Classical Physics
This branch of physics is mainly concerned with the laws of motion and gravitation as outlined in Sir Isaac Newton and James Clark Maxwell’s kinetic theory and thermodynamics, respectively. This branch of physics deals mostly with matter and energy. Often, physics which date before 1900 are considered classical physics, whereas physic which date after 1900 are considered modern physics.
In classical physics, energy and matter are considered separate entities. Acoustics, optics, classical mechanics, and electromagnetics are traditionally branches within classical physics. Moreover, any theory of physics that is considered null and void in modern physics automatically falls under the realm of classical physics.
As Newton's Laws are one of the main features of classical physics, let's examine them.
What Are the Three Laws of Physics?
The three laws of physics, as they are commonly referred to, are known formally as Newton's laws of motion. They are considered the basis of classical mechanics. Newton's laws describe the motion of a body upon which forces may act and which may exert forces on other bodies.
When we speak of bodies, we are not speaking of actual human bodies (although human bodies can be included in this definition), but of any piece of matter upon which a force may act. Newton's three laws are outlined below.
Newton's Laws of Motion (The Three Laws of Physics)
- Law of Inertia: A body remains at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by a force.
- Force = Mass x Acceleration: A body's rate of change of momentum is proportional to the force causing it.
- Action = Reaction: When a force acts on a body due to another body, then an equal and opposite force acts simultaneously on that body.
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