CLASSICAL PHYSICS

Classical physics refers to the branch of physics that deals with the laws of motion
and the behavior of macroscopic objects. It encompasses the theories and
principles developed before the early 20th century, prior to the advent of quantum
mechanics and relativity theory. Classical physics provides a framework for
understanding and describing the motion, forces, and energy of objects in the
everyday world.
Concepts in Classical Physics:
1. Newtonian Mechanics: Classical mechanics, formulated by Sir Isaac Newton,
is a fundamental part of classical physics. It describes the motion of objects
in terms of three laws:
• Newton's First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia): An object at rest tends
to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with
the same speed and direction unless acted upon by an external force.
• Newton's Second Law of Motion: The acceleration of an object is
directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely
proportional to its mass. This relationship is expressed as F = ma,
where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents
acceleration.
• Newton's Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction. When an object exerts a force on another object,
the second object exerts a force of the same magnitude but in the
opposite direction on the first object.
2. Laws of Thermodynamics: Classical physics includes the study of
thermodynamics, which deals with the behavior of heat, energy, and
entropy. The laws of thermodynamics include:
• The First Law of Thermodynamics (Law of Energy Conservation):
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only change forms
or be transferred between systems.
• The Second Law of Thermodynamics: The entropy of an isolated
system tends to increase over time. It states that natural processes are
irreversible and tend towards greater disorder or randomness.
 • The Third Law of Thermodynamics: As temperature approaches
absolute zero, the entropy of a perfect crystal approaches zero.
3. Electromagnetism and Optics: Classical physics includes the study of
electromagnetism, which describes the behavior of electric and magnetic
fields. Key concepts in classical electromagnetism include:
• Coulomb's Law: The force between two charged particles is directly
proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional
to the square of the distance between them.
• Maxwell's Equations: A set of equations that describe the behavior of
electric and magnetic fields, including the generation of
electromagnetic waves.
• Optics: The study of light and its interaction with matter, including
reflection, refraction, and the formation of images by lenses and
mirrors.
Classical physics provides a highly accurate description of the motion and behavior
of objects on a macroscopic scale. However, it has its limitations when applied to
the microscopic world or when dealing with extreme conditions, such as very high
speeds or strong gravitational fields. The development of quantum mechanics and
relativity theory in the early 20th century expanded our understanding of physics
beyond the boundaries of classical physics.