Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 2

The discovery of the Galilean moons was seen as supporting evidence for the Copernican system because it showed that a. Jupiter orbits the Sun. b. Jupiter does not orbit Earth. c. some objects do not orbit Earth. d. the Sun is the center of the Solar System.

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. some objects do not orbit Earth.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the discovery

The discovery being referred to is the observation of the Galilean moons by Galileo Galilei. These moons are the four largest moons of Jupiter: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
02

Understand the Copernican system

The Copernican system posited that the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the Solar System, and that planets revolve around the Sun.
03

Relate the discovery to the Copernican system

The observation of the Galilean moons demonstrated that these moons were orbiting Jupiter, an example of celestial bodies that do not orbit Earth.
04

Eliminate incorrect choices

Evaluate each option: - (a) The discovery showed moons orbiting Jupiter, not directly that Jupiter orbits the Sun. - (b) While Jupiter does not orbit Earth, this option is less directly supported by the discovery than option (c). - (d) This is a broader implication of the Copernican system, but the discovery alone did not directly show the Sun as the center.
05

Select the most appropriate option

The most directly supported conclusion from the discovery is that some objects do not orbit Earth (i.e., option (c)).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Copernican system
The Copernican system is a model of the universe proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century. This model was revolutionary because it placed the Sun, rather than the Earth, at the center of the universe. According to Copernicus, the Earth and other planets orbit the Sun.
Before this, the commonly accepted model was the Ptolemaic system, which placed Earth at the center of the universe and had planets and the Sun orbiting Earth.
The Copernican system marked a significant shift in the way we understand our universe.
  • Sun-centered (heliocentric) model
  • Earth and planets move around the Sun
  • Contradicted geocentric (Earth-centered) models
This model paved the way for further astronomical discoveries and changed our entire perspective on space.
Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei was a pioneering Italian astronomer and physicist. He is renowned for his use of the telescope to observe the heavens, leading to monumental discoveries.
In 1610, Galileo discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter, now known as the Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. This discovery was crucial for the acceptance of the Copernican system as it provided observable evidence that not all celestial objects orbit Earth.
Besides this, Galileo made several other important contributions to science:
  • Improved telescopic technology
  • Observed phases of Venus
  • Detailed studies of lunar surface
  • Pioneering experiments on motion and inertia
Galileo is often called the 'father of modern observational astronomy'.
heliocentrism
Heliocentrism is the astronomical model that places the Sun at the center of the solar system. This idea contrasts with geocentrism, which places the Earth at the center.
Heliocentrism was first proposed by Copernicus, but it gained significant support only after Galileo's observations. The observation of the Galilean moons demonstrated that not everything in the heavens orbited Earth, supporting the idea that celestial bodies could orbit other objects as well.
Key points about heliocentrism include:
  • The Sun is near the center of the universe
  • Planets, including Earth, orbit the Sun
  • Explains retrograde motion of planets naturally
Heliocentrism revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and laid the foundation for modern astronomy.
Jupiter's moons
Jupiter's moons, especially the four largest known as the Galilean moons, have played a significant role in the history of astronomy. Discovered by Galileo in 1610, these moons are:
  • Io:

    • Known for its extreme volcanic activity
  • Europa:

    • Covered in ice, with potential subsurface ocean
  • Ganymede:

    • The largest moon in the solar system
  • Callisto:

    • Heavily cratered and ancient surface
The discovery of these moons provided strong evidence that celestial bodies could orbit objects other than Earth.
This observation was crucial for supporting the Copernican system and rejecting the geocentric model. These moons' behaviors have provided countless insights into planetary formation and dynamics.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The rings of Saturn periodically disappear and reappear when a. observed in the direction of the Sun. b. the Sun has set on Saturn. c. the rings dissipate. d. viewed edge on.

The difference between a moon and a planet is that a. moons orbit planets, whereas planets orbit stars. b. moons are smaller than planets. c. moons and planets have different compositions. d. moons and planets formed in different ways.

The energy that keeps Io's core molten comes from a. the Sun. b. radioactivity in the core. c. residual heat from the collapse. d. Jupiter's gravity.

Planetary scientists have estimated that Io's extensive volcanism could be covering the moon's surface with lava and ash to an average depth of up to 3 millimeters (mm) per year. a. Io's radius is \(1,820 \mathrm{km}\). If you assume Io is a sphere, what are its surface area and volume? b. What is the volume of volcanic material deposited on Io's surface each year? c. How many years would it take for volcanism to perform the equivalent of depositing Io's entire volume on its surface? d. How many times might Io have "turned inside out" over the age of the Solar System?

Rank these moons in terms of the density of impact craters you would expect to observe on the surface. a. Callisto, a moon that probably has never been active b. Titan, a possibly active moon c. Io, a definitely active moon d. Ganymede, a formerly active moon
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Physics

Read Explanation

Atoms and Radioactivity

Read Explanation

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation

Mechanics and Materials

Read Explanation

Classical Mechanics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free