PHYSICS
SEMINAR
Matthew
Marone
Department of Physics
Mercer University
Wednesday,
March 24, 2004
Willet Science Center 101
"Newton's
Theory of Colors"
Abstract:
“I procured me a Triangular glas-Prisme, to try therewith the
celebrated Phenomena of Colour.” So
begins Newton’s famous letter published in Philosophical Transactions of
the Royal Society No.80, (19 Feb. 1671/72).
We will examine the original publication and discuss the experiments that
led to Newton’s theory of light and colors.
Few modern day physics students would dare to question the great Newton. However, when his work was first published it was the source
of a great deal of controversy. We
can learn something about how science works by going back and reading the works
refuting his theory as well as those praising his accomplishments. Newton was
able to answer his critics and invented a new type of telescope along the way.
Please
join us for light refreshments outside WSC 109 at 4:15.
Mercer
Physics Seminar Homepage
Mercer
Physics Department