Topic Cluster

Classical Mechanics

Classical mechanics: forces, energy, momentum and motion — Newton’s laws, work and energy, collisions, rotation and the everyday mechanics the rest of physics is built on.

What Is Classical Mechanics?

Classical Mechanics is the physics of why motion changes: the forces, energy and momentum that govern everything from a rolling ball to an orbiting satellite. Everything else in physics leans on it.

Core equations in classical mechanics
RelationshipEquationWhat it tells you
Newton's second lawF = m·aNet force, mass and acceleration
Work doneW = F·d·cosθEnergy transferred by a force
Kinetic energyKE = ½·m·v²Energy of a moving mass
Gravitational PEPE = m·g·hEnergy stored by height
Momentump = m·vConserved in every collision
Torqueτ = r·F·sinθTurning effect of a force