Mechanics Definition and 999 Threads

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. F

    A First Course in Graduate Quantum Mechanics Resources

    What are some resources that you would suggest for a first course in graduate quantum mechanics? This includes textbooks, online courses such as MIT OCW(includes homework/exams), and online lecture notes?
  2. Leo Liu

    Relativity Is it worth to read the chapters on relativity in K&K mechanics book?

    Hello. I have almost finished Kleppner's Newtonian mechanics book except the part discussing special relativity. I plan to read Purcell's EM book after finishing it. I've heard some people saying that Purcell presents some of the EM concepts in a relativistic way, so I am a bit worried that I...
  3. Someone_physics

    A Thought experiment in relativistic quantum mechanics?

    Background --- Consider the following thought experiment in the setting of relativistic quantum mechanics (not QFT). I have a particle in superposition of the position basis: H | \psi \rangle = E | \psi \rangle Now I suddenly turn on an interaction potential H_{int} localized at r_o =...
  4. C

    Intro Physics Best textbook for properties of matter and fluid mechanics

    I am a First Year Undergraduate Physics student. Which will be the best textbook for me to study properties of matter (Elasticity) and fluid mechanics? I prefer a better theoretical understanding.
  5. Ali Beladi

    I What does this tricky quantum mechanics equation mean?

    I'm a current high school student and I’m aspiring to become a biochemist. I’m at the moment writing an article about adaptive mutations but there is a lot of tricky quantum mechanics in it which I simply don't get. I have asked everyone and got no answer until someone recommended to ask it in a...
  6. N

    Which is the best book for studying Rotational mechanics?

    Homework Statement:: Which is the best book that you've read for understanding rotational mechanics ? Relevant Equations:: Kindly let me know. .
  7. mattlfang

    Find the velocity and acceleration of a pulley in a mass-spring system

    This looks like a classical setup but I can't find a solution. We can calculate the energy of the system by looking at the work done by the gravity and the spring. But how do we divide the energy between the kinetic energy of the pulley and the rotation of the pulley?
  8. warhammer

    Beam resting on 2 pivots | Problem in Rotational Mechanics

    When one of the pivot is pulled, just at that moment a couple is formed due to the normal reaction from the existing pivot and the weight of the bar. From the assumptions given in the question, we can state that the distance between the two forces (N & W) giving rise to the couple is L/2. Using...
  9. kmot

    Fluid mechanics - Linearized shallow water equations

    Hi, In a text describing solution to linearized shallow water equations, I am not able to move forward. It's a 1 dimensional shallow water setup. There is a steady state (velocity) and (height of free surface). On top of this steady state there are u' and h' as disturbances. The goal is to...
  10. E

    Quantum mechanics - several constant potentials

    What I tried to do was using the fact that the wave function should be continuous. Asin(kb)=Be^{-\alpha b} The derivative also should be continuous: kAcos(kb)=-\alpha Be^{-\alpha b} And the probability to find the particle in total should be 1: \int_0^b A^2sin^2(kx) dx + \int_b^{\infty}...
  11. Frabjous

    Classical Have You Used Geometrical Mechanics by Talman?

    Does anyone have any experience with this book? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3527406832/?tag=pfamazon01-20
  12. ezfzx

    Ball rolling within a rolling cylinder

    Cylinders rolling down inclines are a common demo. But how do you model the movement of a sphere rolling within a rolling cylinder? I teaching a physics class and this question came up and my dynamics math is a little rusty. But I haven't found anything like this in any book or online. There's...
  13. ricles

    How to Find Linear Acceleration Without Cylinder Radius?

    This comes from a list of exercises, and setting ##m_1 = 5.4kg##, ##m_2 = 9.3kg## and ##F=5N##, the answer should yield ##2.19m/s^2## (of course, supposing the answer is right). If I knew the radius ##R## of the cylinder, I could find its momentum and use it to find the linear acceleration...
  14. Muthumanimaran

    I Exploring the Physics of LASER: Classical vs Quantum Mechanics

    My question is the physics behind the LASER such as stimulated emission can be only explained by quantum mechanics only. We can represent LASER as coherent state in quantum mechanics only. Then how can we say LASER can be thought of a classical light source?
  15. fluidistic

    Quantum Schwinger's Quantum Mechanics: Symbolism of Atomic Measurements

    I had never heard of Schwinger's Quantum Mechanics: Symbolism of Atomic Measurements until very recently. I wonder what you people think about that QM textbook. Is it a good introduction to QM? A reference? Or, possibly an outdated and bad book? At first glance, it seems a masterpiece to me...
  16. S

    Classical Recommend books about classical mechanics please

    Hi! i need some textbooks recommendations to learn by my self about classical mechanics in a undegraduate level. I don´¨¨t know what kind of math is required, i have knowledge about calculus by my high school classes and i learned more with the book "Calculus" by Gilbert Strang. I wait for your...
  17. K

    Probability density in statistical Mechanics

    First of all, I've calculated the partition function:Z=1h3∫e−βH(q,p)d3pd3q=1h3∫e−β(p22m−12mrω2)d3prdrdθdz=2πL(2mπh2β)3/2e12βmω2R2−1ω2mβThe probability of being of one particle in radius $r_0$ is: p(r=r0)=1Z∫e−βHd3pd3q=∫1Z2πL(2mπh2β)3/2eβmrω22rdr So I've thought that because, by definition, the...
  18. A

    Does a statistical mechanics of classical fields exist?

    The usual presentation of classical statistical mechanics are based on the Liouville equation and phase space distribution. This, in turn, is based on the Hamiltonian mechanics of a system of point particles. Real undulatory systems, specially non-linear ones, have to be complex to study...
  19. T

    Quantum Mechanics determining the normalized constant of a particle

    In my book it has the following example, A particle confined to the surface of a sphere is in the state $$\Psi(\theta, \phi)= \Bigg\{^{N(\frac{\pi^2}{4}-\theta^2), \ 0 < \theta < \frac{\pi}{2}}_{0, \ \frac{\pi}{2} < \theta < \pi}$$ and they determined the normalization constant for ##N##...
  20. qnach

    A Partition function in number theory and statistical mechanics

    Is the partition function used in number theory and statistical mechanics the same thing?
  21. A

    Analytical Mechanics: Regularity Conditions on Constraint Surface

    Hi, In my course in analytical mechanics, it is said that for a system of n particles subjected to r constraint equations, it is necessary to impose regularity conditions on the constraint surface defined by G = 0 where G is a function of the position of the position of the particles and time...
  22. patric44

    A Would it matter which inner product I choose in quantum mechanics?

    hi guys i was thinking about the inner product we choose in quantum mechanics to map the elements inside the hilbert space to real number which is given by : $$\int^{∞}_{-∞}\psi^{*}\psi\;dV$$ or in some cases we might introduce a weight function dependent on the wave functions i have , it seems...
  23. I

    I Quantum Mechanics Wave Function in 3D

    I was wondering if it's possible to plot a wave function that is a function of 3 coordinates, such as (x, y, z). The text my class uses calls this Quantum Mechanics in 3 dimensions, but wouldn't this technically by four dimensions?
  24. Vivek98phyboy

    Reflection of inverted waves to form a standing wave

    Standing waves in a string fixed at one end is formed by incoming and reflected waves. If reflected waves are 180° out of phase with incoming wave, how could they combine to give an oscillating wave? Shouldn't it be completely destructive interference all the time across the whole length of string?
  25. Vivek98phyboy

    Contradiction in Phase of reflected sound

    While studying the fundamentals of sound waves in organ pipe, I noted that the fact about phase of reflected waves is contradicting while referring multiple sources This book of mine describes the reflection from a rigid surface/closed end to be in phase Whereas this one describes the...
  26. E

    Classical Prerequisites for Arnold's Methods of Classical Mechanics

    I've finished with Gregory's classical mechanics and was looking for something a bit more challenging. I thought Arnold's methods of classical mechanics look pretty interesting, but it's definitely more mathematically complex than anything I would have done before, especially the bits about...
  27. WMDhamnekar

    MHB Is the Given Answer for the Classical Mechanics Problem on Earth Correct?

  28. thaiqi

    Quantum Which books are best for learning Bohm's mechanics?

    Hello, everyone. Which books best for learning Bohm's mechanics?
  29. thaiqi

    Deriving Statistical Behavior of Particles via Classical Mechanics

    Hello, using computation simulation, can the statistical behavior of many particles be derived through deterministic classical mechanics?
  30. TechieDork

    Courses I think I won't get an A in Quantum Mechanics I

    This is by far the hardest undergraduate class I have ever take. The majority of class got less than 40% on the midterm. Unfortunately, I was sick during the exam hours too ,so it's hard for me to concentrate and think clearly Thank god,the professor uses the norm-referenced grading and My...
  31. JD_PM

    Classical Book on discrete mechanics (particularly interested in Lagrangian)

    Hi.I am looking for a book to learn about discrete mechanics (i.e. working in a 3D lattice instead of ##n## generalized coordinates). I am particularly interested in how to derive the discrete E-L equations by extremizing the action. I have checked Gregory and Goldstein but they do not deal...
  32. E

    Griffiths Quantum Mechanics 2nd edition Chapter 8 equation is confusing

    In Griffiths Quantum Mechanics 2nd edition, in Chapter 8 he calculates the following integral on page 323 and he gets I disagree with this result, I think the integral should be since Maybe somebody can explain why I am wrong? Also, from equation 8.24 to 8.25, he makes the assumption that...
  33. Boolean

    How Can I Verify My FEA Lug Pull Test Results with Hand Calculations?

    Pretty simple FBD of a lug in a pull test that I solved using FEA software, but I’m having trouble checking with a hand calc. Back end is fully supported in a test fixture Feel free to make up numbers where not given
  34. S

    Classical mechanics -- Equations for simulating the motion of a body

    Hello forum, i want to make a samulation of a body. The body will be moved horisontal on y,x axis. I want on my simulation the body to change direction many times(for example i want to go for 10sec right and then left end right...). My question is does i need more than one differential equation...
  35. M

    Physics C: Mechanics - Negative Energy and Potential Energy Curves

    I'm currently taking a course where we are working to teach older physics concepts and combine them with calculus. I was assigned to work on teaching a unit about energy; for the most part, it stays relatively consistent and can be solved algebraically. Another topic in this unit is Potential...
  36. chocopanda

    Quantum Mechanics: creation and annihilation operators

    Hello everyone, I'm new here and I'm struggling with the mathematical formalities in quantum mechanics. $$\langle n+1|b^\dagger bb^\dagger + \frac 12 |n \rangle = \langle n+1|b^\dagger bb^\dagger |n \rangle + \langle n+1| \frac 12 |n \rangle $$ $$ = \langle n+1|b^\dagger b \sqrt{n+1} |n+1...
  37. T

    Mechanics; grade 12 Projectile motion

    Summary:: Scooby-Doo wants a Scooby Snack. According to a website I looked up last night, Scooby can run at a speed of 36 km/h. He runs up a ramp (as shown, 2.0 meters high, 4.0 meters long) at that speed and off the edge. Three meters from the end of the ramp, Shaggy has a Scooby-Snack...
  38. Jamister

    I Understanding Matrix Mechanics in Quantum Mechanics

    In a course of QM they mention Matrix mechanics. But what is it exactly? Is it just Heisenberg picture?
  39. Jamister

    A An experiment that claims to doom Bohmian Mechanics

    I read in the article in Quanta magazine about an experiment with oil droplets that dooms Bohmian Mechanics, but I didn't understand why. Does anyone knows this experiment and why it dooms Bohmian Mechanics? The article is in the link...
  40. person123

    Inertial Force in Fluid Mechanics

    According to one explanation, the left hand acceleration terms of Navier Stokes equations are the called the inertial terms. If you were to balance forces on the fluid particle, they would have to be equal and opposite to the forces on the right hand side (pressure gradient, viscous, and body)...
  41. Vanilla Gorilla

    I Would Black Holes Be Coherent Under Quantum Mechanics?

    I just want to know if Black Holes would be quantumly coherent.
  42. Another

    Why Does the Potential Energy of the Wedge Appear in Lagrangian Mechanics?

    In Solution https://www.slader.com/textbook/9780201657029-classical-mechanics-3rd-edition/67/derivations-and-exercises/20/ In the question say the wedge can move without friction on a smooth surface. Why does the potential energy of the wedge appear in Lagrangian? (You can see the Larangian...
  43. Jamister

    Programs Searching for universities to do my PhD on foundations of quantum mechanics

    I want to do my Phd on foundations of quantum mechanics, but I don't find researchers in the U.S.A that work on that. Is there a good way to search other than to go to each university and go over the PI's? Thanks
  44. Mayan Fung

    I Energy operator in Quantum Mechanics

    I learned that the energy operator is ##\hat{E} = i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t} ## and the Hamiltonian is ##\hat{H} = \frac{-\hbar^2}{2m}\nabla^2+V(r,t)## If the Hamiltonian represents the total energy of the system. I expect the two should be the same. Did I misunderstand the concept of...
  45. M

    Calculating Time to Reach Highest Point in Theoretical Mechanics Problem

    A rough explanation of my attempts: I set the coordinate axis in a way that x is the horizontal base and y is perpendicular. But I guess it is a 3d problem, so I struggle finding the right position of the coordinate system. Then, my next step was applying 2nd NL for every axis. So far I have...
  46. T

    Lagrangian mechanics, system of a spring and a pendulum

    Hello! I have some problem getting the correct answer for (b). My FBD: For part (a) my lagrangian is $$L=T-V\iff L=\frac{1}{2}m(b\dot{\theta})^2+mg(b-b\cos\theta)-\frac{1}{2}k\boldsymbol{x}^2,\ where\ \boldsymbol{x}=\sqrt{(1.25b-b)^2+(b\sin\theta)^2}-(1.25b-0.25b)$$ Hence my equation of...
  47. S

    Mechanics: Find the minimum initial velocity and angle of this projectile

    Attempt at solution in attachment.
  48. AN630078

    Mechanics: Motion of Two Connected Vehicles

    i. Using Newton's 2nd Law, F = m a consider the motion of the entire system, so the car, caravan and towbar an be thought of as a single object. The tension can ignored as it is an internal force. Braking fore + resistive forces = mass * acceleration Braking force + 200N +150 N=(1000+1500)*(0.5)...
  49. AN630078

    Mechanics: Explosion of an Object Vector Diagram

    Well, I understand that according to the conservation of momentum the total momentum of a system is conserved for objects in an isolated system, that is the sum of total momenta before the collison is equal to the sum of momenta after the collision. In this case, the momentum of the object...
  50. AN630078

    Mechanics: Elevator Accelerating Downward

    The acceleration of the elevator is downwards and therefore negative. The overall acceleration of the man is downward with the the direction of the elevator meaning that ma is negative. The external forces acting on the man are the force of gravity acting downwards (-W=-mg) and the supporting...
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