Types of Kinematics: Classical, Quantum & Relativistic

[crastinus]

I was taught that kinematics is the study of local motion without references to its causes (like forces, fields, etc.). That seems useful to say but perhaps it is not really that helpful.

What are the kinds of kinematics?

I can think of three kinds: classical kinematics (from mean speed to acceleration and vectors), quantum kinematics, and relativistic kinematics.

Is that right? Is there a way to consider the local motions of things typically studied in statistical mechanics? That is, does anyone talk about "statistical kinematics"?

Thanks!

 

[sophiecentaur]

That seems useful to say but perhaps it is not really that helpful.

You are totally right. It's just words. If you want to find out more about what your 'teachers' meant by the term, they are the ones to challenge and there's no reason to feel bad that you are confused.

I, personally, have a big problem with things being classified with no proper explanation. The words change over the years yet the content of topics don't. It's alsmost as bad as urban slang in many ways.

Try googling the terms you are confused about and, if what you read is consistent over a number of University Course sites, then the definitions are probably OK.