Answer
Kinematics → Describes motion.
Dynamics → Explains and causes motion.
Work Step by Step
Kinematics
- Definition: The study of motion without considering the forces that cause it.
- Focus: Describes how objects move — their position, velocity, and acceleration over time.
- Example: Determining the trajectory of a moving object when its velocity and time are known.
- Used for: Animation paths, camera movement, or robotic arm positioning where forces aren’t needed.
Dynamics
- Definition: The study of motion considering the forces and torques that produce or change that motion.
- Focus: Explains why an object moves — relates force, mass, and acceleration (Newton’s laws).
- Example: Simulating a falling ball under gravity or a car accelerating due to engine force.
- Used for: Realistic physics-based simulations (e.g., collisions, cloth motion, or fluid dynamics).
In conclusion:
- Kinematics → Describes motion.
- Dynamics → Explains and causes motion.