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
Relationship	Equation	What it tells you
Newton's second law	F = m·a	Net force, mass and acceleration
Work done	W = F·d·cosθ	Energy transferred by a force
Kinetic energy	KE = ½·m·v²	Energy of a moving mass
Gravitational PE	PE = m·g·h	Energy stored by height
Momentum	p = m·v	Conserved in every collision
Torque	τ = r·F·sinθ	Turning effect of a force

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Classical Mechanics

Drag Force: Formula, Cd Values and Examples

Drag force is the resistance a fluid exerts on anything moving through it, from cars and cyclists to footballs and ships. This guide covers the drag equation, drag coefficients for nine common shapes, and seven worked examples.

18 min read

Classical Mechanics

Angular Velocity: Formula, Units and Examples

Angular velocity measures how fast something rotates, in radians per second. This guide covers the formula, the rpm to rad/s conversion, real examples and seven worked problems.

13 min read

Classical Mechanics

Moment of Inertia: Formula for Common Shapes

Moment of inertia measures how strongly an object resists a change in its spin about a chosen axis. This guide gives the formula, a table for nine common shapes, the parallel axis theorem, eight worked problems and the four mistakes that cost exam marks.

16 min read

Classical Mechanics

Spring Constant (k = F/x): Formula & Examples

The spring constant k measures a spring's stiffness in newtons per metre. Learn how to measure k from a force-extension graph, see typical values from slinky to car spring, and try the interactive lab and calculator.

15 min read

Classical Mechanics

Center of Mass: Formula, Examples & How to Find It

Center of mass is the mass-weighted average position of a system — the point where all its mass acts as one. Learn the formula, six worked examples, and how to find it.

13 min read

Classical Mechanics

Weight on Other Planets: Moon, Mars & More

Your weight changes from world to world even though your mass never does. Learn the W = mg formula and see what you'd weigh on the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and beyond.

12 min read

Classical Mechanics

The Pendulum Period Formula

A pendulum's period depends on just two things: length and gravity — mass never matters. Learn the T = 2π sqrt(L/g) formula, what changes on the Moon, and how to solve exam problems step by step.

14 min read

Classical Mechanics

Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

Momentum is conserved in every collision, but kinetic energy is not. That single test separates an elastic collision from an inelastic one, and the coefficient of restitution turns it into a dial you can measure.

20 min read

Classical Mechanics

Inclined Plane Physics: How to Solve Ramp Problems

Inclined plane physics splits an object's weight into mg sinθ down the slope and mg cosθ into the surface. Here is the 5-step method, plus 8 worked ramp problems.

19 min read

Classical Mechanics

Physics Formulas: The Complete Cheat Sheet

A complete physics formula cheat sheet: every core equation grouped into ten branches, with each symbol and its SI unit defined, plus worked examples and the constants that go with them.

24 min read

Classical Mechanics

Circular Motion Physics: Formula, Examples & Uses

Circular motion physics explains why an object moving in a circle at constant speed is still accelerating: its direction changes every instant. This guide covers the a = v²/r formula, five real examples, four common misconceptions and seven worked problems.

13 min read

Classical Mechanics

Mechanical Advantage and Simple Machines

Mechanical advantage is the load force divided by the effort force — the number of times a machine multiplies what you push with. This guide covers the formula, ideal vs actual MA, all six simple machines, and eight worked problems.

16 min read

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