Download Scientific Models Homework

Scientific Models Homework
Name ________________________
1)
Describe how the process of making a scientific model is similar to the scientific method.
2)
Give three examples of scientific models and state whether each is a word description,
metaphor, physical model or mathematical equation. Do not use an example we used in
class.
3)
Describe retrograde motion. Why was this an important observation in the evolution of
our model of the Solar System.
4)
Why would it be useful to create a scientific model?
5)
Even after Copernicus published his heliocentric model of the Solar System, it didn’t
replace Ptolemy’s model. Give two reasons why this was.
6)
What was the big flaw each model of the Solar System had from Aristotle to Kepler?
Why was this a problem?
7)
State Kepler’s three laws and explain what they mean
8)
We just discovered a new planet between Jupiter and Saturn.
a. According to Kepler’s First Law what would the shape of our new planet’s orbit be
and where would the Sun be located?
b. According to Kepler’s Second Law, describe what happens to our new planet’s
orbital speed as it moves closer to the Sun and then farther away.
c. According to Kepler’s Third Law, what can you say about our new planet’s orbital
period compared to that of Jupiter and Saturn?.
9)
Why was it important that Kepler thought that any model of the Solar System should
match observations?
10)
Below is a table of the planets in our Solar System with their eccentricity
a. What does the eccentricity of a planet’s orbit measure?
b. Which planet has the most circular orbit?
c. Which planet has the most elliptical orbit?
Planet
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Eccentricity
.206
.007
.017
.094
.048
.054
.048
.007