Science quiz: Giants on whose shoulders Newton stood

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The work of X on falling bodies and the idea that an object in motion tends to stay in motion set the stage for Newton’s laws of motion. X is also known for trying mathematics to physical measurements in a new way. Newton built on this approach to unify terrestrial and celestial motion. Name X.

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 Johannes Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion were distilled from the observations of P; they gave Newton’s new laws something to aim for, i.e. any theory of gravity had to explain these laws. To his credit, Newton was able to show that an inverse-square gravitational force would give rise to elliptical orbits. Name P.

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Name the French philosopher who advanced analytic geometry, giving mathematicians a new way to represent curves and motion. Newton used his coordinate methods and the broader mathematical programme to develop tools based on calculus to analyse forces and trajectories.

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This English polymath shaped Newton’s thinking on experiments about motion and forces. He also investigated the mechanics of springs, pursued optical experiments, and argued for the idea that planets’ orbits could be explained by central attraction. Name him.

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The Dutch physicist Y worked out how the pendulum can be used to keep time and the mathematics of the centrifugal force. These findings gave Newton the building blocks he needed to develop his own mechanics. Newton also drew on Y’s methods and results when analysing orbital motion. Name Y.