What is Mechanics: Definition and 999 Discussions

Mechanics (Greek: μηχανική) is the area of physics concerned with the motions of physical objects, more specifically the relationships among force, matter, and motion. Forces applied to objects result in displacements, or changes of an object's position relative to its environment.
This branch of physics has its origins in Ancient Greece with the writings of Aristotle and Archimedes (see History of classical mechanics and Timeline of classical mechanics). During the early modern period, scientists such as Galileo, Kepler, and Newton laid the foundation for what is now known as classical mechanics.
It is a branch of classical physics that deals with particles that are either at rest or are moving with velocities significantly less than the speed of light.
It can also be defined as a branch of science which deals with the motion of and forces on bodies not in the quantum realm. The field is today less widely understood in terms of quantum theory.

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  1. domingoleung

    Simple Mechanics Problem -- Block connected to a wall by a rope

    (So this is the system given) The following is my analysis: (i) (ii) Well, my problem is - I got a negative acceleration and its quite impossible to have block B moving to the left. So I am wondering if there are any mistakes I've made.
  2. Adwit

    I Rotation problem in Quantum Mechanics

    How do "sinϕ - cosϕ sinϕ" become 0 ?
  3. tanaygupta2000

    Statistical Mechanics: Two systems reaching an equilibrium temperature

    First I found partition functions of both the systems and hence total energies of them using above formulas. Z(A) = (1 - e-ε/kT)-1 and Z(B) = (1 + e-ε/kT) Then I equated these values to the given values of total energies. I got: For System A, T(A) = ε/kln(2) > 0 For System B, T(B) =...
  4. Asterast

    Question: Solving for Accelerations in an Atwood Machine System

    Summary:: I have solved the question but I'm getting answers wrong, some reaction equations seems to have trouble. Question: Let m1 = 1 kg, m2 = 2 kg and m3 = 3 kg in figure. Find the accelerations of m1, m2 and m3. The string from the upper pulley to m1 is 20 cm when the system is released...
  5. tanaygupta2000

    Statistical Mechanics Occupation number

    Upto now I've only dealt with the problems regarding non - degenerate energy states. Since bosons do not follow Pauli's Exclusion Principle, three bosons can be filled in two energy states (say E1 and E2) as: E1 E2 1 boson 2 bosons 2 bosons 1 boson 3 bosons 0 bosons 0 bosons 3...
  6. O

    What was the intuition behind the development of Hamiltonian mechanics?

    Is Hamiltonian mechanics a mathematical generalization of Newtonian mechanics or is it explaining some fundamental relationship that has a meaning that extends into our nature ? I guess my question is what would led William Rowan Hamilton to come up with his type of mechanics or anything...
  7. tanaygupta2000

    Statistical Mechanics: Four non-interacting particles are confined in a box

    Regarding the first part, I proceeded as: nx ny nz 4 0 0 => E1 = 16C 0 4 0 => E2 = 16C 0 0 4 => E3 = 16C 3 1 0 => E4 = 10C 3 0 1 => E5 = 10C 0 3 1 => E6 = 10C 1 3 0 => E7 = 10C 0 1 3 => E8 = 10C 1...
  8. Geith

    (Fluid mechanics) How to find the flow rate of a gas from a vessel

    I am working on a project where I have to calculate various results relating to the motion of a water bottle rocket being launched. I am currently stuck on trying to find how long the thrust period of the rocket is. The model for the rocket is as follows: It is a 2L (0.002m3 bottle filled with...
  9. naushaan

    Mechanics Problem: Pushing a heavy desk across a floor

    .
  10. E

    What is meant by "the body is on the point of ...." in mechanics?

    I see this sort of wording a lot, for instance, we might say that the block is on the point of slipping or the ball is on the point of leaving the surface of the hill. My guess is that it's to do with constraint forces; that is, at the exact point where the constraint forces acting on a body can...
  11. VVS2000

    I want to try an experiment related to mechanics -- suggestions please

    If anyone has an idea for an experiment or has any kind of manual containing experiments related to mechanics, that would really be helpful. If you have an idea like a new way to find moment of inertia of given object or anything like that, please do tell. I would really love to try it. Thanks
  12. RoloJosh16

    Mechanics problem in a non-inertial system

    Well, the problem suggests to analyse it in a system attached to the wedge. If mass m ball is slipping upwards then it would have an acceleration along the wedge pointing upwards (in the suggested system). The forces acting on that ball would be the weight, a normal and a force due to the...
  13. dRic2

    Can analytical mechanics be deduced from Newtonian mechanics?

    As you can see from the very last line of my post, this whole post may come from the fact that I don't get sarcasm o0)Hi, reading the above mentioned book I ran into the following footnote: Postulate A was earlier stated as: An alternative, but equal, version of Postulate A is given the page...
  14. Alexanddros81

    Vector Mechanics — Double Gear Rolling on a Rack

    Hi! My first question: How does he get the equation ##\frac {x_A} {2πr_1} = -\frac {θ} {2π}## ?
  15. HaoBoJiang

    I want to get some books about Mechanics analysis

    Summary:: Is there somebody can help me？ The book about Mechanics analysis or classical mechanics,if you have read some good books, please recommend them to me, I will be very grateful.
  16. C

    Engineering Where does the bending moment exerted by a wall on a beam come from?

    M = r x F r = 0 ∴ M = 0 But this is clearly wrong. For some reason, the "reaction moment" must exist. Why? Where does it come from? More specifically, which force(s) produces the bending moment, and at what distance(s)? Does it come from the reaction force form the wall on the left end of the...
  17. C

    Why Do Different Objects Share Similar Moments of Inertia?

    Hello, I am a computer science major and Ex-Biology grad student, my knowledge in physics is humble, but I got a little curious when my professor derived the expressions of moment of inertia for different objects. The moment of Inertia of a thin disk is 1/2MR2, but it is the same as the moment...
  18. MathDestructor

    Mechanics: Slope Friction Problem

    So far, I have this: For Part ii) I know that: mgh = xmgsin(theta), but I don't know how to go further
  19. isher_mondal

    Classical Undergrad book on Classical Mechanics

    Hi there, I am an undergrad 1st year student in Physics. I wanted to self study the classical mechanics so that i can get hold of some very important concepts before it begins to rush in our class. Can you suggest me a basic Classical Mechanics book of undergrad level that will help to learn...
  20. isher_mondal

    Book with a good Introduction to Lagrangian Mechanics?

    Hi, I am an undergraduate student in the 3rd sem, we have Lagrangian Mechanics in our course but I am unable to follow it properly. Can you please suggest me a book that will introduce me to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics and slowly teach me how to do problems. I am beginner, so please...
  21. MathDestructor

    Mechanics Problem using Polar Coordinates

    This is what I have so far, please need urgent help. I don't understand and know what to do. For the first part, I got a really long answer, for the second part I am trying in terms of mv^2/r = mg, or mg = m*(answer to first), but I am getting nowhere. PLease help
  22. V

    The difficulty of learning Electromagnetism vs Classical Mechanics

    There was an old thread comparing the difficulty of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. The consensus was that electromagnetism is more difficult, and substantially so according to some. The thread was no longer open for replies, but it got me suspecting that we're comparing apples to...
  23. I

    Courses Should I take Classical Mechanics now or later?

    I'm a college freshman who might major in physics, but I'm still undecided. This semester, I registered for Classical Mechanics (intermediate, not introductory) but have lately reconsidering this. There are a few reasons for this: 1) I feel a little behind on math. I just started multivariable...
  24. Like Tony Stark

    Kinetic energy and momentum in circular paths

    I have some doubts about ballistic pendulums. First, we say that if a bullet hits the pendulum, the linear momentum is conserved. But when we consider a rod attached to a pivot at one of its ends instead of a pendulum we say that the linear momentum isn't conserved because the rod can't move...
  25. cookiemnstr510510

    Linear operators, quantum mechanics

    Hello, I am struggling with what each piece of these equations are. I generally know the two rules that need to hold for an operator to be linear, but I am struggling with what each piece of each equation is/means. Lets look at one of the three operators in question. A(f(x))=(∂f/∂x)+3f(x) I...
  26. Vortex8380

    Mechanics problem — Car moving with constant acceleration

    I tried this but I don't know if it makes sense: Average velocity from A to B = 22/2 = 11m/s Average velocity from B to C = 104/4 = 26m/s (26-11)/6 = 3.75m/s
  27. Adesh

    Classical I need some self-contained introductory books on Fluid Mechanics

    By Fluid Mechanics I mean the mechanics of fluids, both at rest and in motion. I'm unable to find introductory books on Fluid Mechanics which contains everything in itself, for example I downloaded Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics by Munson, Young, Okiishi, Huebsch and I don't know why but I...
  28. G

    I Does classical mechanics apply to the quantum world at all?

    I know we can't use classical mechanics to describe or measure the quantum. That is not what I'm asking. I am asking whether particles still follow the same rules like action/reaction if there is a force involved. If electron A interacts with electron B, is Newton's 3rd law still being applied...
  29. Boltzman Oscillation

    If I tie an ant to a rock and let it fall from a high place, then....?

    Summary explains it.
  30. jk22

    A Should tensor sum be used in matrix mechanics?

    Suppose the Bell operator ##B=|AB(1,2)+AB(1,3)+AB(2,3)|## With ##AB\in{1,-1}## Nonlocal realism implies ##B\in{1,3}## However using usual matrix sum one eigenvalues for the result of measurement can be smaller than 1, implying nonlocal realism cannot explain the quantum result. However if...
  31. Shahi

    Unraveling Landau's Mechanics: Why is Space Isotropic?

    Hi I am reading Landau's mechanics So in the first chapter page 5 It reads : since space is isotropic, the lagrangian must also be independent of the direction of v , and is therefore a function only of it's magnitude ... I can't understand why , I think Landau's book has many fans in this...
  32. B

    I New interpretation of quantum mechanics

    https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00120-6
  33. Grimble

    B What Causes Moving Clocks to Measure Slower? Explained

    After much deliberation I can finally see and understand what you have all spent so much time and patience explaining to me! I can see that to observe the 2nd postulate; 'the speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of the motion of the light source or observer' a...
  34. Curious_Student

    Mechanics Lab | A Simple Pendulum & a Small Magnet Underneath

    I have measurements of period time and distances that's all: T (sec) D (m) 0.9 0.008 0.91 0.009 0.97 0.01 0.98 0.011 1.06 0.012 I thought about adding the magnetic force like: T=2π*√l/(g+x) but have no clue how to integrate the distance there, I don't know even how to start...
  35. A

    What Equation Is This? (Fluid Mechanics)

    Can someone please tell me what is the name of below formula? ##H = z + \frac{v^2}{2g} + \frac{p}{γ}##
  36. I

    Quantum Mechanics Infinite Potential Well -- Check Answers please

    I'm self studying so I just want to ensure my answers are correct so I know I truly understand the material as it's easy to trick yourself in thinking you do! A particle of mass m is in a 1-D infinite potential well of width a given by the potential: V= 0 for 0##\leq## x ##\leq## a =...
  37. R

    Studying Suggestions for papers to read in Classical Mechanics

    Greeting, I wanted some suggestion regarding classic and essential papers to read in Classical Mechanics. The first semester is over, and I want to expand upon what I have learnt. If there is some paper or topic in particular that you found interesting personally early on, it would be helpful. I...
  38. S

    A According to Wilczek, how does quantum mechanics arise?

    According to Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek, the universe emerges from a Grid. This was proposed in his book "The Lightness of Being: Mass, Ether, and the Unification of Forces". He also likes the idea that the universe emerged from a state of "nothingness" (or rather, a quantum vacuum) where...
  39. P

    Studying IPHO mechanics study schedule suggestion

    It's 13 week plan. I need your feedback to improve it
  40. cemtu

    Classical Mechanics: Linear movement against a constant force

    I solved this question until the end of the "c)Find the distance until the boat completely stop" However I can not solve the integral I encounter in the solution of the last part of c). Would you please check for math and maybe my mistakes and tell me what to do? Here:
  41. cemtu

    Classical Mechanics: Finding the centripetal force acting on an object that moves within a spiral orbit.

    I believe I solved this. Is this solution true? Can please anyone just check?
  42. cemtu

    Classical Mechanics "variable mass" linear motion problem in one dimention.

    Please help please
  43. B

    Mechanics problem — One body thrown vertically and one thrown horizontally

  44. D

    Fluid mechanics — Question about this vector diagram

  45. Leo Liu

    Moving a Spool by Pulling It

    Hi folks! I was teaching myself rotational motion when encountered an example which states as follows: My questions: 1. I do not understand why pulling the cord moves the rotating spool to the right. There were some discussions on stackexchange...
  46. hugo_faurand

    [Mechanics] Calculate the braking torque

    Hello everyone ! I've got a problem in engineering class with a braking system (picture linked). In the first part I calculated the friction force $$ \vec{B} $$ with components : T (following y axis) : 2073.6N N (following x axis) : 5760N. For the first question I struggle a lot because I...
  47. S

    Fracture in Switch Rail: Investigating R260 Steel

    Hello everybody We saw a fracture in a switch rail, now we're trying to find the reason, may be you can help us. This rail is made of R260 steel. Let me know if any other information is needed. I have attached pictures of this rail. Thanks in advance
  48. K

    I Questions on the Bohmian mechanics interpretation for instrumentalists

    Regarding the paper Bohmian mechanics for instrumentalists I like the ideas put forward in the paper because it provides a basis for an intuitive and logical explanation of quantum mechanics. I have many questions about it, but I will start with 3. Question 1: In this interpretation, what is...
  49. J

    Kinematics of deformation (Continuum mechanics)

    Question is extracted from "Ellad B Tadmor, Ronald E Miller, Ryan S Elliott - Continuum mechanics and thermodynamics From fundamental concepts to governing equations". I just got stuck at part (a). I think if part(a) is solved, I may be able to do the other parts.
  50. D

    Fracture mechanics, stress intensity, fracture toughness

    I've been giving this some thought. It's clear that the stiffners will increase the resistance of the material so that the energy release is no longer high enough to cause further fracture. I'm just not sure what formula I can use to take into account the new resistance. I suspect part 1 of the...
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