![Picture](/uploads/2/5/2/5/25258061/5954837.jpg)
So long as we deal only with motion along a straight
line, we are far from understanding the motions observed
in nature. We must consider motions along
curved paths, and our next step is to determine the laws
governing such motions. This is no easy task. In the
case of rectilinear motion our concepts of velocity,
change of velocity, and force proved most useful. But
we do not immediately see how we can apply them to
motion along a curved path. It is indeed possible to
imagine that the old concepts are unsuited to the description
of general motion, and that new ones must
be created. Should we try to follow our old path, or
seek a new one?
line, we are far from understanding the motions observed
in nature. We must consider motions along
curved paths, and our next step is to determine the laws
governing such motions. This is no easy task. In the
case of rectilinear motion our concepts of velocity,
change of velocity, and force proved most useful. But
we do not immediately see how we can apply them to
motion along a curved path. It is indeed possible to
imagine that the old concepts are unsuited to the description
of general motion, and that new ones must
be created. Should we try to follow our old path, or
seek a new one?