Download Scientific Models Homework

Scientific Models & Kepler’s Laws Worksheet
Name ________________________
1)
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.
2)
Describe retrograde motion. Explain how this motion is explained by Copernicus’ model
of the Solar System.
3)
What is the major difference between Ptolemy’s model of the Solar System and
Copernicus’?
4)
What is the major difference between Kepler’s model of the Solar System and
Copernicus’?
5)
What was the big flaw each model of the Solar System had from Aristotle to Kepler?
Why was this a problem?
6)
State Kepler’s three laws and explain what they mean
7)
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?
8)
Astronomers sometimes use a unit of distance called an Astronomical Unit where the
Earth’s average distance from the Sun is 1 AU.
a. The orbital period of the Earth is 1 year. Use the equation from Kepler’s Third Law
to find the constant.
b. The average distance from the Sun for Mar’s is 1.53 AU and its orbital period is 1.89
years. Does Mar’s obey Kepler’s third law? Show me.
9)
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