CONTRIBUTIONS OF ISAAC NEWTON

 

Sir Isaac Newton was an English physicist, whose discoveries have led him to be considered one of the most important and influential scientists in history. This lesson will cover his achievements and discoveries.

Sir Isaac Newton (December 25, 1642-March 20, 1727) was an English physicist, mathematician and astronomer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history. In 1687, Newton published the paper 'Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy' in which universal gravitation and the Three Laws of Motion are described. This paper became the basis for modern engineering and revolutionized scientific thinking.

Isaac Newton

 

 

 

Laws of Motion

First Law

Newton's first law relates to inertia and states that an object will remain at rest unless it is acted upon by an external force. Similarly, for objects moving, an object will continue to move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by a force.

Second Law

Newton's second law is the law of force and is most simply described as Force equals mass times acceleration, or F=ma. Your weight is actually described by this law: your mass times the gravity of Earth is equal to your weight.

Third Law

Newton's third law of motion states, For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a body exerts a force on another body, the second body will exert a force equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the first body.

Discoveries

In addition to Newton's Laws of Motion, Newton also contributed to other fields of science and mathematics.

Contribution to Mathematics

In order to solve problems he encountered in his theories, such as problems with instantaneous speed and maximum and minimum value problems, new created a new form of math, calculus. The creation of calculus was undoubtedly the most remarkable achievements in math by Newton. The development of calculus opened up a new era in mathematics.

Contribution to Optics

In 1666, Newton's studies with a prism revealed that white light is composed of the wavelengths of multiple colors combined. This discovery unlocked the secrets of light and color and became the basis of spectral analysis.

Contribution to Astronomy

Newton in 1668 created a reflecting telescope using a concave mirror along with a flat diagonal mirror. Reflecting telescopes are still in use today and are the common style sold in stores.