Feynman's Derivation: Find Universal Law of Gravitation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence and sourcing of Richard Feynman's derivation of the Universal Law of Gravitation, exploring whether such a derivation exists and how it relates to Newton's Law of Gravity and Kepler's Laws.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that Feynman never derived the Universal Law of Gravitation.
  • Others claim that Feynman did provide a derivation without using calculus, referencing a source that suggests he rederived the proof.
  • One participant mentions that Feynman started with Newton's Law of Gravity and derived Kepler's Laws using geometrical arguments based on ellipses.
  • A later reply confirms the existence of a book titled "Feynman's Lost Lecture," which includes a recording of the lecture by Feynman.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on whether Feynman derived the Universal Law of Gravitation, with some asserting he did not and others suggesting he did, leading to multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definitions of "derivation" and the specific content of Feynman's work, as well as the availability of resources online.

amcavoy
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Does anyone know where I can find Feynman's derivation of the Universal Law of Gravitation?
 
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You can't. Feynman never derived the "Universal Law of Gravitation".
 
HallsofIvy said:
You can't. Feynman never derived the "Universal Law of Gravitation".

Really? I heard that he did without using calculus, and I am interested...

"Richard Feynman, Nobel-prize winning maverick physicist, rederived such a proof (as have some distinguished predecessors."

...taken from http://www-spof.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sgravity.htm

I was just wondering if there was a resource online for this (rather than going out and getting the book).
 
apmcavoy said:
Does anyone know where I can find Feynman's derivation of the Universal Law of Gravitation?
Feynman started with Newton's Law of Gravity and derived Kepler's Laws, using his own geometrical arguments based on properties of ellipses. I don't know where you can find it online.
 
Doc Al said:
Feynman started with Newton's Law of Gravity and derived Kepler's Laws, using his own geometrical arguments based on properties of ellipses. I don't know where you can find it online.
That is correct. The book is Feynman's Lost Lecture and is sold with a CD of the actual recording of the lecture by Feynman.

AM
 

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