We study classical mechanics despite the advancements of modern physics because classical mechanics provides a fundamental and intuitive framework for understanding the motion of everyday objects at typical speeds and scales. While modern physics, such as quantum mechanics and relativity, extends our understanding of the universe to phenomena at the subatomic and cosmological levels, classical mechanics remains a useful and practical tool for many applications.
Here are a few reasons why we continue to study classical mechanics:
Applicability: Classical mechanics is highly applicable to everyday life situations. It helps us understand and predict the motion of objects we encounter in our daily experiences, such as cars, projectiles, and pendulums. It is also the foundation for engineering disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering.
Simplified Models: Classical mechanics provides simplified models that are often sufficient for many practical purposes. While quantum mechanics and relativity offer more accurate descriptions of the physical world, they can be mathematically complex and challenging to apply in certain cases. Classical mechanics provides simpler equations and approximations that are often more manageable and offer accurate results for a wide range of scenarios.
Transitionary Understanding: Studying classical mechanics serves as a stepping stone for students to grasp the concepts of physics before diving into the complexities of modern physics. It helps develop important skills such as problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and conceptual understanding, which are crucial for further studies in physics and other scientific fields.
Limiting Cases: Modern physics theories like quantum mechanics and relativity often reduce to classical mechanics in certain limiting cases. Classical mechanics can be seen as an approximation or an "emergent" behavior that arises from these more fundamental theories under certain conditions. Understanding classical mechanics allows us to appreciate the connections and boundaries between different branches of physics.
While classical mechanics may not fully explain the behavior of the universe at extreme scales or velocities, its principles and concepts remain essential for practical applications and as a foundation for further exploration in physics. By studying classical mechanics, we gain a valuable framework for understanding the motion of objects in our everyday lives and a solid grounding upon which to build our understanding of more advanced physical theories.