Uncovering the Origins of F = ma: Newton's Experiment and Measurements

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the origins of the equation F = ma, specifically exploring the experiments and measurements that led to its formulation. Participants inquire about the historical context, the specific variables measured, and the methodologies employed by Newton and his contemporaries.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the specific experiments Newton conducted to derive F = ma and the variables he measured.
  • One participant mentions that they have not found satisfactory information online or from physicists regarding Newton's experiments.
  • Another participant references a previous post suggesting that Newton did not discover the second law of motion, attributing it instead to Galileo and his contemporaries, who conducted experiments such as rolling balls down inclined planes.
  • There is a mention that Newton's contribution was primarily mathematical, adding rigor to the experimental work done prior to him.
  • Several participants seek clarification on the original experiments and measurements related to F = ma, indicating a lack of consensus on the details.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the specifics of Newton's experiments or the origins of F = ma, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include unclear definitions of what constitutes satisfactory information, as well as unresolved questions regarding the historical accuracy of claims about Newton and Galileo's contributions.

Fernando Rios
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Hi, I am concluding a phD in Nanotechnology and I just started studying physics by myself. I just wonder how did Newton obtain F = ma? What experiment did he perform? Which 2 variables did he measure? How did he measure them?
 
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Fernando Rios said:
Hi, I am concluding a phD in Nanotechnology and I just started studying physics by myself. I just wonder how did Newton obtain F = ma? What experiment did he perform? Which 2 variables did he measure? How did he measure them?
What research have you done on this? What have you found out so far?
 
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I have tried to look on the Internet, but I haven't found anything good yet. I have also asked physicist, but they don't know.
 
Fernando Rios said:
I have tried to look on the Internet, but I haven't found anything good yet.
You and I must have a different definition of "good"
 
phinds said:
You and I must have a different definition of "good"
Sorry, I read part of the article you attached but I don't see any explanations of how did Newton got F=ma.
 
Fernando Rios said:
Sorry, I read part of the article you attached but I don't see any explanations of how did Newton got F=ma.
Phinds didn't attach an article ... you were reading his signature link which is always
there and is on a totally different topic

Fernando Rios said:
Hi, I am concluding a phD in Nanotechnology and I just started studying physics by myself. I just wonder how did Newton obtain F = ma? What experiment did he perform? Which 2 variables did he measure? How did he measure them?
Newton didnt

from a post about a year ago on the forum by one of our mentors @russ_watters ...

" Google tells me Newton didn't even discover the 2nd law, Galileo or his contemporaries did. Galileo did experiments, and some famous ones are often performed in high school and freshman physics courses, such as rolling balls down an inclined plane and dropping objects of different masses.
http://muse.tau.ac.il/museum/galileo/galileo_low_of_fall.html
http://nicadd.niu.edu/~macc/162/class_3b.pdf

My understanding is that Newton was mostly a mathematician and he added mathematical rigor to the experimental work done before him."cheers
Dave
 
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Fernando Rios said:
Sorry, I read part of the article you attached but I don't see any explanations of how did Newton got F=ma.
I have no idea what you are talking about. I did not attaching anything

EDIT: oops ... I see Dave already beat me to it.
 
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What was the original experiment used to show that f = ma. What was measured in this experiment and how was it measured?
 
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Fernando Rios said:
What was the original experiment used to show that f = ma. What was measured in this experiment and how was it measured?
Please put more effort into reading the information you are provided. Thread locked.
 

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