What is kinematics in physics

Jun 13, 2021, 16:45 IST

What is kinematics in physics ?

Kinematics is that branch of mechanics, which describes the motion of bodies without reference to the forces that either cause the motion or are generated as a result of the motion.  Kinematics is often referred to as the ‘geometry of motion’. We start our study of kinematics by first discussing in this chapter the motion of a particle. A particle is a physical analogue of a point. A particle is a body whose physical dimensions are so small compared with the radius of curvature of its path that we can treat the motion of a particle as that of a point. Later on, we shall apply the concepts learnt here to the motion of rigid bodies, which are a collection of particles.

Following topics are covered under Kinematics chapter of Physics

1.Introduction to Motion in One Dimension

2.Graphical Representation and Equations of Motion

3.Motion under Gravity

4.Motion in a Straight Line with Acceleration

5.Motion in Two Dimensions

6.Motion of Projectile

7.Circular Motion

8.Relative Motion