Student Article

Isaac Newton was one of the most brilliant scientists in history. Born in 1643 in England, he didn’t have an easy childhood. His father died before he was born, and he didn’t get along with his stepfather. Newton was a quiet boy, but he loved learning. He was especially good at math and science.

Newton’s work at Cambridge University

At Cambridge University, Newton began working on big problems. He helped invent calculus, a kind of math that helps us understand how things change. During a plague outbreak, Newton had to leave school and study at home. During that time, he built a better telescope and started thinking about gravity — the force that pulls things down.

The story of gravity

Many people know the story of Newton sitting under a tree when an apple fell on his head. While the apple probably didn’t hit him, seeing it fall did help him think about why things fall — and how gravity might also work in space. He realized that the same force that pulls an apple down also keeps planets in orbit around the Sun.

Newton’s rivalry and leadership

Newton had strong opinions and didn’t like being criticized. He had a long-running rivalry with Robert Hooke and argued with other scientists. But Newton also became a powerful man. He worked at the Royal Mint, helping to stop people from making fake coins. He later became the president of the Royal Society, where he continued to shape science.

Newton’s lasting impact

Newton’s work laid the foundation for modern physics. His laws of motion and ideas about gravity still help us understand how the universe works.

© Jheni Osman / www.historyextra.com