Classical physics
Classical physics refers to the branch of physics that predates the quantum revolution and encompasses the principles and theories developed before the early 20th century. This Wikipedia page provides an extensive summary of classical physics, including its historical development, fundamental theories, and significant contributions.
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This Wikipedia page provides an extensive summary of classical physics, including its historical development, fundamental theories, and significant contributions. The page begins by tracing the origins of classical physics back to ancient Greek philosophers and their conceptualizations of motion and matter. It then delves into the major advancements made during the Scientific Revolution, particularly the breakthroughs by notable figures such as Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. These scientists laid the foundation for classical mechanics, which encompasses the study of motion, forces, and energy. The page further explores different branches of classical physics, including classical electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and optics. It outlines the key principles behind these disciplines and highlights the contributions of prominent physicists like James Clerk Maxwell and Gustav Kirchhoff. Additionally, the page delves into the mathematical formalism used in classical physics, such as Newton's laws of motion and differential equations, which provided a framework for understanding physical phenomena. It also discusses how classical physics relies on deterministic principles, with the ability to predict and describe the behavior of macroscopic objects. The limitations of classical physics are also acknowledged, particularly its inability to explain quantum behavior observed at the atomic and subatomic levels. The page suggests that classical physics reached its limitations with the advent of quantum mechanics in the 20th century, leading to a paradigm shift in our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. Overall, the Wikipedia page on classical physics serves as a comprehensive resource, covering its historical development, main theories, notable contributors, mathematical foundations, and its eventual transition to modern physics.