Kinetics, also known as analytical dynamics, is a branch of classical mechanics that explains the motion of bodies and the forces that affect them. It is often confused with kinematics, which only focuses on motion. Kinetics has practical applications in fields such as automotive safety and celestial predictions. In chemistry, kinetics refers to the rate and progress of chemical reactions.
Kinetics is a branch of classical mechanics focused on the motions of various bodies and the forces that can act on both bodies in motion and bodies at rest. Some people confuse the term with “kinematics” because the two words sound similar, and both have to do with the science of motion. The kinematics, however, is focused solely on the motion of various bodies, without addressing the forces that can affect motion.
In fact, “kinetics” itself is an obsolete term. Scientists prefer to say “analytical dynamics” or simply “dynamics”. Whatever you call it, it’s the cornerstone of classical mechanics, explaining how and why things move the way they do. Newtonian physics is an important part of the study of kinetics, and numerous other branches of physics and mechanics have been brought into play in the field.
The science of motion in the form of kinematics is based on some very well defined laws, such as the concept that a moving object tends to stay in motion. Kinetics expands on these laws, adding a few additional principles that help explain what happens when external forces act on an object. This branch of classical mechanics recognizes the fact that many things can influence the outcome of a variety of events, ranging from whether an object is dropped or thrown, to obstacles the object encounters on its way to a destination.
There are numerous practical applications for kinetics. Automakers, for example, use it to predict the outcome of accidents and to design cars that keep their occupants as safe as possible. They also tested their theories in controlled crash test facilities to see if their science was correct. Physicists use their understanding of this field to follow the patterns of celestial bodies and make predictions about their future movements. Many people are subconsciously aware of the laws of kinetics, because they use them on a daily basis, whether they’re throwing a dirty fork into the sink across the kitchen or building bridges.
Chemists also use the term in a slightly different way than physicists and engineers. In chemistry, this term refers to the rate and progress of chemical reactions. To reduce confusion, in chemistry it is often referred to as chemical or reaction kinetics, to clarify that chemistry is under discussion. Like dynamics, chemical kinetics has a number of implications for daily life as well as being involved in abstract theoretical concepts.
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