http://www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Physical Science
FIGURE 1.8
The model on the left shows what people believed about the solar system before Copernicus introduced the
model on the right.- Kepler’s laws of planetary motion
- Newton’s law of universal gravitation
- Newton’s three laws of motion
Einstein Rocks Science
Another major shift in science occurred with the work of Albert Einstein (the “rock star” scientist pictured in the
opening image). In 1916, Einstein published his general theory of relativity. This theory relates matter and energy. It
also explains gravity as a property of space and time (rather than a property of matter as Newton thought). Einstein’s
theory has been supported by all evidence and observations to date, whereas Newton’s law of gravity does not apply
to all cases. Einstein’s theory is still the accepted explanation for gravity today.
Q:How might Einstein’s theory have influenced the course of science?
A:Einstein’s theory suggested new areas of investigation. Many predictions based on the theory were later found
to be true. For example, black holes in the universe were predicted by Einstein’s theory and later confirmed by
scientific evidence.
Summary
- Science has roots that go back thousands of years to Greek philosophers including Thales and Aristotle.
- The scientific method was introduced in the 700s by a Persian scientist named Geber.
- Modern science began with the scientific revolution in Europe the 1500s and 1600s. The scientific revolution
was launched by Copernicus’ new ideas about the solar system.