science 3 Flashcards
(23 cards)
The patterns that planets follow around the Sun are called __________ and are _________ in shape.
a. orbits
b. elliptical or oval
The spinning motion of a planet on its axis is called a(n) ____________.
rotation
The length of time a planet takes to make one complete turn on its axis represents a(n)__________ on that planet.
day
The Greek scientist who first theorized that the Sun and planets revolved around the Earth was ________________.
Aristotle
The planets of our solar system orbit the ___________.
sun
Telescopes that use lenses for focusing light are called __________ telescopes.
refracting
A spectroscope is designed to separate______________ into component colors.
light
The Italian scientist who first used a telescope to study astronomy was _________________.
Galileo
The distance light travels in a year is called a(n) _____________.
light year
One complete rotation of a planet is equal to one __________ on that planet.
day
Elements in the stars can be identified by the means of a _____________.
spectroscope
Why was the invention of the telescope so important to the study of astronomy?
It helped man discover the nature of the heavenly bodies and their motions.
How does the diameter of the lenses of a telescope affect our ability to see the stars?
The larger the lens, the greater the magnification ( bigger the image gets)
Why do we use special units to measure distance in space?
because distances are so great it would be nearly impossible to work with such large numbers.
Contrast the methods of scientist in the days of Aristotle with those in the days of Newton.
Aristotle did NOT experiment instead he was interested in thy WHY. Newton found experiments necessary to define the WHAT and HOW.
List the outstanding contributions made to astronomy by Galileo
- first to use the telescope
*father of modern science - found evidence for the heliocentric theory
List the outstanding contributions made to astronomy by Copernicus
First in modern times to promote the heliocentric theory
List the outstanding contributions to astronomy by Kepler
wrote the laws of planetary motion
List the outstanding contributions to astronomy by Newton
published the laws of universal gravitation
List the outstanding contributions to astronomy by Aristarchus
First to suggest the Earth orbited the sun.
What three motions in the sky can you see using only your senses?
a. motion of the sun and moon across the sky
b. motion against background of fixed stars.
c. seasonal motion north and south from horizon
Describe the major differences between geocentric and the heliocentric theories.
geocentric- earth is the center and heavenly bodies orbit the earth
Heliocentric- Sun is the center and heavenly bodies orbit the Sun
The astronomical unit, the light year is a measurement of _____________
distance
