Clockwork Universe
Unit 2: The Cosmic Order and the Clockwork Universe (weeks 4-6)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the difference between a sun-centered model and an earth-centered.
List the assumptions and arguments that Copernicus used to support his model and refute the Ptolemaic one.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Copernican model compared to the Ptolemaic one.
Describe the important geometric properties of ellipses and apply these to planetary orbits.
State Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion and apply them to appropriate astronomical situations.
Outline:
Geocentric Solar System Model
Ptolemy's model
Epicycles and deferents
Heliocentric Solar System Model
Copernicus’ model
Observations made by Tycho Brahe
Kepler’s Law's
Law of Ellipses
Law of equal areas
Galileo’s Cosmology
Classical mechanics
Observational astronomy with a telescope
Newton's Laws
1st Law: Law of motion
2nd Law: Force Law (F=ma)
3rd Law: Reaction Law
Law of Gravity: F= G(m1m2)/r^2 and escape velocity: v=SQRT(2GM/r)
Class Notes
Clockwork Universe - All
Read Zeilik: Chapters 3 & 4 or OpenStax Astronomy: Chapters 2 & 3
Unit 2 Exam Study Guide: Clockwork Universe
Review all presentations.
Review the assigned reading
Be able to compare Geocentric and Heliocentric models for our solar system.
What contributions did Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Tycho, and Kepler play in the determining how our solar system works.
Understand what Newton’s Laws of Motion are and how they pertain to Astronomy.
Understand what Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion and their ramifications.
Describe Satellite Motion.
Describe Parallax.
Calculations for Newton’s 2nd Law, Kepler’s 2nd Law, Newton Law of Gravity, and Escape Velocity.
Useful websites:
Online Astronomy: http://astronomyonline.org