Newtonian physics
Pre-Einstein motion theory
Newtonian physics is the system of mechanics developed by Isaac Newton in the 17th century, describing motion through three laws and universal gravitation.
It accurately predicts the behavior of everyday objects—falling apples, orbiting planets, colliding billiard balls—but breaks down at very high speeds or very small scales, where relativity and quantum mechanics take over.
Also called classical mechanics.
- inertiaResistance to altered motion
- massQuantity of matter
- forceStrength or compulsion
- action reactionPaired opposing forces
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
falling apple · clockwork · billiard balls · classical mechanics · acceleration · inverse square law · harmonic motion · momentum · Galileo Galilei · determinism · dynamics · gravity · velocity · scientific revolution · pendulum · calculus · apple · falling
- physicsphysics, momentum, atom, acceleration, gravity
- classical physicslaws of motion, force, gravity, inertia, momentum
- Scientific Breakthroughsgerm theory, DNA discovery, relativity theory, atomic theory, plate tectonics
- Early Sciencescientific revolution, scientific method, experimental method, Boyle, Harvey
- enlightenmentVoltaire, Rousseau, Locke, Kant, Montesquieu
- natural philosophyphysics, mechanics, matter, motion, chemistry
Newtonian physicsquantum mechanics
Physics at nanoscopic scales
quantum physics · modern physics · quantum theory · particle physics