The Solar System

Question 1

What is the geocentric model?

Answer 1

The earth was in the centre of everything, all the planets moved in small circles orbiting the Earth

Question 2

What is the heliocentric model?

Answer 2

The sun was in the centre.

Question 3

How do scientist use waves to find out about our universe?

Answer 3

Luminous objects in space give out visible light that travels as waves of energy. These visible light waves allow people to study distant objects. Other types of carrying energy waves such as; radio waves and microwaves.

Question 4

Discuss how Galileo’s observations of Jupiter, using a telescope, provided evidence for the heliocentric model of the solar system.

Answer 4

Using a telescope Galileo discovered four of Jupiter’s moons. By plotting their movements he showed that not everything orbited the Earth.

Question 5

Compare methods of observing the universe using visible light.

Answer 5

The naked eye- observation made using the eyes, without using a telescope or any other aid
Photography- take pictures and analyse them in more detail
Telescopes- a device used for magnifying distant objects

Question 6

How have ideas about the structure of the solar system changed over time?

Answer 6

It has changed from the geocentric model to the heliocentric model and the discovery of new planets