physicsmechanics

Mechanics is a branch of physics that studies motion and the forces that cause or oppose it. It provides the mathematical models used to predict how objects move under given conditions. The field is traditionally divided into statics, which analyzes bodies at rest, and dynamics, which concerns bodies in motion. Classical mechanics describes everyday-scale phenomena using deterministic laws, while quantum mechanics governs the behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic scales. Relativity extends these ideas to high speeds and strong gravitational fields, where Newtonian assumptions break down.

The core concepts include force, mass, and acceleration, related by Newton's laws; energy, work, and power; momentum and angular momentum; and the principle of conservation laws. Kinematics treats motion without regard to causes, while dynamics explains motion via forces. Topics include rigid body motion, vibrational and rotational dynamics, oscillations, and fluid statics and dynamics. Solutions often involve differential equations and vector calculus.

Mathematical frameworks range from Newtonian mechanics to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, which express dynamics through action principles and energy functions. Continuum mechanics extends these ideas to deformable solids and fluids. Relativistic mechanics and quantum mechanics describe regimes where classical assumptions fail. Mechanics has applications across engineering, physics, astronomy, and materials science, including vehicle dynamics, structural analysis, celestial mechanics, and nanotechnology.