Robert Hooke: Although not directly involved in formulating the theory of universal gravitation, Robert Hooke made significant contributions to the understanding of gravity. In the 1660s, he proposed the idea that all objects in the universe attract each other with a force inversely proportional to the square of their distance. Hooke's work laid the foundation for Isaac Newton's later development of the theory.
Isaac Newton: Isaac Newton, in his groundbreaking work "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy" published in 1687, formulated the theory of universal gravitation. He expanded on Hooke's idea and developed a mathematical framework to explain the motion of celestial bodies. Newton's contribution was his realization that gravitational force acts on all objects in the universe, not just on the Earth. He explained that every particle of matter attracts every other particle with a force proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This theory unified the understanding of gravity and explained various phenomena such as the motion of planets and the behavior of the tides.
Johannes Kepler: Although Johannes Kepler did not directly contribute to the theory of universal gravitation, his laws of planetary motion were instrumental in Newton's development of the theory. Kepler's three laws, derived from meticulous observations of the motion of planets, explained the elliptical orbits of celestial bodies and the relationship between their distances and periods. These laws were crucial in Newton's formulation of his laws of motion and the subsequent development of the theory of universal gravitation.
What did each of the three scientists contribute to the theory of universal gravitation?
robert hook
isaac newton
johannes kepler
1 answer