Ok, first I am new to physics in general but have a good base of knowledge. What I am wondering is this...
If Newton used a string and a rock to simulate the gravitational pull of a body in orbit, then are his formulas inherently incorrect because the string does NOT function like gravity or can it be proven that he took into account this very fact when he composed his revelation of gravity?
QUOTE (Scimitar+Nov 6 2009, 01:59 AM)
If Newton used a string and a rock to simulate the gravitational pull of a body in orbit, then are his formulas inherently incorrect ...
I don't ever remember Newton mentioning a 'string' in his gravitational theory.
You're probably thinking of "string theory".
He, he ,he
QUOTE (Scimitar+Nov 6 2009, 01:59 AM)
Ok, first I am new to physics in general but have a good base of knowledge. What I am wondering is this...
If Newton used a string and a rock to simulate the gravitational pull of a body in orbit, then are his formulas inherently incorrect because the string does NOT function like gravity or can it be proven that he took into account this very fact when he composed his revelation of gravity?
Hi Scimitar,
I don't know that Newton used this to visualize gravity or not, but he certainly did not use it to come up with his universal law of gravitation!
Newton did endless experimentation with bodies rolling down inclines (it's easier to use inclines than dropping bodies, and the results can be equated) when formulating his laws of motion and gravity. Different mass bodies fall at the same rate (9.8m/s/s) but will have different momentum and force. by studying the way these forces vary, he was able to compare different masses compared to the Earth.
Extending this principle universally, he came up with F(g)=[G(m1)(m2)/r^2].
This is obviously an extremely general summary, but I hope you get the drift.Peace,
Ron
If Newton used a string and a rock to simulate the gravitational pull of a body in orbit, then are his formulas inherently incorrect because the string does NOT function like gravity or can it be proven that he took into account this very fact when he composed his revelation of gravity?
Hi Scimitar,
I don't know that Newton used this to visualize gravity or not, but he certainly did not use it to come up with his universal law of gravitation!
Newton did endless experimentation with bodies rolling down inclines (it's easier to use inclines than dropping bodies, and the results can be equated) when formulating his laws of motion and gravity. Different mass bodies fall at the same rate (9.8m/s/s) but will have different momentum and force. by studying the way these forces vary, he was able to compare different masses compared to the Earth.
Extending this principle universally, he came up with F(g)=[G(m1)(m2)/r^2].
This is obviously an extremely general summary, but I hope you get the drift.Peace,
Ron
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