Nicolaus Copernicus
What was the long-established model of the universe before Copernicus where Earth is the center of the universe?
Geocentric model
- Was supported by Aristotle & Ptolemy
What type of orbit did Kepler think planets move in?
ellipitical orbits
When Galileo was 17 he'd made several important discoversies in the world of science. What was the name of the law he'd formulated when he was 17?
Law of the Pendulum --- the time it takes for a pendulum to swing is contstant, regardless of size/arc
- this challenged ancient theories about gravity
Descartes believed that truth could only be reached through _________.
- he sought to apply rational thinking to both philosphy and science
Because of his curiosity about an apple falling from a tree, Galileo developed the ____________________.
Theory of Gravity
What did Copernicus think was at the center of the universe?
The sun
What was the determining factor mentioned in the reading that had to do with planets and the speed they moved around the sun?
Distance
In what area of science did Galileo make most of his contributions?
Astronomy
____________________ is a revolutionary concept that linked alegbra & geometry, created by Descartes.
Analytical geometry
- this helped pave the way for shapes representing algebraic equations (calculus)
What is the name of Newton's most famous book?
Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy (aka: Principia)
What was Copernicus's theory called?
Heliocentric theory -- meaning planets revovle around the sun, not the Earth
"Planets move faster when they are closer to the Sun and slower when they are further away." These obvservations formed the foundation for Kepler's __________________________?
Three Laws of Planetary Motion
What instrument did Galileo use to prove both Copernicus and Kepler's findings that the Earth revolves around the sun?
a telescope
What was the name of Descartes famous work?
Discourse on Methods
What is the main topic of conversation in Prncipia?
Gravity
- He stated that gravity was responsible for the motion of the planets and the stars, linking the motion of objects in the heavens with the motion of objects on Earth.
In addition to saying the Earth revovles around the sun, what other theory did Copernicus have about Earth?
That is rotates on an axis
- this theory would go on to explain why we have days and nights
In a religious sense, how was Kepler different from austonomers previous to him?
He was protestant
What was the name of the publication where Galileo published his work?
The Starry Messenger
- Sun's dark spots
- Jupiter's four moons
- rough surface of the moons
What is his famous quote?
"I think, therefore I am."
- He questioned everything and sought one foundational truth. In doing this, he doubted the existence of everything except himself.
In addition to his work with physics, Newton also invented ____________.
Calculus
- did this to explain his theories and unify the understanding of motion and forces
What is the name of Copernicus's famous book where he published his ideas?
On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies
Isaac Newton
What happened to Galileo in 1633 in relation to the Church?
- He was put under house arrest for the remainder of his life
- the Church wanted him to recant his beliefs and support of the Copernican system -
Descartes introduced this idea: "a powerful, deceitful being that could manipulate his perceptions and cause him to doubt everything he believed"
an evil genius
What was a technological advancement that occured later in history that was laid upon the foundations of ideas from Newton?
gun tragjectories, mapmaking, the development of steam engines