Exploring Physical Science – Homework 5
Name: Yasmine Reed
Date: 05/03/202
4
1. Describe the difference between lunar and solar eclipses.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, causing the Moon to cast a shadow on
Earth. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth to cast a shadow on the Moon.
2. Describe Ptolemy’s model of the universe.
Ptolemy placed the Earth at the centre of his geocentric model. Using the data he had, Ptolemy thought that the universe was a set of nested spheres surrounding the Earth. He believed that the Moon was orbiting on a sphere closest to the Earth, followed by Mercury, then Venus and then the Sun.
3. List Kepler’s Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
(1) planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun as a focus, (2) a planet covers the same area of space in the same amount of time no matter where it is in its orbit, and (3) a planet's orbital period is proportional to the size of its orbit (its semi-major axis).
4. List the four types of reflecting telescopes.
(a) prime focus, (b) Newtonian focus, (c) Cassegrain focus, and (d) coudé focus.
