ASTRO 142 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Inverse-Square Law, Momentum, Gravitational Constant
Document Summary
Performed experiments in optics (science of light) Carried out his initial derivations of the laws of mechanics and gravity. Invented the reflecting telescope, which uses a mirror rather than a lens to focus light. Published manuscript that laid down fundamental laws of mechanics and gravitation. Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica (the mathematical principles of. First law (law of inertia): a body at rest or in a state of uniform motion will remain at rest or in a uniform motion, unless acted upon by a net external force. Generalized: law of conservation of momentum: linear momentum of a system never changes as long as no external force acts. Motion is relative: if all things move uniformly together, sharing in a common motion, there is no discernible effect. Retain that objects at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by some force. Motion cannot by itself require the continual application of a force.
