History of Physics: Newton or Later Development?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the historical development of the concept of reference frames in physics, identifying Galileo as the pioneer of inertial frames of reference. It asserts that Galileo also introduced the idea of pseudo forces, although D'Alembert is credited with formalizing this concept later. The conversation highlights the foundational principles laid out by Galileo that influenced Newton's laws of motion and Einstein's special theory of relativity. Additionally, it suggests examining Newton's "Principia" for references to earlier works on these topics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inertial frames of reference
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of Galileo's contributions to physics
  • Awareness of D'Alembert's work on pseudo forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Galileo's principles of relativity and their impact on modern physics
  • Examine Newton's "Principia" for historical context on reference frames
  • Study D'Alembert's formulation of pseudo forces in classical mechanics
  • Explore the significance of Lorentz transformations in the context of reference frames
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, historians of science, and anyone interested in the evolution of concepts related to reference frames and motion in classical and modern physics.

i_island0
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I know it is a bit naive to ask in here.. but can anyone tell who was the first one to actually start talking about reference frame. Was it Newton or later development by some people of that era corrected Newtons law.
Historically i checked many places but no answers as of yet.
And who gave the idea of Pseudo forces?
 
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By pseudo force, do you mean "[URL forces?

Coordinate transformations are named http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euler_angles" .

Though, many times things are named in honor of people, though they didn't actually invent it. (So I could be wrong.)
 
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I believe the name given to simple coordinate transformations is that of Galileo.

I believe Galileo invented the idea of inertial frames of reference.

I am less sure, but however would still bet, that Galileo was the first to talk about pseudoforces, even if that's not what he called them.

I'd look into the life and works of Galileo and see if it wasn't him.
 
From Wikipedia:

Galileo also put forward the basic principle of relativity, that the laws of physics are the same in any system that is moving at a constant speed in a straight line, regardless of its particular speed or direction. Hence, there is no absolute motion or absolute rest. This principle provided the basic framework for Newton's laws of motion and is central to Einstein's special theory of relativity.
 
Did Newton actually come up with "Newton's bucket"? That is used to establish a fixed reference frame.
 
Galileo and Lorentz transformations are commonly mentioned...maybe there were others before them...perhaps Euclid??
 
Naty1 said:
Galileo and Lorentz transformations are commonly mentioned...maybe there were others before them...perhaps Euclid??


I HIGHLY doubt the greeks would have ever quantified the concept if they had it at all.
 
I'm pretty sure that the quote lays to rest the question about reference frames. Yes, the quote talks specifically about "inertial reference frames", but I believe these were probably the first to be introduced. That is, I believe the idea of reference frames coincides with the idea of "inertial" ones.

Perhaps an inspection of Newton's "Principia" would yield some references to earlier work. Who knows?

And it looks like D'Alembert is responsible for pseudoforces.
 

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