Mechanical Physics
All contributors in Mechanical Physics
Centripetal Forces and Centrifugal Effects
Inward centripetal forces keep objects moving in circular paths. Outward centrifugal effects are not real forces. They are caused by an object's inertia. more...
Understanding Physics of Inertial Forces
Inertial forces are not really forces. They are effects that feel like forces but arise from Newton's inertial law in a reference frame that is accelerating. more...
Understanding the Derivation of Escape Velocity
The minimum speed needed to escape from the gravitational field of a star, planet, or moon is the escape velocity. Escape velocity derives from conservation of energy. more...
Is There Gravity on the Moon or in Space?
Newton's law of gravity says there is a gravitational force between any two objects in the universe and this force weakens with distance but extends infinite distances. more...
What Is a Kilowatt-Hour on Electric Bills
Many people may wonder what kilowatt-hours are when they receive their monthly electric bills. Kilowatt-hours are a unit of energy. more...
Understanding Physics Collision Problems
Collisions problems are an important class of problems in physics. Momentum is conserved in all collisions. Kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions. more...
Fun Classroom Demonstrations for Newton's Laws
A few of many possible classroom demonstrations that illustrate Newton's laws and excite kids about learning physics. more...
All feature articles in Mechanical Physics
Quantum Leaps in Quantum Mechanics and Society
By: Robert Allen
Quantum mechanics, philosophy and other sciences explore the fabric of reality and our relevance to it as observers, and the subject is a hit with the public. more...
Billiards and Angular Momentum
Physics textbooks often use billiards in examples to explain concepts in mechanics - but they teach you very little about how physics can be used in billiards. more...
Centripetal force and centrifugal force are related but often confused. more...
Waves are ubiquitous in the study of physics, and we are intuitively familiar with them from a very early age, but what are they really? more...
Newton's third law states that when one body exerts a force on another body, the second body responds with an equal and opposite force. more...
Newton's Second Law describes the relationship between force, mass, and motion, and is an essential tool used to unravel the mysteries of the mechanical Universe. more...
Newton's First Law, the simplest of Newton's three laws of motion, provides a frame of reference for understanding all motion in the Universe. more...
All contributing articles in Mechanical Physics