Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the conditions of rest or motion of the material objects around us. It is one of the oldest branches of physics.
Sub-branches of mechanics
(i) Statics:
It is the branch of mechanics that deals with the study of objects at rest or in equilibrium, even when they are under the action of several forces. The measurement of time is not essential in statics.
(ii) Kinematics:
It is the branch of mechanics that deals with the study of motion of objects without considering the cause of motion. Here measurement of time is essential. The word kinematics comes from Greek word kinema which means motion.
(iii) Dynamics:
It is the branch of mechanics that deals with the study of motion of objects taking into consideration the cause of their motion. The word dynamics comes from a Greek word dynamics which means power. Dynamics is concerned with the forces which cause motion. Newton contributed a lot to dynamics by postulating his famous laws of motion.