~ a brief biographical sketch by ~ Carl J. Wenning GALILEO GALILEI ~ a brief biographical sketch by ~ Carl J. Wenning
Galileo Galilei Italian astronomer and physicist Born: Pisa, February 15, 1564 Died: Arcetri (near Florence), January 8, 1642.
Most notable accomplishments “Invention” of the telescope Astronomical observations used to supplant Ptolemaic world system First empirical physicist
Trouble with the Church Deposed Aristotelian view of cosmos Showed Platonic world view incorrect: Blemished sun Cratered moon Sun-centered cosmos Argued observation must take precedent over theory Got in trouble for publishing Dialogue of Two Chief World Systems
Overlooked Contributions to PHY Laws of motion: 1st law (dual incline) 2nd law (motion w/out force) The distance that an object falls goes as a function of t2 Vector addition Law of simple pendulums Thermometry Empiricism…
Empiricism Observational evidence must be given priority over theoretical constructs event if it contradicts “common sense” perceptions: Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects. Objects (such as planets and arrows) need a constant force to keep them in motion.