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Chapter 3: Problem 26

Copernicus and Kepler engaged in what is called empirical science. What do we mean by empirical?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Empirical science involves observation and experimentation, as applied by Copernicus and Kepler in their astronomical studies.

Step by step solution

01

- Define Empirical Science

Empirical science refers to knowledge or discovery obtained by means of observation and experimentation. It is based on empirical evidence, meaning information acquired by experts through direct or indirect observation or experience.
02

- Analyze Copernicus's and Kepler's Methods

Copernicus and Kepler used empirical methods. This means that they relied on careful observation of astronomical phenomena and mathematical calculations to develop their theories about the universe.
03

- Summarize the Role of Observation and Experimentation

The key aspect of empirical science is that it depends on observable and measurable evidence. Copernicus's heliocentric theory and Kepler’s laws of planetary motion were derived from systematic and detailed observations of the sky, along with rigorous mathematical scrutiny.

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Key Concepts

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

Empirical Science
Empirical science is all about learning through experience. It relies on what we can observe and experiment on. Instead of just thinking about how things might work, scientists gather evidence by seeing and measuring the natural world. This kind of science is trustworthy because it is based on real data. Over time, this data helps to build reliable knowledge about how things in the universe operate. For example, if a scientist wants to know how plants grow, they would observe the plants, track their growth, and test different conditions.
Observation and Experimentation
Observation and experimentation are the core methods in empirical science. Observation involves watching and noting down details about how things behave. Experimentation goes further, testing hypotheses by making things happen and recording the results. For instance, Copernicus observed the sky to understand the movements of planets. Kepler then experimented by making complex calculations to see if they matched the observations. Through this process, both scientists could test their ideas and refine their theories. This step-by-step approach allowed them to build a more accurate picture of the universe.
Copernicus
Nicolaus Copernicus was a pioneering astronomer who proposed the heliocentric theory. Before him, it was widely believed that the Earth was the center of the universe. Copernicus challenged this idea by suggesting that the Sun was at the center, and the Earth and other planets revolved around it. His observations and calculations showed that this model explained the movements of celestial bodies more accurately. Copernicus's work laid the foundation for a new understanding of our place in the cosmos. Despite initial resistance, his heliocentric theory eventually transformed scientific thought.
Kepler's Methods
Johannes Kepler built upon Copernicus's heliocentric theory using his own methods. Kepler meticulously analyzed the data from observations, especially those made by another astronomer, Tycho Brahe. Kepler used these observations to develop his own set of laws, known today as Kepler's laws of planetary motion. He made extensive use of mathematics to explain the orbits of planets. Kepler’s approach was very detailed; he kept adjusting his calculations until they matched the observed data. Through this method, he discovered that planets move in elliptical orbits, not perfect circles, changing the way we understand planetary motion.
Laws of Planetary Motion
Kepler's laws of planetary motion clarified how planets move around the Sun. His first law, known as the Law of Ellipses, states that planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths. The second law, the Law of Equal Areas, explains that a planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun. His third law, the Law of Harmonies, relates the time a planet takes to orbit the Sun to its distance from the Sun. These laws were groundbreaking because they provided a more accurate description of planetary orbits than ever before. Today, they are fundamental to our understanding of astronomy and space exploration.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Suppose you read about a new car that can go from 0 to \(100 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{h}\) in only 2.0 seconds. What is this car's acceleration? a. about \(50 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{h}\) b. about \(14 \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}^{2}\) c. about \(50 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{s}^{2}\) d. about \(200 \mathrm{km}\) e. about \(0.056 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{h}^{2}\)

During the latter half of the 1 9 th century, a few astronomers thought there might be a planet circling the Sun inside Mercury's orbit. They even gave it a name: Vulcan. We now know that Vulcan does not exist. If a planet with an orbit one-fourth the size of Mercury's actually existed, what would be its orbital period relative to that of Mercury?

Suppose a planet is discovered orbiting a star in a highly elliptical orbit. While the planet is close to the star it moves _______, but while it is far away it moves _______. a. faster; slower b. slower; faster c. retrograde; prograde d. prograde; retrograde

For Earth, \(P^{2} / A^{3}=1.0\) (in appropriate units). Suppose a new dwarf planet is discovered that is 14 times as far from the Sun as Earth is. For this planet, a. \(P^{2} / A^{3}=1.0\) b. \(P^{2} / A^{3}>1.0\) c. \(P^{2} / A^{3}<1.0\) d. you can't know the value of \(P^{2} / A^{3}\) without more information.

You are riding along on your bicycle at \(20 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{h}\) and eating an apple. You pass a bystander. a. How fast is the apple moving in your frame of reference? b. How fast is the apple moving in the bystander's frame of reference? c. Whose perspective is more valid?
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