Question
1. Which of these observations does NOT provide evidence for the heliocentric model of our solar system? A Planets move in elliptical orbits. B Comets move in regular,elliptical orbits. C Venus shows phases just like the Moon. D Earth's gravitational pull keeps its moon in orbit.
Answer
4
(247 Votes)
Yvette
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
The observation that does NOT provide evidence for the heliocentric model is (D) Earth's gravitational pull keeps its moon in orbit.
Explanation
To determine which observation does not provide evidence for the heliocentric model, we need to understand what the heliocentric model is. The heliocentric model is a theory that places the Sun at the center of the solar system with the planets, including Earth, orbiting around it. This model was proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus and later supported by astronomers such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler.(A) Planets move in elliptical orbits: This statement is based on Kepler's first law of planetary motion, which states that planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths. This observation supports the heliocentric model because it describes the nature of the planets' orbits around the Sun.(B) Comets move in regular, elliptical orbits: This observation also supports the heliocentric model. Comets, like planets, follow elliptical orbits that can be predicted and explained by the gravitational influence of the Sun at the center of the solar system.(C) Venus shows phases, just like the Moon: Galileo's observation that Venus exhibits a full set of phases is evidence for the heliocentric model. This is because the phases of Venus can only occur if Venus orbits the Sun, showing different portions of its daylit side to Earth as it moves around the Sun.(D) Earth's gravitational pull keeps its moon in orbit: While this statement is true, it does not provide evidence for the heliocentric model specifically. The fact that Earth's gravity keeps the Moon in orbit around it could be true in both a heliocentric and a geocentric (Earth-centered) model. This observation does not directly support the idea that the Sun is at the center of the solar system.