Essentials of Geology (Fifth Edition)
Essentials of Geology (Fifth Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780393263398
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
Which oxidants oxidize NO to NO 2 (select all that apply)? 03 OH HO2 RO2
Which oxidants must oxidize NO to NO 2 in order to lead to net formation of ozone (select all that apply)? ☐ 03 ☐ OH U HO2 RO2
Exercise Ten / Geologic Time 177 d. Based on the ages of the rock layers in outcrop 1, identify an unconformity. Remember that an unconformity is a break in the rock record. Draw a wavy line on the figure to represent the unconformity. Ginkgo Period Ginkgo Lepidodendron Dimetrodon Period Tyrannosaurus Calamites Inoceramus Period Lepidodendron Rhodocrinites Archimedes Eurypterus Period Sharks Period Phacops Agnostus Outcrop 1 Period Period Ichthyosaurus Period Sharks Ceratites Period Paleolimulus A Figure 10.17 Sequences of sedimentary rock layers to accompany Question 7. 10.8 Numerical Dating with Radioactivity ■ Explain the principle of radiometric dating, including half-life, parent isotope, and daughter product. Radioactivity has provided a reliable means for calculating the numerical (absolute) age of rocks, a procedure called radiometric dating. Radioactive isotopes, such as uranium-238, emit particles from their nuclei that we call radiation. Ultimately, the process of decay…
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,