Kinetics vs. Kinematics — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 20, 2023

Kinetics deals with the forces causing motion and the interactions involved, while kinematics focuses solely on the geometry of motion without considering forces. Both are subfields of physics but differ in scope and application.

Difference Between Kinetics and Kinematics

Table of Contents

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Key Differences

Kinetics is the branch of physics that investigates the relationships between the forces acting on a system and its motion. Kinematics, on the other hand, deals with the description of motion itself, without any regard to the forces or the cause of the motion. Kinetics involves terms like acceleration, friction, and torque, whereas kinematics concerns itself with velocity, displacement, and time.

Sep 20, 2023

Kinetics studies how forces like gravity, tension, and friction affect motion. It is often associated with dynamic systems where forces are constantly changing. Kinematics, conversely, provides a more generalized view of motion and is usually associated with simpler systems where forces are not explicitly considered. It's about the "what" of motion, not the "why."

Sep 20, 2023

In kinetics, equations of motion often include force variables, and solving these equations requires understanding the origin of these forces. In kinematics, equations describe geometric properties of motion, such as speed and direction, without needing to consider forces at all. It’s often the first thing studied in physics to understand motion without the complications of forces.

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In summary, kinetics delves into the cause-effect relationships in motion and includes considerations of external forces. Kinematics is the study of motion in the abstract, solely concerned with parameters like speed, direction, and time. They are both vital aspects of physics but serve different investigative purposes.

Sep 20, 2023

Comparison Chart

Definition

Studies forces and motion

Studies motion only

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Focus

Cause of motion

Description of motion

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Equations

Includes force variables

No force variables

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Complexity

Dynamic systems

Simpler systems

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Typical Parameters

Force, torque, friction

Velocity, displacement

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Compare with Definitions

Kinetics

Physics branch concerned with motion and forces.

The kinetics of the system involved complex calculations.

Sep 20, 2023

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Kinematics

Physics branch dedicated to describing motion.

Kinematics uses equations to describe motion succinctly.

Sep 20, 2023

Kinetics

Study of forces causing motion.

Kinetics helps us understand why objects move as they do.

Sep 20, 2023

Kinematics

Study of motion without considering forces.

Kinematics can describe the path of a thrown ball.

Sep 20, 2023

Kinetics

Concerned with the cause and effect of motion.

Kinetics can explain why friction slows down motion.

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Kinematics

Involves parameters like velocity, displacement, and time.

Kinematics can help calculate how long it takes for a car to stop.

Sep 20, 2023

Kinetics

Investigation of dynamic systems and interactions.

The kinetics of chemical reactions can be quite complex.

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Kinematics

Focuses solely on the geometry of motion.

The kinematics of the system were easier to solve.

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Kinetics

See dynamics.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinematics

Concerned with the "what" not the "why" of motion.

Kinematics tells us what happens, not why it happens.

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Kinetics

The branch of chemistry that is concerned with the rates of change in the concentration of reactants in a chemical reaction.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinematics

Kinematics is a subfield of physics, developed in classical mechanics, that describes the motion of points, bodies (objects), and systems of bodies (groups of objects) without considering the forces that cause them to move. Kinematics, as a field of study, is often referred to as the "geometry of motion" and is occasionally seen as a branch of mathematics.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinetics

(mechanics) The branch of mechanics concerned with motion of objects, as well as the reason i.e. the forces acting on such bodies. This, along with kinematics constitute dynamics, which is concerned purely with the effects of forces on moving bodies.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinematics

The branch of mechanics that studies the motion of a body or a system of bodies without consideration given to the forces acting on it.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinetics

(chemistry) The branch of chemistry that is concerned with the rates of chemical reactions.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinematics

(physics) The branch of mechanics concerned with objects in motion, but not with the forces involved.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinetics

See Dynamics.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinematics

The science which treats of motions considered in themselves, or apart from their causes; the comparison and relation of motions.

Sep 27, 2021

Kinetics

The branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that cause motions of bodies

Sep 27, 2021

Kinematics

The branch of mechanics concerned with motion without reference to force or mass

Sep 27, 2021

Kinetics

Includes variables like force, acceleration, and friction.

The kinetics of the falling apple include the force of gravity.

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Common Curiosities

Are Kinetics and Kinematics related?

Both are subfields of physics focused on motion, but they differ in scope and focus.

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Does Kinetics involve equations?

Yes, kinetics involves equations that usually include force variables.

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What is Kinematics?

Kinematics is the study of motion without considering forces.

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Which is more complex, Kinetics or Kinematics?

Kinetics is generally more complex as it deals with dynamic systems and forces.

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Is Kinetics concerned with the 'why' of motion?

Yes, kinetics seeks to understand why and how motion occurs.

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What is Kinetics?

Kinetics is the study of forces causing motion and their effects.

Sep 20, 2023

Does Kinematics involve equations?

Yes, kinematics involves equations that describe motion without force variables.

Sep 20, 2023

What do you study first, Kinetics or Kinematics?

Kinematics is often studied first to understand motion without the complexity of forces.

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Can Kinetics be applied to chemical reactions?

Yes, kinetics also studies the rate of chemical reactions.

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Is Kinematics only applicable to physics?

While primarily a physics term, kinematics concepts are also used in engineering and computer graphics.

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Can Kinematics be theoretical?

Yes, kinematics can be purely theoretical, describing idealized motion.

Sep 20, 2023

What are the key parameters in Kinematics?

Velocity, displacement, and time are key parameters in kinematics.

Sep 20, 2023

Can Kinetics be experimental?

Yes, kinetics often involves experimental methods to understand forces.

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What are the key parameters in Kinetics?

Force, acceleration, and friction are key parameters in kinetics.

Sep 20, 2023

Is Kinematics concerned with the 'why' of motion?

No, kinematics is concerned with the 'what' of motion, not the 'why.'

Sep 20, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.