The field of Physics has made huge leaps since the scientific study of the world around us began. There are a few key scientists that are important to know as you begin your study. Take a look at the timeline of these key physicists and note their contributions to the field.
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335 BC
Aristotle
Greek philosopher who was the first person to begin to use logic; specifically the first to study motion and its causes.
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1543 AD
Copernicus
Scientist who used data to prove the Earth rotates around the Sun.
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1564 - 1642
Galileo
Scientist who proved that all objects fall at the same rate. He was best known for his contributions to astronomy.
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1679
Newton
Scientist who proved that a force is necessary to cause an object to accelerate. He is most well known for his laws of motion and gravitation.
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1800
Volta
Scientist who created the electric battery.
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1802
Dalton
Scientist who created the atomic theory.
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1855 - 1856
Maxwell
Scientist who discovered electromagnetic fields.
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1905
Einstein
Scientist who developed the theory of relativity. He is also responsible for proving E = mc2.
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1926
Schrodinger
Scientist who made major contributions to the field of quantum mechanics.
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1942
Oppenheimer
Scientist known as the "father of the atomic bomb."
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1974
Hawking
Scientist who created theoretical models of black holes.
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1999
Greene
Scientist who created string theory.
Question
Newton, Galileo, and Einstein were all called "Fathers of Modern Physics." Why do you think this is true?
