The Classical Revolution
Newton and Maxwell define “Classical Physics”
Newton’s Three Laws
- Inertia:
- “Every body continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a right line, unless it is compelled to change that state by a force impressed on it.”
- Force & Acceleration:
- “The change in motion [rate of change of momentum] is proportional to the motive force impressed; and is made in the direction of the right line in which that force is impressed.
- Action = Reaction:
- “To every action [change of momentum] there is always opposed an equal reaction; or, the mutual actions of two bodies are always equal, and directed to contrary parts.”