What is Classical mechanics: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Classical mechanics is a physical theory describing the motion of macroscopic objects, from projectiles to parts of machinery, and astronomical objects, such as spacecraft, planets, stars, and galaxies. For objects governed by classical mechanics, if the present state is known, it is possible to predict how it will move in the future (determinism), and how it has moved in the past (reversibility).
The earliest development of classical mechanics is often referred to as Newtonian mechanics. It consists of the physical concepts based on foundational works of Sir Isaac Newton, and the mathematical methods invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Joseph-Louis Lagrange, Leonhard Euler, and other contemporaries, in the 17th century to describe the motion of bodies under the influence of a system of forces. Later, more abstract methods were developed, leading to the reformulations of classical mechanics known as Lagrangian mechanics and Hamiltonian mechanics. These advances, made predominantly in the 18th and 19th centuries, extend substantially beyond earlier works, particularly through their use of analytical mechanics. They are, with some modification, also used in all areas of modern physics.
Classical mechanics provides extremely accurate results when studying large objects that are not extremely massive and speeds not approaching the speed of light. When the objects being examined have about the size of an atom diameter, it becomes necessary to introduce the other major sub-field of mechanics: quantum mechanics. To describe velocities that are not small compared to the speed of light, special relativity is needed. In cases where objects become extremely massive, general relativity becomes applicable. However, a number of modern sources do include relativistic mechanics in classical physics, which in their view represents classical mechanics in its most developed and accurate form.

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  1. W

    Classical mechanics - particle in a well; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian

    Homework Statement I'm working (self-study) through Goldstein et al, Classical Mechanics, 3rd Edition, and I'm currently stuck on Problem 8.11: A particle is confined to a one-dimensional box. The ends of the box (let these be at \pm l(t)) move slowly towards the middle. By slowly we mean...
  2. S

    Classical mechanics - rigid body rotating

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  3. R

    Solution to Classical Mechanics Problem: Removing Constant Terms

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  4. E

    Getting good at classical mechanics?

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  5. jbrussell93

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  6. W

    Classical Mechanics: Central Force Problem

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  7. M

    Determining possible trajectories (Classical Mechanics)

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  8. M

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  9. N

    Any good ordinary classical mechanics books?

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  10. Ascendant78

    After Physics I, when do we see classical mechanics again?

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  11. H

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  12. tridianprime

    Classical Mechanics by Kibble Berkshire

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  13. K

    John Taylor Classical Mechanics Chapter 5, Problem 29

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  14. G

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  15. A

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  16. R

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  17. K

    John Taylor Classical Mechanics Chapter 3, Problem 7

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  18. I

    Classical Mechanics vs Quantum Mechanics

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  19. R

    Classical mechanics ~ Potential energy and periodic movement

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  20. Z

    What type of physicist works in the field of Classical Mechanics?

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  21. M

    Classical mechanics exercise, pion decay

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  22. F

    Am I ready for Classical Mechanics?

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  23. K

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  24. K

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  25. K

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  26. 1

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  27. C

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  28. D

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  30. B

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  31. D

    Unanswered questions in Classical Mechanics?

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  32. C

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  33. M

    Differences of Classical Mechanics when learned with Calc vs algebra?

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  34. Astrum

    Calculus of Variation - Classical Mechanics

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  35. V

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  36. L

    Best Classical Mechanics book (not intro to mechanics)

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  37. H

    Question about Classical mechanics John R. Taylor

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  38. D

    Best book for classical mechanics

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  39. A

    When is classical mechanics valid for describing motion of atoms?

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  40. G

    Questions on classical mechanics

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  41. Logic Cloud

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  42. J

    Classical mechanics textbook question [Indian edition?]

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  43. M

    Simple gravitational force problem (Gregory Classical Mechanics)

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  44. sankalpmittal

    A general question regarding classical mechanics.

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  45. F

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  46. B

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  47. micromass

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  48. Astrum

    Recommend me a Classical Mechanics Text

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  49. Greg Bernhardt

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