List the major branch of Physics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying the major branches of physics, specifically focusing on mechanics and its subfields. Participants explore how mechanics can be categorized and the confusion surrounding the definitions of these subfields.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Steph expresses confusion about the question regarding the major branches of physics and their subfields, specifically mentioning mechanics.
  • Warren suggests that there are no officially recognized subfields of mechanics and proposes dividing it into Newton's laws and conservation laws as a personal interpretation.
  • Another participant challenges the idea of defining subfields, arguing that it depends on how the textbook is structured, suggesting "statics" and "kinematics" as possible divisions instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the subfields of mechanics, with differing opinions on how to categorize them based on personal interpretations and textbook structures.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the lack of a standardized approach to defining subfields within mechanics, indicating that definitions may vary based on educational materials.

steph01mcd
Please answer ASAP."List the major branch of Physics and its 2 subfields we have studied and discuss each." (We have been studying Mechanics)... what are the subfields? Or am I reading the question wrong. I am so confused. *Steph*
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Steph,

I don't believe there are any "officially recognized" subfields of mechanics among those in the physics community. Your teacher has probably declared the subfields on his own. The best way to break mechanics up into two pieces, in my opinion is:

1) Newton's laws (and how they can be used to predict position, velocity, and acceleration)

2) Conservation laws (conservation of energy, momentum, etc.)

- Warren
 
THANK YOU SO MUCH! A true life saver. :-D
 
I don't see how anyone but YOU can say what "sub-fields" YOU are studying! It depends entirely upon how your text is divided. I'll bet that the chapter on mechanics is separated into two parts (or your text is separated into two parts). I can see chroot's answer but I think it is more likely your text divides mechanics into "statics" and "kinematics".
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K