Question on Formulas and how they came to be?

[Einherjar101]

The question I have is if anyone knows of any book, website or thread already in the physics forums that gives a detailed but stupidly simple explanation of physics formulae and also goes into how they came to be thought up and even derived while still explaining it in basic terms.

A good example of this that I can think of is the explination of Newton's law of universal gravitation in the book https://www.amazon.com/dp/1874166250/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

Im asking this because, at least for me personaly, I find it easier to to understand and remember a formula once I know the backgroung of it.

Right I hope this makes sense.

 

[Valerie Park]

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any books, websites, or threads in the Physics Forums that provide a detailed but simple explanation of physics formulae. However, there are some excellent resources available online that can help you gain an understanding of the background and derivation of various physics formulae. Some of these include Khan Academy's Physics course (https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics), MIT Open Courseware's Science & Engineering videos (https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/science-engineering/), and Physics.org's Online Physics Courses (https://www.physics.org/resources/online-courses/). Additionally, many universities also provide free online lectures and courses related to physics and other science subjects.

 

[sir-pinski]

Yes, there are many resources available that explain physics formulas in a simple and easy to understand manner. One great book that comes to mind is "The Cartoon Guide to Physics" by Larry Gonick. This book uses illustrations and humorous explanations to break down complex formulas and concepts in physics.

As for the origins of these formulas, it is important to note that they were not simply thought up by one person. Many scientists and mathematicians throughout history have contributed to the development of these formulas through experimentation, observation, and mathematical reasoning.

For example, Newton's law of universal gravitation was derived from his observations of the motion of objects on Earth and the motion of celestial bodies. He used his understanding of calculus and mathematical principles to come up with the formula that describes the force of gravity between two objects.

Other formulas, such as Einstein's famous equation E=mc², were developed through years of research and experimentation in the field of theoretical physics.

In short, these formulas are the result of centuries of scientific progress and collaboration among brilliant minds. So while it may be helpful to understand the background and context of these formulas, it is also important to appreciate the immense amount of work and ingenuity that went into their development.