Classical mechanics

In physics, classical mechanics is one of the two major sub-fields of study in the science of mechanics, which is concerned with the motions of bodies, and the forces that cause them. The other sub-field is quantum mechanics. Roughly speaking, classical mechanics was developed in the 400 years since the groundbreaking works of Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo, while quantum mechanics developed within the last 100 years, starting with similarly decisive discoveries by Planck, Einstein, and Bohr.

Related Topics:
Physics - Mechanics - Bodies - Force - Quantum mechanics - Brahe - Kepler - Galileo - Planck - Einstein - Bohr

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The notion of ?classical? may be somewhat confusing, insofar as this term usually refers to the era of classical antiquity in European history. While many discoveries within the mathematics of that period remain in full force today, and of the greatest use, the same cannot be said about its "science". This in no way belittles the many important developments, especially within technology, which took place in antiquity and during the Middle Ages in Europe and elsewhere.

Related Topics:
Classical antiquity - European history - Mathematics - Middle Ages

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

However, the emergence of classical mechanics was a decisive stage in the development of science, in the modern sense of the term. What characterizes it, above all, is its insistence on mathematics (rather than speculation), and its reliance on experiment (rather than observation). With classical mechanics it was established how to formulate quantitative predictions in theory, and how to test them by carefully designed measurement. The emerging globally cooperative endeavor increasingly provided for much closer scrutiny and testing, both of theory and experiment. This was, and remains, a key factor in establishing certain knowledge, and in bringing it to the service of society. History shows how closely the health and wealth of a society depends on nurturing this investigative and critical approach.

Related Topics:
Science - Mathematics - Speculation - Experiment - Observation - Quantitative - Theory - Measurement

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The initial stage in the development of classical mechanics is often referred to as Newtonian mechanics, and is characterized by the mathematical methods invented by Newton himself, in parallel with Leibniz, and others. This is further described in the following sections. More abstract, and general methods include Lagrangian mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics.

Related Topics:
Newtonian mechanics - Newton - Leibniz - Lagrangian mechanics - Hamiltonian mechanics

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Classical mechanics produces very accurate results within the domain of everyday experience. It is enhanced by special relativity for objects moving with high velocity, more than about a third the speed of light. Classical mechanics is used to describe the motion of macroscopic objects, from projectiles to parts of machinery, as well as astronomical objects, such as spacecraft, planets, stars, and galaxies, and even microscopic objects such as large molecules. Besides this, many specialties exist, dealing with gases, liquids, and solids, and so on. It is one of the largest subjects in science and technology.

Related Topics:
Special relativity - Velocity - Speed of light - Projectiles - Machinery - Spacecraft - Planets - Stars - Galaxies - Molecules - Gases - Liquids - Solids

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~