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
Famous quotes containing the word branches:
““I couldn’t afford to learn it,” said the Mock Turtle with a sigh. “I only took the regular course.”
“What was that?” inquired Alice.
“Reeling and Writhing, of course, to begin with,” the Mock Turtle replied; “and then the different branches of Arithmetic—Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision.”
“I never heard of ‘Uglification,’” Alice ventured to say.”
—Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)
“Think how stood the white pine tree on the shore of the Chesuncook, its branches soughing with the four winds, and every individual needle trembling in the sunlight,—think how it stands with it now,—sold, perchance, to the New England Friction-Match Company!”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Certain branches cut
certain leaves fallen
the grapes
cooked and put up
for winter”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)