Maria_Mento_Unit 2_Assn. 6.3
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
342
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by JusticeGoldfinchPerson920
Unit 2 Assignment 6.3 1.
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the geocentric model of the universe -
A strength of the geocentric model of the universe is that it was used for a long time to predict the positions of the planets and how our solar system was set up, and at the time it was very successful. But, there are also weaknesses that come with this model. Due to the fact that this model was created a very long time ago, it is outdated and now there are lots more techniques that are more advanced that have been developed, and we also know that this model was incorrect, the Earth is not in the center of our solar system, but instead the Sun is at the center and all other bodies orbit around it. 3. What was the great contribution of Copernicus to our knowledge of the solar system? -
Copernicus came up with the heliocentric model for our solar system. His model explained that rather than the Earth being at the center of our solar system, it was the Sun that was in the center. All other bodies in the solar system orbited around the Sun instead of the Earth. He also concluded from this model that the Earth spins on an axis, which explained seasons, day/night, etc. But, we did believe the orbit was a perfect circle, which was a bit of a flaw in his model. 5. How did Galileo help confirm the views of Copernicus?
-
Galileo was able to confirm the views of Copernicus by using a telescope and looking into the night sky. He clearly saw that Copernicus's ideas were correct and should be supported. 7. Briefly describe Kepler's three laws of planetary motion -
First law: The orbital paths of the planets are elliptical (not necessarily circular), with the sun at one focus. So, orbital paths are not always circular according to this
law. -
Second law: an imaginary line connecting the Sun to any planet sweeps out equal areas of the ellipse in equal intervals of time. In other words, these planets will travel an equal amount of time along their orbit, but the speed may vary due to the distance the planet has to travel. The planets that are closer to the Sun will move faster. -
Third Law: the square of a planet's orbital period is proportional to the cube of its semi major axis. 9. What does it mean to say Kepler's laws are empirical?
-
Kepler's laws are based on evidence and measurements, making them empirical, not just an idea.
11. List the two modifications made by Newton to Kepler's laws
-
A planet does not orbit the center of the Sun, but instead both the plants and the Sun orbit the common center of mass of the two bodies -
Gravity binds planetary motion together 13. Why would a baseball thrown from the surface of the Moon go higher than one thrown with the same velocity from Earth's surface?
-
The moon has less gravity than the Earth and the negative acceleration is weaker and explains why the baseball would go higher from the surface of the Moon. Gravity and acceleration both cause the baseball to travel upwards and then fall back down to Earth. Less gravity would mean that the ball would go higher. 15. What would happen to Earth if the Sun's gravity were suddenly "turned off" -
The Earth would move at the same speed, but would move along a straight path into space and would not orbit the Sun. All of the other planets and bodies in our solar system and would be thrown off course as well and could collide because of this.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help