Scientific Revolution

Question 1

1543

Copernicus: The Revolution of Heavenly Spheres

Answer 1

• Right at the start of the Scientific Revolution, he proposed the universe was heliocentric (Sun at the centre, not earth)
• Agreed with Aristotle that planets moved in perfect circles

Question 2

1609

Kepler: Astronomia Nova

Answer 2

• Planets move in elliptical orbits (oval shape) around the sun
• Planets don’t travel at a constant speed, they speed up when approaching the sun

Question 3

1632

Galileo: Dialogue Concerning Two Chief World Systems

Answer 3

• Rejected the right of the church to act as an authority on scientific matters
• Developed a system that fused maths and natural science, went on to inspire late scientists

Question 4

1687

Isaac Newton: Principia Mathematica

Answer 4

• Mathematically proved Kepler’s law of planetary motion
• Able to show centrifugal force - the idea that planets are pulled towards the gravity of the sun, this also forms a circular orbit of the planets around the sun