Physical law

A physical law, scientific law, or a law of nature is a scientific generalization based on empirical observations of physical behavior.  Empirical laws are typically conclusions based on repeated scientific experiments over many years, and which have become accepted universally within the scientific community.  The production of a summary description of nature in the form of such laws is a fundamental aim of science.

Laws of nature are distinct from the law, either religious or civil, and should not be confused with the concept of natural law. 
Nor should 'physical law' be confused with 'law of physics' - the term 'physical law' usually covers laws in other sciences (e.g. biology) as well.

 Origin of laws of nature
Some extremely important laws are simply definitions. For example, the central law of mechanics F = dp/dt (Newton's second "law" of mechanics) is often treated as a mathematical definition of force just like Newton's first law of mechanics (an object that is at rest stays at rest and an object that is in motion stays in motion unless acted by an out side force). Although the concept of force predates Newton's law,E.g. in the science of statics, as propounded by Galileo and his predecessors. there was no mathematical definition of force before Newton.  The principle of least action (or principle of stationary action), Schroedinger equation, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, causality and a few other laws also fall into this category (of mathematical definitions).

Related pages
 Scientific method

 References 

 Barrow, John (1991). Theories of Everything: The Quest for Ultimate Explanations. ()
 Davies, Paul (1992). The Mind of God ()
 Feynman, Richard (1965). The Character of Physical Law ()
Hans Wehrli: Metaphysik - Chiralität als Grundprinzip der Physik , 2006, 
Francis Bacon "Novum Organum"

 Other websites 
 Baaquie, Belal E., "Laws of Physics  : A Primer". Core Curriculum, National University of Singapore.
 Carroll, John W. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry
 Francis, Erik Max, "The laws list". Physics. Alcyone Systems
 Pazameta, Zoran, "The laws of nature ". Committee for the scientific investigation of Claims of the Paranormal CSICOP.

Category:Science
Category:Basic physics ideas