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Basics of Classical Mechanics

Classical mechanics is a branch of physics focused on the motion of objects and the forces acting on them, based on Newton's laws. Key concepts include Newton's laws of motion, kinematics, work, energy, power, conservation laws, and rotational motion. These principles are fundamental for analyzing physical phenomena in various applications.

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25 views2 pages

Basics of Classical Mechanics

Classical mechanics is a branch of physics focused on the motion of objects and the forces acting on them, based on Newton's laws. Key concepts include Newton's laws of motion, kinematics, work, energy, power, conservation laws, and rotational motion. These principles are fundamental for analyzing physical phenomena in various applications.

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ynwhalien
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Basics of Classical Mechanics

Introduction Classical mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects
and the forces acting upon them. It is based on principles formulated by Sir Isaac Newton and
provides the foundation for understanding a wide range of physical phenomena.

1. Newton’s Laws of Motion

1. First Law (Law of Inertia)


o An object remains at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon
by an external force.
o Example: A book resting on a table remains stationary unless pushed.
2. Second Law (Force and Acceleration)
o The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its
acceleration.
o Mathematical Form: F = ma
o Example: A heavier object requires more force to accelerate than a lighter one.
3. Third Law (Action and Reaction)
o For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
o Example: When you push against a wall, the wall pushes back with equal force.

2. Kinematics: Motion in One and Two Dimensions

 Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration


o Displacement: Change in position
o Velocity: Rate of change of displacement
o Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity
 Equations of Motion (for constant acceleration):
1. v = u + at
2. s = ut + 1/2 at²
3. v² = u² + 2as

where:

 u = initial velocity
 v = final velocity
 a = acceleration
 s = displacement
 t = time
3. Work, Energy, and Power

 Work (W): Work is done when a force is applied to an object, causing displacement.
o Formula: W = Fd cos(θ)
 Energy: The capacity to do work.
o Kinetic Energy (KE): Energy of motion, KE = (1/2)mv²
o Potential Energy (PE): Stored energy due to position, PE = mgh
 Power (P): The rate of doing work.
o Formula: P = W/t

4. Conservation Laws in Mechanics

 Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it only


transforms from one form to another.
o Example: A pendulum converts kinetic energy to potential energy and back.
 Law of Conservation of Momentum: The total momentum of a closed system remains
constant unless acted upon by an external force.
o Formula: m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁' + m₂v₂'

5. Rotational Motion

 Torque (τ): A measure of the force that causes rotational motion.


o Formula: τ = rF sin(θ)
 Moment of Inertia (I): The rotational equivalent of mass.
o Formula: I = Σmr²
 Angular Momentum (L): Product of rotational inertia and angular velocity.
o Formula: L = Iω

Conclusion Classical mechanics is essential for understanding the movement of objects and the
forces acting upon them. From everyday activities to advanced engineering applications, these
principles form the core of physics and motion analysis.

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