Overview Newton's laws of motion

isaac newton (1643–1727), physicist formulated laws

newton s laws applied objects idealised single point masses, in sense size , shape of object s body neglected focus on motion more easily. can done when object small compared distances involved in analysis, or deformation , rotation of body of no importance. in way, planet can idealised particle analysis of orbital motion around star.

in original form, newton s laws of motion not adequate characterise motion of rigid bodies , deformable bodies. leonhard euler in 1750 introduced generalisation of newton s laws of motion rigid bodies called euler s laws of motion, later applied deformable bodies assumed continuum. if body represented assemblage of discrete particles, each governed newton s laws of motion, euler s laws can derived newton s laws. euler s laws can, however, taken axioms describing laws of motion extended bodies, independently of particle structure.

newton s laws hold respect set of frames of reference called newtonian or inertial reference frames. authors interpret first law defining inertial reference frame is; point of view, second law holds when observation made inertial reference frame, , therefore first law cannot proved special case of second. other authors treat first law corollary of second. explicit concept of inertial frame of reference not developed until long after newton s death.

in given interpretation mass, acceleration, momentum, , (most importantly) force assumed externally defined quantities. common, not interpretation of way 1 can consider laws definition of these quantities.

newtonian mechanics has been superseded special relativity, still useful approximation when speeds involved slower speed of light.