kinematics, which is a subfield of classical mechanics in physics. Kinematics is specifically the study of motion, without considering the forces that cause such motion. It describes the motion of points, objects, and systems of bodies.
Contrary to what the term 'kinetics' may suggest, it is not the correct choice, as 'kinetics' often refers to the study of the rate at which chemical reactions occur. The correct answer to the question is not listed in the given options; however, the closest match is 'kinematics'. Subjects like Thermodynamics and Geophysics are different branches of physics that deal with heat and energy, and Earth's physical properties, respectively. Neurophysics is not typically related to the study of motion of masses.
As for other key questions related to physics subfields, two bodies do not have to be in physical contact to exert a force upon one another; gravitational and magnetic forces are examples of action-at-a-distance forces. The general theory of relativity describes small objects traveling at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields, while classical physics is more suited for studying the motion of everyday objects like a plane through the sky.
Physics branches like quantum mechanics and general relativity help us understand the behavior of particles at both the very small scale and in extreme spacetime conditions, respectively.