- Forums
- Physics
- Classical Physics
- Mechanics
- Thread starterabcdegsds
- Start date
- Tags
- ClassicalClassical mechanicsDifferenceMechanics
In summary, classical mechanics is a subset of mechanics that uses calculus-based mathematics beyond what is expected of freshman level courses, while classical mechanics is a subset of mechanics that uses mathematics beyond that expected of the typical undergraduate.
- #1
abcdegsds
- 2
- 0
Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, but at Georgia Tech, many engineering majors take a class in mechanics (required) and classical mechanics (not required, but it's an option). I just finished mechanics in my high school AP Physics class (which should be similar in content to a college mechanics class) and we didn't go over any quantum mechanics. I read that classical mechanics is basically all of mechanics minus quantum mechanics, so I am confused on exactly what (if there's any) the difference is between the two. Is classical mechanics just more in-depth?
Physics news on Phys.org
- #2
Metaleer
- 124
- 0
Most engineering majors, in particular Mechanical Engineering majors have to take a course in vector mechanics, based on a book like Beer and Johnston or Riley and Sturges. Perhaps the first Mechanics subject is this, and the second Classical Mechanics course is more similar to the "Mechanics" a physicist learns, that is, the Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms. The name "Classical Mechanics" certainly makes it seem this way...
Alternatively, some universities may call the first term of freshman physics "Mechanics", as this is what it mostly covered there, Newtonian Mechanics.
The only sure fire way to figure it out is to look at what's covered in each subject - try finding the course website online.
- #3
D H
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Insights Author
- 15,464
- 690
The standard calculus-based introductory physics classes are required classes in almost all undergraduate engineering curricula. These classes give a cursory overview of a lot of physics, ranging from Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity & magnetism, and quantum mechanics. The coverage is broad and uses only freshman calculus.
Junior physics majors typically take one or two classes called "classical mechanics" that looks at a small subset of the topics covered in the freshman physics class and uses mathematics beyond freshman calculus. First year physics graduate students typically take a class called "classical mechanics" that looks at more or less the same material class but once again uses mathematics beyond that expected of the typical undergraduate.
The same thing happens with every other topic covered in those two introductory physics classes. If you major in physics will learn (relearn) Maxwell's equations multiple times, quantum mechanics multiple times, thermodynamics multiple times. Each iteration in a sense throws away what you learned before / builds upon what you learned before.
FAQ: What is the difference between Mechanics and Classical Mechanics?
What is the difference between Mechanics and Classical Mechanics?
Mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of motion and forces, while Classical Mechanics is a specific subset of mechanics that focuses on the motion of particles and objects under the influence of Newton's laws of motion.
What are the main principles of Mechanics and Classical Mechanics?
The main principles of Mechanics include the laws of motion, conservation of momentum and energy, and the concept of forces. Classical Mechanics is based on three laws of motion, known as Newton's laws, which describe the relationship between an object's motion and the forces acting upon it.
How do Mechanics and Classical Mechanics differ in their scope?
Mechanics is a broad field that encompasses the study of all types of motion, including classical, quantum, and relativistic. Classical Mechanics, on the other hand, is limited to the study of motion at speeds much slower than the speed of light.
What are some real-world applications of Mechanics and Classical Mechanics?
Mechanics has a wide range of applications in everyday life, including the design of machines, cars, and buildings. Classical Mechanics is used to study the motion of objects in the macroscopic world, such as the motion of planets, satellites, and projectiles.
How do Mechanics and Classical Mechanics relate to other branches of physics?
Mechanics is an essential foundation for many other branches of physics, such as thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and fluid mechanics. Classical Mechanics is also an important building block for theories like quantum mechanics and relativity.
Similar threads
A Quest to Perfectly Understand Classical Mechanics
- Replies
- 1
- Views
- 1K
Classical mechanics changing mass
- Replies
- 4
- Views
- 1K
Classical Mechanics Textbook: Beyond Algebra Required?
- Replies
- 2
- Views
- 2K
AlgebraFind Algebraic Physics Courses Starting with Classical Mechanics - Dan
- Replies
- 14
- Views
- 3K
Quantum mechanics vs Classical mechanics
- Replies
- 5
- Views
- 14K
ACan Quantum Mechanics be postulated to exclude humans?
2
- Replies
- 44
- Views
- 3K
Classical and Quantum Mechanics via Lie algebras
4
- Replies
- 136
- Views
- 53K
Regarding College Classical Mechanics and the mathematics therein
- Replies
- 1
- Views
- 2K
OtherMechanical drafter moving to electrical engineering
- Replies
- 6
- Views
- 1K
CoursesShould I take Classical Mechanics now or later?
- Replies
- 9
- Views
- 2K
- Forums
- Physics
- Classical Physics
- Mechanics
