classical physics

Scientific  

1. Physics that does not make use of quantum mechanics or the theory of relativity. Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, and Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism are all examples of classical physics. Many theories in classical physics break down when applied to extremely small objects such as atoms or to objects moving near the speed of light.

2. ◆ Classical mechanics refers to the classical physics of bodies and forces, especially Newton's laws of motion and the principles of mechanics based on them.

3. Compare quantum mechanics

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Example Sentences

The knots ultimately unraveled through quantum tunneling, a process in which particles cross energy barriers that would be insurmountable in classical physics, as if they were passing through a wall.

From Science Daily

"However, the CVF model does this because it incorporates results from initial quantum calculations of interactions between molecules. These interactions, known as many-body problems, go beyond classical physics and are due to the fact that water molecules share electrons in a way that is difficult to measure experimentally," says Franzese.

From Science Daily

This uniquely quantum phenomenon cannot be explained by the laws of classical physics, yet it is one of the properties that explains the macroscopic behavior of quantum systems.

From Science Daily

It exists everywhere, from our daily lives to the distant universe, while being labelled as "the last great unsolved problem of classical physics" by Richard Feynman.

From Science Daily

Of particular interest for researchers in the field are the peculiar and bizarre properties of quantum particles -- which deviate completely from the laws of classical physics and can make materials magnetic or superconducting.

From Science Daily