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Classical Mechanics Principles

Classical mechanics principles cover Newton's Laws, the Principle of Least Action, Euler-Lagrange equations, and Hamilton's equations. It provides a foundational understanding of the classical state of physical systems and their behavior.

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1

Which of the following statements best describes Newton's First Law of Motion?

An object that is not moving will stay still, and one that is moving keeps going at the same speed and direction unless something pushes or pulls on i...

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2

In a closed system, two objects collide elastically. Object A with a mass of 2 kg moving at 3 m/s collides with object B, which has a mass of 4 kg and is initially at rest. What is the final velocity of object A after the collision if momentum is conserved?

First, add the initial momenta: 2 kg × 3 m/s = 6 kg·m/s. Other options are incorrect because It assumes A keeps the same speed as before; Some think t...

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3

A car accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 20 m/s in 5 seconds. What is the acceleration of the car during this time?

Acceleration measures how much speed changes each second. Other options are incorrect because Some think acceleration equals the speed you reach; A mi...

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4

A 5 kg block is sliding on a horizontal surface with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.3. If the block is pushed with a force of 20 N to the right, what is the final velocity of the block after 2 seconds, assuming it starts from rest? Consider both Newton's Laws and the conservation of momentum in your calculations.

The applied force is only slightly larger than the frictional force, giving a small positive net force. Other options are incorrect because This answe...

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5

A 5 kg object is subjected to a net force of 15 N to the right. Using free body diagrams, what is the acceleration of the object, and in which direction does it move?

The net force causes the object to speed up because force and mass are linked by Newton's second law. Other options are incorrect because It thinks a ...

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6

In a system obeying Newton's laws, which principle best explains the trajectory of a particle under conservative forces?

The Principle of Least Action states that a particle takes the path that makes a quantity called action, a simple integral of energy, as small as poss...

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7

Arrange the following concepts in the correct order of their development in classical mechanics: A) Newton's Laws, B) Euler-Lagrange equations, C) Principle of Least Action, D) Hamilton's equations.

Newton's Laws were first written, showing how objects move. Other options are incorrect because This option puts Euler-Lagrange before the Principle o...

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8

When a ball is thrown upwards, it eventually stops and falls back down. What is the primary cause of the ball's change in motion as it ascends and descends?

Gravity pulls the ball toward the Earth. Other options are incorrect because The initial speed gives the ball how far to go, but gravity decides the c...

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9

A skateboarder is moving down a ramp and reaches the bottom with a specific velocity. Assuming negligible friction and air resistance, which principle would best describe the skateboarder's motion as they transition from potential energy at the top of the ramp to kinetic energy at the bottom?

When the skateboarder starts at the top of the ramp, his height gives him potential energy. Other options are incorrect because Many think motion alon...

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10

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the Principle of Least Action in classical mechanics?

When the ball rolls down the hill, it follows a path that takes the least time. Other options are incorrect because A pendulum swings because gravity ...

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11

Which of the following statements correctly apply the principles of classical mechanics? Select all that apply.

Newton’s First Law says an object keeps its motion unless a force acts. Other options are incorrect because You might think gravity forces a straight ...

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12

In a closed system, how does the Principle of Least Action relate to the motion of a particle under conservative forces?

The principle states that a particle’s path makes the action integral smallest. Other options are incorrect because People often think the quickest or...

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13

Newton's First Law of Motion:Inertia : : ? : Equilibrium

Force is what can disturb balance. Other options are incorrect because Acceleration is an effect, not the cause that breaks equilibrium; Velocity is a...

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14

In classical mechanics, the behavior of a system can be described using the principle of _____, which states that the path taken by a system is the one that minimizes the action integral.

The principle of Least Action says the real path makes the action integral as small as possible. Other options are incorrect because Conservation of M...

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