classical mechanics

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the branch of mechanics that is based on Newton's laws of motion and that is applicable to systems that are so large that Planck's constant can be regarded as negligibly small (quantum mechanics ).

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Etymology

Origin of classical mechanics

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Velasco's team employs a visual model often referred to as a "billiard" to illustrate the classical mechanics of linear versus chaotic systems.

From Science Daily

In classical mechanics, a particle must have enough energy to overcome an energy barrier for a reaction to occur.

From Science Daily

If successful, achieving entanglement of levitated nano- and micro-particles could narrow the gap between the quantum world and everyday classical mechanics.

From Science Daily

To do this, felines exploit the physical laws of classical mechanics: by placing their front paws close to their body, they reduce their moment of inertia.

From Scientific American

Macroscopic objects made of very many atoms, on the other hand, normally obey classical mechanics: they cannot assume two contradictory states simultaneously.

From Scientific American