Misconceptions of Newtonian Physics

Sometimes, even in everyday life, we take for granted facts, concepts, and principles that science deems entirely incorrect. Yet, we become so convinced of them that we not only assert our misconceptions as absolute truths but also allow our brains to build the foundations of future knowledge upon them.
Misconceptions are like shadows: they appear well-defined and solid until the light of science dissolves them, revealing that reality is far more complex and fascinating than we had ever imagined.

Newtonian physics stands as one of the pillars of scientific knowledge, a subject that accompanies us from our early school years and forms the basis for many of our intuitions about the physical world. However, precisely because of its apparent simplicity and ubiquity, it is often misunderstood and, most importantly, subject to misconceptions-erroneous ideas that, while seeming intuitive, distort the understanding of physical phenomena, leading to entirely incorrect conclusions. These misconceptions do not only affect novice students but can also mislead experienced teachers and scholars, who may inadvertently apply well-established principles in inappropriate contexts.
This book aims to explore and understand the most common misconceptions in Newtonian physics, inviting the reader to engage with a series of questions based on the renowned Force Concept Inventory (FCI). Since its publication in 1992 by Hestenes, Wells, and Swackhamer, the FCI has become a key tool for probing students' intuitive ideas about mechanics. The thirty questions presented in this text are not merely intended to test the reader's knowledge but to encourage deep reflection on personal convictions and to challenge any misconceptions they may have acquired throughout their education.
The book also includes a brief historical overview of the major milestones in the progress of physics, culminating in a curated commentary on the twelve most beautiful laws of physics.