Concept explainers
The reason for the universe to be considered static by Isaac Newton, and whether Isaac Newton is correct or not.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
The static universe means that the universe is stationary. Here, stationary means that the universe is neither expanding nor contracting.
Isaac Newton proposed that the universe is static and infinite. He considered that the universe is infinite in terms of area, mass, and size. In the universe, there is a uniform distribution of the stars, and the stars are balanced by the neighboring stars. According to the Isaac Newton theory, the law of gravitation exists in the universe which maintains the stability of the stars and matter in the universe.
The reason for the universe to be considered static is that all matter in the universe is uniformly distributed and balanced by the neighboring matter, and this matter is neither expanding nor contracting in the space. All the stars and matter of the universe are unstable, but maintain their stability by gravitational force that acts between the matters. In an infinite universe, the matter has maintained their stability by the gravitational force which acts between two particles and they neither expand nor contract.
In further studies, it was clear that the distance between the galaxies is increasing which proves that the universe was not static; it is expanding and may contract at some point of time.
Conclusion:
Isaac Newton considered the universe was static because all the matter in the universe is uniformly distributed and balanced by the neighboring matter due which there is no expansion and contraction of the universe. Isaac Newton was incorrect for considering the universe as static.
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Chapter 25 Solutions
Universe: Stars And Galaxies
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