newtonska

Newtonska is a term used in several Slavic languages to denote something related to Isaac Newton or to Newtonian physics. As an adjective, it appears in phrases such as newtonska mehanika (Newtonian mechanics) or zakoni newtonske fizike (the Newtonian laws of physics). The etymology traces to Isaac Newton (1643–1727), whose work in the late 17th century established a framework for describing motion and forces.

Central to newtonska physics are Newton's three laws of motion, the law of universal gravitation, and the development of differential calculus to formulate these relations. Newtonska mechanics describes the motion of macroscopic bodies under forces in everyday speeds and sizes, assuming absolute space and time and inertial reference frames. It is often referred to as classical mechanics and provides highly accurate predictions in many domains, from engineering to astronomy.

Limitations arise at high velocities close to the speed of light, or on atomic scales, where relativity and quantum mechanics prevail. In such regimes, the term newtonska is contrasted with relativistic mechanics or quantum mechanics. In modern science, Newtonian concepts are still used as approximations and teaching tools, bridging intuitive understanding and more advanced theories.

See also: Isaac Newton, classical mechanics, Newton's laws, law of universal gravitation, Principia Mathematica.