Classical Mechanics - Branches

Branches

Classical mechanics was traditionally divided into three main branches:

  • Statics, the study of equilibrium and its relation to forces
  • Dynamics, the study of motion and its relation to forces
  • Kinematics, dealing with the implications of observed motions without regard for circumstances causing them

Another division is based on the choice of mathematical formalism:

  • Newtonian mechanics
  • Lagrangian mechanics
  • Hamiltonian mechanics

Alternatively, a division can be made by region of application:

  • Celestial mechanics, relating to stars, planets and other celestial bodies
  • Continuum mechanics, for materials which are modelled as a continuum, e.g., solids and fluids (i.e., liquids and gases).
  • Relativistic mechanics (i.e. including the special and general theories of relativity), for bodies whose speed is close to the speed of light.
  • Statistical mechanics, which provides a framework for relating the microscopic properties of individual atoms and molecules to the macroscopic or bulk thermodynamic properties of materials.

Read more about this topic:  Classical Mechanics

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