What is classical mechanics?

Classical mechanics is a fundamental sub-field of physics and mechanics that describes the motion of bodies under the influence of forces. It deals primarily with macroscopic objects and bulk matter, ranging from tiny particles and machinery to planets and galaxies. The framework encompasses Newtonian mechanics as well as later energy-based developments like Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.

What we know

• Classical mechanics is a sub-field of mechanics concerned with physical laws describing the motion of bodies under a system of forces. [1]
• It describes the effect of forces on the motion of macroscopic objects and bulk matter without considering quantum or relativistic effects in its traditional formulation. [2]
• The earliest formulation of classical mechanics is Newtonian mechanics, based on 17th-century foundational works by Sir Isaac Newton and mathematical methods by Leibniz, Euler, and others. [2]
• Later 18th- and 19th-century developments introduced energy-based methods by Lagrange and Hamilton, leading to analytical mechanics. [2]

Where to go next

• compared withHow does quantum mechanics differ from classical mechanics?
• a case in pointWhat is contact mechanics?
• whoWho were the key figures in developing Newtonian mechanics?
• how we knowWhat is the Koopman-von Neumann theory of classical mechanics?
• the bigger pictureHow do continuum theories explain gradual variations?
• an unexpected connectionHow does contact mechanics rely on classical foundations to study touching solids?Contact mechanics builds its physical and mathematical formulation upon materials and continuum mechanics to study deforming solids that touch.

Sources

• [1]classical mechanics (Wikidata Q11397) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Classical mechanics · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Contact mechanics · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Koopman–von Neumann classical mechanics · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Continuum (measurement) · CC BY-SA 4.0