Galileo Continued

• But the real contribution of Galileo were the general principles
  • Experimental Method: Not just observation, but controlled experiments to test principles designed to apply in idealized cases. Still the basic of the scientific method.
  • Principle of superposition: (Galilean Invariance: Motion at a constant velocity does not change the laws of physics) Fundamental consequence that there is no need to think of the earth at rest.
  • Principle of Inertia: (A body in motion will tend to stay in motion.) Same as Newton’s first law.

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