Essentials of Geology (Fifth Edition)
Essentials of Geology (Fifth Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780393601107
Author: Stephen Marshak
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Question
100%
Book Icon
Chapter 1, Problem 1RQ
To determine

Difference between geocentric and heliocentric universe concepts.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1RQ

  • The geocentric theory states that the Earth is at the centre of the universe and all the planets, the moon and stars are revolving around the Earth in a circular path.
  • The heliocentric theory states that the sun is at the centre of the solar system and all the planets orbit around the sun. The moon revolves around the Earth. All the starts are static. The movement of the planets is elliptical in shape.

Explanation of Solution

Ptolemy assumed that all the planets revolved around the Earth in a circular path, including the moon. Also, each planet moves in a small circle which is called as an epicycle. The Earth is at the center of all the planets, the sun and the moon. All these bodies are surrounded by a ring of infinite stars which also revolve around the Earth.

Copernicus observed that all the planets have the same annual movement, except the sun. Thus, he hypothesized the sun standing at the centre. Also, this idea is strengthened by the characteristics of the sun (emission of heat and light). The stars are distant and are motionless. But, as the Earth rotates on its own axis, it appears that stars are moving. He proposed that the planets while making a number of circular movements, gradually created a non-circular path.

The geocentric theory and heliocentric theory explain the relative movement of stars and planets with respect to the Earth, the sun and the moon.

The geocentric theory states that the Earth being in the centre of universe, and the sun and the planets orbit around the Earth. The whole set that is the Earth along with the sun and the planets, exists within the revolving globe of the stars. This theory was proposed by Ptolemy.

The heliocentric theory states that the sun is at the centre of the solar system that the planets and stars are orbiting around. This was proposed by Nicholas Copernicus.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Activity 9.5 Depositional Features Associated with Ice Sheets Pgs 159-1611. After examining the map and stereogram, draw a line on the map to outline the area illustrated on the stereogram. 2. What evidence on the map indicates that portions of the area are poorly drained? On what part of the map are these features located? 3. Use Figure 9.11 to draw a topographic profile of the X-Y line on Figure 9.10. 4. Is the general topography of the land in Sections 7 and 8 in the northwest portion of the region higher or lower in elevation than the land around the letter A located near the center of the map? Is it more or less hilly? 5. Is the area that coincides with Kettle Moraine State Forest higher or lower in elevation than the land to the northwest and southeast? 6. The feature labeled A on the map is a long ridge composed of till. Is this ridge an esker, an end moraine, or a drumlin?  7. The streamlined, asymmetrical hills composed of till, labeled B, are what type of feature?The features…
A prairie has plenty of grass.The soil on the prairie provides all of the following except? A.nutrients that help the grass live and grow B.a place for the roots of the grass to take holdC. Water in pore spaces that the grass can absorb  D. Energy that the grass needs to make its food
timeters (inches) (11) 25.0 (10) 22.5 (9) 20.0 (8) 17.5 (7) 15.0 (6) 12.5 (5) 10.0 (4) 7.5 (70) 16 (60) 10 (50) 4 (40) 0(32) (30) -18 (3) 5.0 (2) 2.5 (1) 0 25.0 (10) (70) 16 (60) 10 Temperature °C (°F) Temperature °C (°F) — 22.5 (9) (50) 20.0 (8) 17.5 17 15.0 4 (40) 0(32) -1 (30) -7 (6) (20) 12.5 -12 (5) (10) 10.0 -18 (0) (4) (0) -23 7.5 (-10) (3) -23 (-10) -29 5.0 -29 (-20) (2) (-20) -34 2.5 -34 (-30) (-30) -40 0 -40 (-40) J F M A M J JASOND (-40) Month Station: San Francisco, California Lat/long: 37°37' N 122°23' W Avg. Ann. Temp. Total Ann. Precip.: 14°C (57.2°F) 47.5 cm (18.7 in.) Elevation: 5 m (16.4 ft) Population: 777,000 Ann. Temp. Range: 9°C (16.2 F°) Ann. Hr of Sunshine: (a) J F M A M J JASOND Month 2975 Station: Sevilla, Spain Lat/long: 37°22' N 6°00' W Avg. Ann. Temp.: 18°C (64.4°F) Total Ann. Precip.: 55.9 cm (22 in.) (b) Elevation: 13 m (42.6 ft) Population: 683,000 Ann. Temp. Range: 16 C° (28.8 F°) Ann. Hr of Sunshine: 2862 With all graphs, we start with the question,…
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,