力学与物理“力”之比较

COMPARISON OF “FORCE” IN MECHANICS AND PHYSICS

  • 摘要: 本文梳理了力学与物理学的发展关系,具有各自起源、融合发展,近代分离三个显著特征。首先,古希腊时期阿契塔的《力学问题》和亚里士多德的《物理学》分别代表了力学与物理学不同的起源,其中,《力学问题》将力学定义为借助于技艺“违反自然”的满足人的方便,而《物理学》的目的为认识自然的“本原、原因或元素”,可见两者在起源上有明显差异;大约公元前3世纪-18世纪,力学与物理学经历了长期的融合发展,这一时期所取得的力学成就既是力学的发展基础,也是整个物理学的发展基础; 18世纪下半叶,随着电与磁理论的兴起,物理学中传统力学观开始衰落,并发展为以相对论与量子力学为主要内容的近代物理学,力学则继续服务于现代工程,成为现代工程技术的理论基础。最后指出,尽管力学与物理有不同的发展路径,但决不能隔绝两者的发展,力学与物理始终相互借鉴、交叉融合发展,在新领域探索中发挥了重要作用。

     

    Abstract: In this paper, the authors discussed the evolutionary relationship between mechanics and physics, which unfolds through three distinct phases: separate origins, integrated development, and modern divergence. To begin with, during the ancient Greek period, "Mechanical Problems" authored by Archytas and "Physics" by Aristotle respectively symbolized the diverse origins of mechanics and physics. In "Mechanical Problems", mechanics was defined as a means of "counter to nature" with the assistance of mechanics for people's demands. In contrast, the aim of "Physics" was to gain an understanding of the "origin, cause or element" of nature. Evidently, there were clear distinctions between the two. Approximately from the 3rd century BC to the 18th century, mechanics and physics underwent an extensive period of integrated development. The mechanical accomplishments achieved during this time served as the bedrock not only for the progress of mechanics itself but also for the overall advancement of physics. In the second half of the 18th century, along with the emergence and growth of the theory of electricity and magnetism, the traditional perspective on mechanics began to wane within the realm of physics. Physics then evolved into modern physics, which was characterized by the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. Meanwhile, mechanics continued to play a crucial role in serving modern engineering and eventually developed into the scientific system underpinning modern engineering technology. Finally, it is worth noting that despite the fact that mechanics and physics have followed distinct development paths, their development should never be separated or isolated from each other. The mutual reference and cross-integration between mechanics and physics have already played a significant role in a number of fields.

     

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