Lesson 13: Galileo and Newton

Before we really start looking at dynamics (the study of forces) in depth, it would be wise to learn a little something about the two people that contributed the most to this branch of physics:

Galileo Galilei

Born in Pisa, Italy on February 15, 1564, died in Arcetri, Italy, January 8, 1642.

Galileo showed that falling bodies do not have velocities proportional to their weights.

In 1609, based on information from Holland, he built a telescope.

In 1633 the Inquisition (sort of like a Catholic Church courtroom trial) forced him to renounce (abjure) his theories

To read the text of Galileo's adjuration and the annulment of Pope John Paul II, visit the Multimedia page on studyphysics.ca .

In 1979 Pope John Paul II called for Galileo’s conviction to be annulled.

Sir Isaac Newton

Born December 25, 1642, died March 20, 1727

Cambridge had closed shortly after he received his degree in 1665, due to the Plague sweeping the country.

Newton was not known as a friendly person.