Introduction
Chemistry and physics are among the major subjects studied in the world today. Historically, the revolution of science dates back between the 16th and 17th century. Europe is the mother of all scientific revolution for it laid the foundation of innovative and advanced science.
The urge to carry out a series of experiments and research led to the initiation and the ultimate breakthrough of chemical and physical revolution by ancient scientists. The chemical revolution led to different discoveries in chemistry opening doors to other scientific inventions in the medical and industrial setups. The following discussion focuses on the scientific revolution of two main sciences; physics and chemistry and its impact.
Revolution in physics
Different philosophers contributed to the ideologies in chemistry and physics. Aristotle was a famous Greek philosopher who first initiated discoveries in physical sciences. The Aristotelian theory describes the earth as the center of gravity and the shape, size, movement or behavior of both living and lifeless objects on the earth’s surface. Additionally, he defines physics as a natural science composed of both living and non-living things. From Aristotle description of the earth as the central attraction of all objects, gravitational theory emerged.
In 16th century, Sir Isaac Newton pioneered the discovery of the gravity theory after studying Aristotle’s ideas. Due to the success of the gravitational theory, scientists discovered two other planets, Neptune and Uranus. However, the inability to locate the position hence orbit of Mercury was the main cause of its failure which pushed for a detailed research on gravity.
Later corpuscular model by Louis and electromagnetic radiation model by Lorentz explained the law of gravity and emission of electric charges by bodies. Unfortunately, in the 19th century, all the laws became invalid because they violated modern laws on conservation of energy and thermodynamics especially in physics. Although the gravitational theory is no longer applied, its concept has enabled calculation of gravity in the modern science.
On the other hand, the impetus theory redefined the physical concept on inertia force as described by Aristotle. The ability of a body to retain its continuous motion despite application of external force underscores the Impetus theory. Similarly, Hipparchan-philoponan theory describes application of force or motion against the gravitational force like throwing of a stone while Avicenna theory describes projectile force.
All these ancient theories redefined Aristotle theory, which describes physics in terms of inertia force, impulsive or momentum, and speed (acceleration). Galileo Galilei was a famous physician whose physical invention is still applicable in all modern learning institutions. He described and interpreted all experimental facts in physical science leading to the discovery of kinematics as a subject. Therefore, the mechanical and chemical philosophies describe the scientific revolution while Empiricism initiated revolution in physical science.
Revolution in chemistry
As the physical revolution was taking part, the chemical revolution was also underway. A number of philosophers and scientist progressively led to the success of chemistry as an area of study. The major scientist who led to success of modern chemistry is Antoine Lavoisier through his presentation of chemical elements.
Lavoisier discovered the major elements in chemistry like Oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur. This landmark discovery was in line with the invention of oxygen theory which holds that most chemical compounds consist of different elements and oxygen is the common element among others.
Additionally, Lavoisier described the components of water as oxygen and hydrogen on top of discovering that air consists of gases like nitrogen, oxygen and other trace elements. Due to his description of the chemical nomenclature, there was derivation of different chemical compounds like sulfate and sulfuric acid among others. Using the single theory, Lavoisier described chemical balance which opened the way for stipulating origin and derivation of chemical equations in chemistry.
Apart from concentrating on chemicals, Lavoisier researched on physical chemistry and thermodynamic laws, which were part of physical science. Lavoisier’s radical theory describes elements and concept of allotropism in elements. The emergence of diamond and carbon are among Lavoisier’s major discoveries.
Unfortunately, most of Lavoisier’s discoveries and theories received rejection and criticisms from fellow chemical scientists. Priestly, one of the major scientists declined to acknowledge Lavoisier’s work especially the law on conservation of mass. Despite receiving objections, Lavoisier’s experiments are still applicable in the current world especially in the chemical and laboratory practices.
Other great contributors to chemical revolution include Jacob Berzelius who besides writing chemistry books, he drew tables on atomic weights. Additionally, Berzelius gave each chemical element a letter or notation for easier identification.
Other chemicals like silicon, selenium, lithium, and vanadium were among his discoveries. Luckily, he did not receive opposition from other scientists during his research. However, he opposed the discovery of chlorine in 1810 by Humphry Davy even though, his opposition ended in 1812 after discovery of iodine.
Besides Berzelius, John Dalton was also a chemistry philosopher who discovered the atomic theory. According to Dalton, all chemical elements are composed of particles called atoms and they can neither be created nor destroyed; they can only undergo chemical reactions (changes).
Additionally, Dalton researched on the effect of heat or temperature on gases which led to the principles of pressure and expansion of gases or water evaporation. His research on gases like methane, ethylene, carbon dioxide and nitro oxide initiated the development of atomic theory. The Dalton theory is still applicable in contemporary world taught in scientific learning institutions.
In addition, Boyle’s law initiated chemical revolution in the 16th century. Robert Boyle’s research on water expansion (freezing), crystals, electricity and color blindness led to the publication of his book the Sceptical chymist, which forms the foundation of advanced chemistry. He defined chemistry as a science and not an art by describing composition of all substances in chemistry.
Impact of revolution in chemistry and physics
The scientific revolution involved research on natural, chemical, and physical sciences. However, most scientists who initiated chemical revolution had knowledge on physics. Therefore, the revolution in chemistry and physics happened at the same time during the 16th and 17th century.
Consequently, the chemistry and physical revolution initiated industrial revolution in Europe and other western countries. In comparison, chemistry and physics are similar because they all describe the elements of nature either in the physical or chemical form. Currently, inventions in physics and chemistry are applicable in the medical and industrial industries.
Conclusion
In a recap, the sixteenth and seventeenth century was the age of renascence which defines scientific revolution. Famous scientists like Aristotle, Boyle, Newton, and Dalton led to scientific revolution. Besides other discoveries like in medicine or psychology, there were tremendous inventions in chemical and physical sciences. In physics, there are different theories, which include gravitational, Avicenna, and impetus among others. The theories in chemical revolution include atomic, Dalton and radical theory among others.
All the scientific inventions in physics and chemistry are currently applicable in industries and all learning institutions. However, the works of early scientists like Lavoisier received opposition from fellow chemists or physicists hence obstructing adaptation of their discoveries. Chemical and physical revolution was the foundation of industrial revolution. In addition, most industries in food, medical or machinery base their research on elements of chemistry and physics.