SOC 201 Chapter 1.4: Chapter 1.4
Document Summary
Every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is proportional to the product of the masses of the two particles, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. This force is directed along a line between their centers. Newton completely undid the traditional view of the cosmos by making it clear that the earth was not the center of the universe. His simple laws explained the movement of everything visible in the universe. These laws explained not only how planets moved about in the cosmos, but also why buildings sometimes fell down and bridges sometimes collapsed. Because of newton, astronomers could calculate the orbits of the planets, and engineers could build taller buildings and longer bridges. During the next century, religious leaders retreated from their position that their authority was the last word on the natural world. Newton"s findings were so compelling that the church had to retreat.
