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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
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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.