Classical mechanics is an area of physics dealing with the motion of physical objects, using the fundamental principles and laws of nature This branch of mechanics was first established by Sir Isaac Newton in the seventeenth century, and it has been studied and refined ever since. Its application ranges from the motion of subatomic particles to everyday phenomena such as the motion of planets in the solar system. Classical mechanics is a fundamental branch of scientific exploration, and it can be used to understand a wide range of physical processes.
Five of the best examples of things that fall under the category of classical mechanics are as follows:
1. Pendulums – The swing of a pendulum is an example of classical mechanics in action. The conservation of momentum and energy, along with the law of gravity, are used to explain the motion of pendulums and why they eventually come to rest.
2. Projectiles – The motion of an object thrown or fired through the air is governed by the laws of classical mechanics. From the force of the throw or gunpowder to the motion of the object in the air, all of this can be understood through the principles of classical mechanics.
3. Planetary motion – Kepler’s laws of planetary motion describe the motion of planets in the solar system, and classical mechanics is used to explain why these laws are true. The gravity of the sun and other planets in the solar system affect the paths of these planets, and the conservation of momentum and energy play a role in the long-term stability of the system.
4. Oscillations – Oscillations are a common occurrence in nature, and classical mechanics can be used to explain why a mass on a spring or other vibrating object reaches a natural frequency and eventually comes to rest.
5. Springs – Springs are simple devices that can be used to store potential energy, and classical mechanics explains why they behave the way they do. Hooke's law states that a spring's force is proportional to the displacement of its ends, and this can be used to understand the behavior of springs in various scenarios.
In conclusion, classical mechanics is an important area of physics that is used to explain a wide range of physical phenomena. Examples of things that fall under the classical mechanics umbrella are pendulums, projectiles, planetary motion, oscillations, and springs. Understanding these phenomena is essential to furthering our knowledge of the physical universe, and classical mechanics provides the tools to do so.