Buzz
Isaac Newton did indeed derive the law of gravity from an apple, but the narrative has not been exactly as perpetuated for centuries.
Isaac Newton, a prominent scholar in human history, is often associated with the tale of sitting under an apple tree and being struck by a falling apple—the 'golden moment' that led to the formulation of the law of gravity, one of his most significant studies. This intriguing story has circulated widely, linking genius with an apple, becoming a source of inspiration and learning everywhere.
In reality, did events transpire as narrated? Over 400 years, skeptics have questioned how a seemingly random event could be so vividly remembered. Could this be a crafted narrative to make the law of gravity more memorable and accessible?
Born in 1642 near Grantham, England, Isaac Newton, the son of a farmer, gained admission to the prestigious Cambridge University in 1661. Four years later, due to a plague outbreak, Newton had to return to his childhood home, Woolsthorpe Manor. It was during this period that he observed an apple falling from a tree. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the apple actually hit Newton's head.
Nevertheless, Newton's observation prompted him to contemplate why apples consistently fall straight down (rather than sideways or upwards). This experience truly inspired him to eventually formulate his law of universal gravitation. In 1687, Newton published this principle, stating that every object in the universe is attracted to every other object with a force proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This groundbreaking law was detailed in the research report known as 'Principia,' which also outlines his three laws of motion.
In 1726, Newton shared the apple anecdote with William Stukeley, featured in the biography 'Memoirs of the Life of Sir Isaac Newton' published in 1752. Stukeley described a simple scene: 'After dinner, in warm weather, we went into the garden to drink tea under the shade of some apple trees. He told me that he was in a similar situation when the idea of gravity struck him. It happened while the scholar was in contemplation, and by chance, an apple fell.'
So, it turns out the apple story is true, not 100% accurate, but not entirely imaginative. The apple may not have hit Newton's head, but for ease of visualization, many have chosen to interpret the story in that way.
In reality, Newton didn't 'discover' gravity. According to Science, other researchers conducted experiments and sought explanations for why objects fall towards the Earth instead of floating. Newton was simply the first to articulate the comprehensive law of universal gravitation.
The eminent mathematician and physicist passed away in 1727 and was buried at Westminster Abbey, London. His famous apple tree still grows at Woolsthorpe Manor, the family home. Generations have cared for the unique apple tree. In 1816, the 'Newton's Apple Tree' fell during a storm, but much of it survived and regrew. Surprisingly, the tree still thrives at Woolsthorpe Manor, now over 350 years old.
Sources: History, Grunge
