classical physics

American  

[klas-ik-uhl fiz-iks] / ˈklæs ɪk əl ˈfɪz ɪks /

noun

1. physics as understood before the advent of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, or those aspects of contemporary physics that do not involve or rely on these theories.

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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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Other Word Forms

• classical physicist
  noun
• classical-physics
  adjective

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

classical physics

Quantum entanglement allows two quantum systems to share information in ways that have no direct equivalent in classical physics.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 13, 2026

The latter is the limiting case in which one part of the system is treated quantum mechanically, while classical physics is sufficient for the other part.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 19, 2026

In everyday classical physics, making a measurement has little effect on the object being observed.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 3, 2026

A quantum system, such as a group of qubits, follows the rules of quantum mechanics rather than classical physics.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 3, 2026

Unfortunately for Einstein, the laws of quantum mechanics work incredibly well, and you can’t successfully explain quantum effects with traditional classical physics.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

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