How do famous physicists create their formulas?

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Creating a formula begins with observation and insight rather than just proportionalities and constants. Famous physicists derive formulas by fitting them to experimental observations, known as empirical formulas, or from fundamental principles that are later tested. For example, Newton's formula F=ma emerged from his insights into motion and force, not merely through mathematical manipulation. The discussion highlights the importance of creativity and intuition in the formulation process, alongside rigorous testing against real-world data. Ultimately, the development of formulas is a blend of empirical evidence and theoretical understanding.
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So how does one create a formula. I've seen that it starts with proportionalities and constants, but how does one connect a constant to a proportionality? Can you provide a step by step example?
 
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I think you need to be a little more specific. Like, how did Newton come up with the formula ##F=ma##? Still, I don't see what you are trying to get at here.
 
It starts with observation and insight, not proportionality and constants.
 
 
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they look into a cristalball and then they smoke ganja and pray to Manon. And then the formula just shows up in their dream in bright hot magenta (new times roman font).
 
Famous or no, either one fits a formula to experimental observations (called empyrical formulae), or they are derived from more fundamental facts/assertions, where they are then subsequently tested against observation.

Claude.
 
thank you cwatters
 

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