Did Isaac Newton discover laws that apply to all objects?

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Dive into the AST2002 Astronomy Midterm at UCF. Enhance your understanding through engaging flashcards and insightful multiple-choice questions. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for this academic challenge!

Isaac Newton formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, which indeed apply to all objects, regardless of their location—in space or on Earth. His laws demonstrate that the same fundamental principles govern the motion of objects, whether they are falling apples or celestial bodies like planets and moons.

For instance, Newton's first law, the law of inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net external force. This principle is universal and can be observed in all contexts. Additionally, his law of universal gravitation quantifies the attractive force between any two masses, further reinforcing the idea that these laws are applicable universally, irrespective of the scale or environment.

This universality is a critical aspect of Newton's contributions, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of physics and the natural world. It laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, which remains a cornerstone in both theoretical and experimental physics.