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Newton's theory of gravitation did not correctly predict the orbit of Mercury. Einsteins theory of gravitation (General Relativity) does.
by hermitcrab 1y ago
Newton's theory of gravitation did not correctly predict the orbit of Mercury. Einsteins theory of gravitation (General Relativity) does.
- dotancohen 1y agoIf there was a known counterexample to Newton's theory of gravitation, then why was Newton's theory of gravitation accepted at the time?
- mixmastamyk 1y agoWhen something works 99% of the time, you don’t throw it out until an alternative appears. And even then keep it around when it is simpler.
- ndsipa_pomu 1y agoIt was less of a counterexample and more of an inaccuracy. It wasn't immediately obvious as to whether the theory was at fault or our measurements or even knowledge of celestial objects (e.g. maybe Mercury had some nearby object that was changing its orbit). Also, there wasn't any alternative, so a theory that explains almost everything is going to be accepted. Modern theories are also accepted if they explain things with more accuracy or over wider ranges than alternatives - often it's the shortcomings of theories that gives us clues as to a better theory. (e.g. the ultraviolet catastrophe)
- kimixa 1y agoExactly - mercury's orbit was only really plotted accurately enough to show the discrepancies in the second half of the 19th century. And then you need other examples to test new theory predictions on as they come about.