Thursday, 20 August 2015

Motion in Straight Line: Mechanics

Mechanics


The branch of physics which deals with the study of state of rest and state of motion of material objects is called Mechanics.  It is broadly classified into two categories:

  1. Statics
  2. Dynamics


Statics


It is the study of object in motion.  It is further subdivided into

  1. Kinematics
  2. Dynamics proper

Kinematics: It is the study of motion of objects without taking into account the cause of motion.  In kinematics, we do not consider the size, shape, mass etc. of the body.  We deal only with the properties of motion i.e. speed, velocity, accerlation etc.


The term kinematics is derived from Greek word 'Kinema' meaning motion.  Motion is the continuous change of position.

Dynamics proper: It is the study of motion of objects considering the cause of motion.  Since force is the cause of motion, therefore, the study of dynamics involves the study of force.

The word dynamics comes from the Greek word 'dynamics' meaning power.

Importance of Mechanics


By learning a few basic principles of mechanics, we can describe and explain the motion of  planets, build bridges, fly aeroplanes and put satellites into orbits.  Motion of objects along a straight line is also called rectilinear motion.


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