Though centuries have passed since Isaac Newton's era, but his discoveries continue to shape the world in different ways we often don’t realize.
One of the greatest scientific minds in history, Isaac Newton passed away on March 31, 1727. Believe it or not, Newton’s laws of motion and gravity power our daily lives. On his death anniversary today, let’s take a moment to appreciate how his scientific contributions influences our modern life.
Ever tried to analyze why your bike stops when you apply the brakes or why you get pushed back as soon as the bus suddenly starts? That’s Newton’s First Law, which described about the law of inertia. “Objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force”, as per the first law of motion. So, when your vehicle suddenly stops, your body still tries to move forward, which is why you feel that jolt.
Newton’s Second Law explains why heavier vehicles like trucks need more force to accelerate as compared to a lightweight bike. It’s very simple: force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). This principle is used to design efficient engines and braking systems.
Let's talk about your morning walk or run, which is powered by Newton’s Third Law: “every action has an equal and opposite reaction”. As you push the ground with your feet, the ground also pushes back, helping you to move forward.
Did you know that gravity influences everything from your morning cup of tea to the satellites orbiting the Earth?
Gravity ensures smooth water flows from taps and rivers keep running. It’s that unique force to pull objects downward. The satellite launches are designed based on gravitational force, so that they stay in orbit while moving at the right speed.
Do you enjoy watching movies? or simply admire the mesmerizing rainbow? You’re experiencing Newton’s discoveries in optics. He was the first scientist to explain that white light is composed of different colours. That's why we observe rainbows after rainfall. His extensive work in optics paved the way for the development of projectors, camera lenses, and even the modern day screens we use everyday.
Without Isaac Newton’s work in calculus, modern technology wouldn’t exist. Calculus is the stepping stone for computer science, engineering, and even global financial markets. From designing roads to predict stock trends, Newton’s contributed much before booming tech industry.
Isaac Newton’s discoveries and works are deeply woven into our daily lives. His legacy continues to inspire physicists, engineers, and innovators across the globe. Let’s appreciate how his centuries-old work still makes our daily lives better, and often we don't even realize it.
So, the next time you drink tea, ride a train, or click a picture, remember—you’re living in a world powered by the great scientist Issac Newton!
