Question

Action at a distance, such as is the case for gravity, was once thought to be illogical and therefore untrue. What is the ultimate determinant of the truth in physics, and why was this action ultimately accepted?

a) Empirical evidence; gravity was observed and measured.
b) Mathematical proof; equations proved the existence of gravity.
c) Scientific consensus; scientists agreed on the existence of gravity.
d) Philosophical reasoning; gravity was logically accepted.

Answer 1

The truth in physics is determined by empirical evidence, and gravity was ultimately accepted due to observed and measured evidence supporting it. Newton's Law of Gravitation provided a mathematical description that matched experimental data, leading to scientific consensus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ultimate determinant of the truth in physics is empirical evidence. This is because physics, as a science, relies on observation, experimentation, and measurement to validate or refute theories. The phenomenon of gravity was once contested due to the perceived illogical nature of action at a distance - the idea that objects could exert force on one another without physical contact.

However, over time, gravity was observed and measured systematically and rigorously, which provided the empirical evidence needed to overcome initial skepticism. Sir Isaac Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation described gravity mathematically, and these equations could be used to make predictions that were confirmed through experimentation and observation. As more evidence accumulated supporting the theory, scientific consensus grew until gravity became an accepted part of physics.