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Any scientific theory is impossible to prove (prove correct that is). On the other hand, all it takes is one stinking experiment to prove it false.TurtleMeister said:
That's the rub: Newton's laws have been proven to be false.
What is the true nature of rest according to Newton's first law?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter Dweirdo
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the interpretation of "rest" in the context of Newton's first law of motion. Participants explore whether rest is defined solely by relative velocity being zero, the absence of net forces, or both. The conversation touches on theoretical implications, common sense understandings, and the nuances of inertial versus non-inertial frames.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether "rest" means no net force and zero relative velocity, or just zero relative velocity.
- Another participant suggests that "rest" can be considered a constant velocity, specifically v=0.
- Some participants argue that rest is defined by having zero velocity relative to another object, and that a body can be momentarily at rest even if there are forces acting on it.
- A later reply emphasizes that Newton's first law establishes the concept of an inertial frame and that rest is a special case of constant velocity.
- Discussion includes the idea that Newton's second law may not apply in non-inertial frames without correction terms.
- Participants express differing views on whether the laws of physics should align with common sense and how definitions may vary in everyday understanding versus formal physics.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
There is no consensus on the definition of "rest." Participants present multiple competing views regarding its relationship to net forces and relative velocity, and the discussion remains unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight limitations in common understanding of physics laws and definitions, suggesting that common sense may not always align with formal definitions in physics.
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