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.