Who had a greater impact on modern physics, Newton or Einstein?

Who had a greater impact on modern physics, Newton or Einstein?

Both Newton and Einstein revolutionized physics, but in different ways. Newton's laws of motion laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, while Einstein's theory of relativity transformed our understanding of space and time.

Can you explain Newton's laws of motion?

Sure! Newton's three laws of motion describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting on it. The first law states that an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by a force. The second law relates force, mass, and acceleration (F=ma), and the third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

What about Einstein's theory of relativity?

Einstein's theory of relativity consists of two parts: special relativity and general relativity. Special relativity, introduced in 1905, focuses on the physics of objects moving at constant speeds, particularly at speeds close to the speed of light. General relativity, published in 1915, extends this to include acceleration and describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass.

How did their ideas influence technology today?

Newton's laws are fundamental in engineering and technology, influencing everything from vehicles to structures. Einstein's theories have led to advancements in GPS technology and our understanding of the universe, impacting fields like astrophysics and cosmology.