01
Kinematics
Kinematics describes position, velocity, and acceleration without requiring an explanation of the forces producing motion.
v = dx/dt
a = dv/dt = d²x/dt²
02
Newton's Laws
Newtonian mechanics relates the motion of bodies to applied forces.
F = ma
- Inertia describes the tendency of objects to maintain their state of motion.
- Acceleration is produced by net force.
- Forces between interacting bodies occur in paired interactions.
03
Energy
K = 1/2 mv²
U = mgh
Energy methods often simplify mechanics by replacing explicit force calculations with relations between initial and final states.
04
Momentum
p = mv
Momentum is conserved in isolated systems. Momentum methods are particularly useful for collisions, propulsion, and systems involving mass transfer.