Learn the Difference Between Kinetics and Kinematics

Movement of various objects that we see in our daily lives, has been extensively studied in Physics. The study is called Classical Mechanics which are the physical theories that describe the motion of various objects like macroscopic objects, rockets, satellites in space, parts of machinery etc. In classical mechanics, motion is described in primarily two ways. It is described both in terms of the causative force behind the motion and the behaviour of the object during the motion. These are known as Kinetics and Kinematics.

Kinetics refers to the study of the causative forces behind the motion whereas kinematics refers to the study of the motion itself as well as the nature of the motion. This Physics article discusses the difference between kinetics and kinematics.

What is Kinetics?

Kinetics is defined as the study of the forces that result in the motion of any object. It is the study of the cause behind the motion. For instance, if the rotational motion is being studied then kinetics would refer to the study of torque that causes the rotational motion. Kinetics can also be referred to as Dynamics.

Since Kinetics deals with the forces causing the motion, it also includes the energy behind that force. In other words kinetics deals with the Kinetic Energy of the object, which is the energy transferred to the object by the driving force. The source of the kinetic energy of the object can be varied. The kinetic energy of the body is mathematically stated as

Where,

K = Kinetic Energy possessed by the object

m = mass of the object

v = velocity of the object

What is Kinematics?

Kinematics can be defined as the study of the path and properties of the motion. For instance, if rotational motion is considered then kinematics would deal with the path undertaken by the rotating object. It also deals with the properties of motions such as velocity, acceleration, etc. The study also includes the behaviour of the object at different points on the path described by the object during its motion.

Kinematics can also be referred to as the Geometry of motion. There are a number of equations in kinematics which tells us the different paths of the object or the properties of the object under motion.

There are four formulas of kinematics that are related to velocity, acceleration, time and displacement. 

Difference between Kinetics and Kinematics

The following table summarizes both Kinetics and Kinematics and their differences.

Kinetics	Kinematics
It refers to the study of the force that causes the motion.	It refers to the study of the path and property of the object during motion.
The study is applied to different motions or finding out the efficiency of any particular motion. Thus mostly used in the design of automobiles.	The study finds its application in astrophysics, mechanical engineering, robotics, and biomechanics.
In Kinetics, the force behind causing the motion is considered.	In Kinematics, the force behind causing the object is not considered. However, the force experienced by the body during its motion is considered.
The study only includes the mathematical equation of kinetic energy.	The study involves a number of different mathematical equations to describe the path or the properties.
It takes into account the masses of the objects in motion.	It takes into account the various forces acting on the object during its motion as well.
Involves the analysis of forces, energy, and momentum.	Involves the analysis of position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
Examples include the study of forces involved in launching a rocket or the interaction between objects in a collision.	Examples include analyzing the trajectory of a projectile, calculating the speed of a moving object, or determining the acceleration of an object.

Hope this article about the difference between Kinetics and Kinematics would help you understand the further concepts of these topics and Classical Mechanics in total. There are many such interesting Physics topics and their real-life applications to learn about, just download the Testbook app and start browsing to get insights on them which can clear all your concepts regarding them.