Nicolaus Copernicus — Questions and answers

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What kind of explanation was Nicolaus Copernicus looking for to understand the universe?

Choices

  1. A more complicated and detailed explanation.
  2. A simpler and more harmonious explanation. ✓
  3. An explanation that kept Earth at the center.
  4. An explanation that used only modern ideas.

Answer: A simpler and more harmonious explanation.

From page 3

In Copernicus's heliocentric model, what was at the center of the universe?

Choices

  1. The Earth
  2. The Moon
  3. The Sun ✓
  4. The stars

Answer: The Sun

From page 4

How did Copernicus's heliocentric model explain why planets sometimes seemed to move backward?

Choices

  1. The planets would turn around and fly backward.
  2. It was a trick of the Sun's light.
  3. Earth's faster orbit made outer planets appear to loop backward as Earth passed them. ✓
  4. Other stars pulled the planets backward.

Answer: Earth's faster orbit made outer planets appear to loop backward as Earth passed them.

From page 5

What did the preface to Copernicus's book say about his heliocentric model?

Choices

  1. It said the model was a secret that only a few people could know.
  2. It said the model was a mathematical idea, not necessarily a physical truth. ✓
  3. It said everyone must believe the model right away.
  4. It said the model was completely wrong and should be ignored.

Answer: It said the model was a mathematical idea, not necessarily a physical truth.

From page 6

What did Galileo Galilei see through his telescope that helped prove Copernicus's idea?

Choices

  1. He saw new stars being born far away.
  2. He saw the phases of Venus and moons orbiting Jupiter. ✓
  3. He saw little green men on Mars.
  4. He saw that Earth was flat, not round.

Answer: He saw the phases of Venus and moons orbiting Jupiter.

From page 7

What did Copernicus's work teach us about how to gain knowledge and understanding?

Choices

  1. Always believe what has been said for a long time.
  2. Only trust famous people's opinions.
  3. Observe, question, and use evidence instead of just tradition. ✓
  4. It's best not to ask too many questions about the universe.

Answer: Observe, question, and use evidence instead of just tradition.

From page 9