Sir Isaac Newton (January 4, 1643, to March 31, 1727) was the greatest mathematician of his generation. He laid the foundation for differential and integral calculus. His work on optics and gravitation makes him one of the greatest scientists the world has known. Among his numerous scientific accomplishments, he is credited with establishing three laws of motion:
Newton’s first law: An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted on by an unbalanced force. This law is often called the law of inertia.
Newton’s second law: Acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass. The greater the mass (of the object being accelerated), the greater the amount of force needed (to accelerate the object).
Newton’s third law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Can you apply these laws to your favorite physical activities? You should be able to, because Newton’s laws govern all motion. Click here to observe Newton’s laws in sport.
