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Who Is Isaac Newton?

Verified Answer

Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and natural philosopher (born 4 January 1643; died 31 March 1727) widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history.

Field Contribution
Mechanics Three Laws of Motion (Principia Mathematica, 1687)
Gravitation Universal Law of Gravitation
Mathematics Co-invented calculus (independently of Leibniz)
Optics Decomposition of white light into spectrum; invented reflecting telescope
Astronomy Mathematical explanation of planetary motion

Three Laws of Motion:

  1. A body at rest or uniform motion remains so unless acted on by an external force (Inertia)
  2. Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = ma)
  3. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction

Landmark work: Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687) one of the most important books in science. Elected President of the Royal Society (1703) and knighted in 1705.