Classical Mechanics — 70 Terms Defined

Acceleration Classical Mechanics m/s² The vector rate of change of velocity with respect to time. a = dv/dt = d²r/dt²

Amplitude Classical Mechanics m The maximum magnitude of displacement from the equilibrium position in an oscillating or wave system. A = x_max

Angular Acceleration Classical Mechanics rad/s² The rate of change of angular velocity with respect to time. α = dω/dt = τ / I

Angular Displacement Classical Mechanics rad (radians) The angle through which a point or line rotates about a specified axis in a specified direction. θ = s / r

Angular Momentum Classical Mechanics kg·m²/s (J·s) The rotational analog of linear momentum, defined as the product of moment of inertia and angular velocity. L = I ω = r × p

Angular Velocity Classical Mechanics rad/s The vector rate of change of angular displacement with respect to time. ω = dθ/dt

Apparent Weight Classical Mechanics N The effective weight of a body, equal to the normal contact force supporting it in an accelerating frame. W_app = m (g + a)

Archimedes' Principle Classical Mechanics N The principle stating that any object fully or partially submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of displaced fluid. Fb = m_fluid g = ρ_fluid V_displaced g

Bernoulli's Principle Classical Mechanics Pa The principle in fluid dynamics stating that an increase in fluid speed occurs simultaneously with a decrease in static pressure or potential energy. P + ½ ρ v² + ρ g h = constant

Buoyancy Classical Mechanics N The net upward fluid force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid due to pressure difference between top and bottom. Fb = ρ_fluid V_submerged g

Centripetal Acceleration Classical Mechanics m/s² The inward acceleration of an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of curvature. ac = v² / r = ω² r

Centripetal Force Classical Mechanics N The net inward force directed toward the center of curvature that keeps an object moving along a curved or circular path. Fc = m v² / r = m ω² r

Circular Motion Classical Mechanics m/s, rad/s The movement of an object along the circumference of a circular path or orbit. v = ω r, ac = v² / r

Coefficient of Restitution Classical Mechanics Dimensionless (0 to 1) A fractional measure of elasticity in a collision, defined as ratio of relative separation speed to relative approach speed. e = (v2_f - v1_f) / (v1_i - v2_i)

Completely Inelastic Collision Classical Mechanics kg·m/s, m/s A collision in which colliding bodies stick together after impact, moving as a single combined mass with maximum kinetic energy loss. m1 v1 + m2 v2 = (m1 + m2) Vf

Conservation of Linear Momentum Classical Mechanics kg·m/s The law stating that total linear momentum of an isolated system remains constant if no net external force acts on it. ∑ p_initial = ∑ p_final

Conservative Force Classical Mechanics N A force for which total work done in moving an object between two points is independent of the path taken. ∮ F · dr = 0, F = -∇ PE

Continuity Equation Classical Mechanics m³/s The equation expressing conservation of mass for fluid flow through a pipe or conduit. A1 v1 = A2 v2 = constant (Volumetric Flow Rate Q)

Couple Classical Mechanics N·m A system of two equal, parallel forces acting in opposite directions whose lines of action do not coincide, producing pure torque without net linear force. τ = F d

Drag Force Classical Mechanics N The fluid resistance force opposing the motion of an object moving through a liquid or gas. Fd = ½ ρ v² Cd A

Dynamic Equilibrium Classical Mechanics N, N·m The state of a physical system moving at constant linear velocity and constant angular velocity with zero net force and zero net torque. ∑ F = 0 (v = const ≠ 0), ∑ τ = 0 (ω = const)

Efficiency Classical Mechanics % The ratio of useful work output to total energy input for a machine or system. η = (W_output / E_input) × 100%

Elastic Collision Classical Mechanics kg·m/s, J A collision between bodies in which both total linear momentum and total kinetic energy are conserved. ∑ p_i = ∑ p_f, ∑ KE_i = ∑ KE_f

Elasticity Classical Mechanics Pa (N/m²) The mechanical property of a material to deform under applied stress and return to its original shape when stress is removed. Stress / Strain = Elastic Modulus (E)