Classical Physics Overview

Atomic and Molecular Theory

Development of Atomic Theory

The journey of atomic theory spans from ancient Greek philosophical concepts to modern scientific understanding. Key developments include Dalton's groundbreaking atomic theory and the emergence of molecular concepts.

Understanding Molecules

The concept of molecules evolved through careful experimental observations and theoretical developments, particularly through Gay-Lussac's groundbreaking experiments and Avogadro's revolutionary law.

Kinetic Theory and Gas Laws

Molecular Motion

The kinetic theory of gases provides a microscopic explanation for macroscopic gas properties, supported by observations of Brownian motion and theoretical assumptions about molecular behavior.

Speed and Temperature

Understanding molecular speeds and their relationship with temperature is crucial for explaining gas behavior and thermal properties.

Gas Laws

The ideal gas law (PV=nRT) represents the relationship between pressure, volume, temperature, and the amount of gas, derived from kinetic theory principles.

Fundamental Laws and Principles

Newton's Laws

Newton's laws of motion form the foundation of classical mechanics and explain the relationship between forces and motion.

Conservation Laws

The fundamental conservation laws govern all classical systems and remain key principles in modern physics.

Classical Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics describes the behavior of heat, work, and energy in physical systems.

Wave Mechanics

Classical wave mechanics explains phenomena like sound and light before quantum theory.