Newton's laws of motion

What was discovered

Three axioms (inertia, F = dp/dt, action and reaction) that, together with calculus, allow the motion of any body to be deduced from the forces acting on it. They form the framework of all classical mechanics for more than two centuries.

Published in 'Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica' (London, 1687).

What it led to

• Classical and analytical mechanics (Euler, Lagrange, Hamilton)
• Quantitative mechanical and civil engineering
• Conservation of momentum
• Fluid and continuum mechanics

Built on

• Infinitesimal calculus1665-1684
• Galileo and Descartes's inertia
• Laws of collision (Huygens, Wallis, Wren)

Made possible

• Vis-viva equation1687
• Euler equations (fluid dynamics)1752-1757
• Tsiolkovsky rocket equation1903
• Eötvös experiment (equivalence of inertial and gravitational mass)1889-1909
• Calculated machines of the Industrial Revolution
• Modern ballistics and artillery
• Astronautics

📄 Original publication

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