Physical Science 4th Qrtr Exam Reviewer

Which ancient Greek philosopher first suggested that the Earth is spherical based on

his observations

• Aristotle

• Eratosthenes

• Ptolemy

• Pythagoras

Why did ancient astronomers observe retrograde motion in the apparent movement of

planets in the night sky?

• As a result of the Earth's rotation on its axis

• Because planets occasionally reverse their orbits

• Due to the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies

• Owing to differences in orbital speeds between Earth and the observed planets

Imagine you are an astronomer in Brahe’s time. Without a telescope, how could

you improve the accuracy of planetary position measurements?

• Observe planets only on the brightest nights

• Guess the positions based on past observations

• Use large, fixed instruments to measure angles precisely

• Wait for the invention of the telescope to make better measurements

Which astronomical phenomenon, observable without telescopic aid, involves a

periodic alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, leading to variations in the brightness

and shapes of the Moon

• Solar eclipse

• Lunar eclipse

• Comet appearance

• Phases of the Moon

Why did Eratosthenes' observation of noontime shadows in Syene and Alexandria

provide evidence for the spherical shape of the Earth?

• It demonstrated the Earth's axial tilt

• It revealed the existence of different time zones

• It illustrated the effect of magnetic forces on shadows

• It indicated variations in the angle of sunlight due to the Earth's curved surface.

Ancient astronomers observed the phenomenon of retrograde motion in the motion of

planets. Analyze the significance of retrograde motion in the context of early

astronomical observations, considering its impact on the geocentric model

• Retrograde motion had no impact on early astronomical models, as it was not

  consistently observed.

• Retrograde motion was used to calculate the distance between planets and stars in

  the geocentric model.

• Retrograde motion provided evidence supporting the geocentric model, confirming

  Earth as the center of the solar system

• Retrograde motion challenged the geocentric model, leading astronomers to

  question the assumption of Earth at the center.

Ancient astronomers closely observed the motions of the Moon and the Sun, forming

the basis for early calendars. Evaluate the role of lunar and solar observations in the

development of ancient calendars.

• Lunar and solar observations had minimal impact on the development of ancient

  calendars, playing a minor role in cultural and agricultural planning.

• Lunar and solar observations played a significant role in the development of ancient

  calendars, guiding cultural, agricultural, and religious practices.

• Lunar observations primarily influenced religious activities, while solar observations

  were crucial for agricultural planning in ancient calendars

• Ancient calendars were primarily shaped by astronomical phenomena unrelated to

  lunar and solar observations, such as comet appearances and meteor showers.

Imagine you are an astronomer in Brahe’s time. Without a telescope, how could you

improve the accuracy of planetary position measurements?

• Observe planets only on the brightest nights

• Guess the positions based on past observations

• Wait for the invention of the telescope to make better measurements

• Use large, fixed instruments to measure angles precisely

How did Brahe’s data challenge the traditional view of planetary motion?

• It demonstrated that stars do not move in the sky

• It proved that planets move in straight lines rather than orbits

• It provided precise planetary positions that did not fit circular orbits

• t showed that planets orbit the Earth in perfect circles

Given Brahe’s belief that planets orbit the Sun but the Sun orbits the Earth (his

"geoheliocentric" model), why was Kepler’s heliocentric model ultimately more

accepted?

• Kepler’s model was more mathematically precise and fit Brahe’s data better

• Kepler’s model did not require complex calculations.

• Kepler’s model agreed with the teachings of the Catholic Church

• Kepler’s model was easier to understand than Brahe’s model