Mechanics is a term that derives from the late Latin mechanĭca , in turn from the Greek word mēchanikḗ . The concept has several uses according to the context .
Mechanics is the branch of physics focused on the movement and balance of bodies that are under the influence of a force . It is, therefore, the study of the movement and rest of objects that are subjected to forces.
The concept of force also belongs to physics and is defined as a magnitude expressed through the use of vectors to measure the rate of change in momentum (also called impetus, momentum or linear momentum ) that occurs between a pair of forces. particle systems or individual particles. The classic definition tells us that force is any agent that can alter the quantity or shape of a material.
Currently, in the concept of mechanics we also include the evolution of physical systems (aggregates of material entities or objects that are interconnected or interact) beyond mass bodies, the only ones contemplated in the past. In this way, mechanics also focuses on the study of the equations of motion of quantum systems and electromagnetic fields, among others, where there are no "physical bodies", precisely.
According to their characteristics, it is possible to differentiate between classical mechanics , quantum mechanics , analytical mechanics and vector mechanics , among others. Their knowledge also gives rise to other disciplines , such as biomechanics and electromechanical engineering .
Classical mechanics includes rigid solid mechanics and continuous media mechanics, among other areas of study. The mechanics of continuous media deals with extensive deformable material bodies , and includes phenomena such as plasticity, elasticity and viscoelasticity, theories such as hydrostatics, hydraulics and hydrodynamics.
Quantum mechanics , on the other hand, focuses on mechanical systems with low energy for which classical mechanics cannot be applied. For example, it is not compatible with the principle according to which the future state of a system is completely linked to the current one, since its evolution can take place in a non-deterministic way. It is also possible to talk about quantum statistical mechanics , which includes certain restrictions when dealing with aggregates of particles.
Analytical mechanics, on the other hand, is a general and abstract formulation of classical mechanics thanks to which it is possible to use inertial and non-inertial systems under the same conditions without altering the basic equation of motion.
Many times, at least in colloquial language , when talking about mechanics, reference is made specifically to automotive mechanics : that is, to the principles and systems that allow generating and transmitting movement in mechanically driven vehicles. Thus, expressions such as "I don't know anything about mechanics" or "I must go to the mechanic" are usually linked to the operation of a car.
On the other hand, that which is executed with a machine or through a mechanism is classified as mechanical. For example: "A mechanical shovel was used to remove the rock" , "The new shopping center has four escalators" , "Fruit harvesting is done mechanically" .
The mechanics, finally, are the set of rules that regulate an activity or an action : «According to the mechanics of the contest, the four participants with the most votes will qualify for the final instance» , «At the request of the players, the coach decided modify the mechanics of training» , «The mechanics of our work make the last hours of the day the most intense» .