Classical mechanics, based on Newton’s laws, describes the motion of objects due to mass and forces. It has limitations for extreme conditions. Quantum mechanics and relativity emerged to explain small objects and large/distant objects respectively. Newtonian mechanics is advantageous for everyday use due to less demanding mathematics.
Classical mechanics is a field of study that describes the motion of an object as a result of its mass and the forces acting on it. The effects were first described by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century. Newton based his work on earlier scientists, including Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler and Christiaan Huygens. All theories of classical mechanics are based on or derived from Newton’s theories, which is why classical mechanics is often referred to as Newtonian mechanics.
Newton introduced his three laws of motion in his most famous work, Principia Mathematica. These laws describe how forces affect the motion of a body. The first law states that a body will remain stationary or move at a constant speed when the forces acting on it are all equal. The second law relates the acceleration of a body to the forces acting on it, and the third states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
The behavior of gases and liquids, the swing of springs and pendulums were described using classical mechanics. Newton himself used his laws to define the concept of gravity and the motion of the planets around the sun. In turn, these theories led to things like the European Industrial Revolution of the 19th century and the development of satellite technology and space travel during the 20th century.
There are, however, limitations to the solutions of classical mechanics. Systems characterized by extremes of mass, velocity, or distance all deviate from Newton’s laws. The Newtonian model, for example, cannot explain why electrons exhibit both wave and particle properties, why nothing can travel at the speed of light, or why the force of gravity between distant galaxies appears to act instantaneously.
Two new branches of physics have emerged: quantum mechanics and relativity. Quantum mechanics, pioneered by Edwin Schroedinger, Max Planck and Werner Heisenberg, interprets the motions of very small objects, such as atoms and electrons. Large and distant objects as well as objects traveling at near light speed are described by relatively, which was developed by Albert Einstein.
Despite these limitations, Newtonian mechanics has several advantages over quantum mechanics and relatively. Both newer fields require knowledge of advanced mathematics. Similarly, quantum and relativistic sciences may seem counterintuitive because they describe behaviors that cannot be observed or experienced.
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, for example, states that it is impossible to know both the velocity and the position of the body. This principle is contrary to everyday experience. The mathematics of Newtonian mechanics is much less demanding and is used to describe the motions of bodies in everyday life.
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